Maschine - Lieder mit klassischen Saiten und Streichquintett

Maschine - Lieder mit klassischen Saiten und Streichquintett

His first number one on the radio charts was 53 years ago, and his very first album came out 50 years ago. A lot has happened since. Dieter "Maschine" Birr, the driving force behind Puhdys from 1969 to 2016, looks back on nearly six decades of success: over 22 million records sold, close to 5,000 concerts in 21 countries, and around 500 songs written. Many of them have become genuine classics - hits that span several generations.

Notably, even the disbanding of the cult group did nothing to dent Maschine's popularity. His concerts still sell out, and his solo albums have all landed in the top quarter of the official charts. His two most recent releases - "Große Herzen" (2023) and "Mein Weg" (2024) - both reached number 4.

There are plenty of reasons for this lasting success: passion, musical craft, the ability to write irresistible songs and credible lyrics, a rare authenticity, and a genuine connection with his audience. And the fact that Maschine has never rested on his achievements - always adjusting, always trying new things, without ever denying his roots. Did anyone really expect the charismatic singer to slow down just because he turned 80 and everything is going wonderfully?

Exactly. And so Maschine pulls another surprise: he is now touring with a string quintet. If so many of his songs are already considered classics, why not perform them in a classical setting? Many of his hits and personal favourites lend themselves beautifully to this kind of arrangement.