Hans Söllner - "solo"

"This man belongs in the 'Great Bavarian Songbook', in the hall of fame of Bavarian songwriters" - says Bayerischer Rundfunk - and this time they're absolutely right.

For over 30 years now on the road, the man from Bad Reichenhall, somewhere between Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and a Bavarian poacher - Söllner lives his music. He sings in the tradition of American songwriting with directness, great musical instinct and as if freedom-seeking pioneers had returned to the Alps.

Söllner's view of the world is impartial, his vision of the world he wants to live in is just, and his rage at those who want to destroy this world and its inhabitants comes with primal force. "We have forgotten that we are the only species that can decide to change something. We can end suffering before suffering ends us. I try to believe in goodness, even though I don't always succeed and I keep showing our hypocrisy in my songs," says Söllner.

Therefore, or precisely because of this, hope is always the greatest force in his songs, tenderness and love always stronger than rage or despair. But woe to those who abuse the concept of freedom or want to curtail Söllner's own freedom - his directness and roughness can be ruthless, and his precision in spotting false notes is legendary.

So hold on tight, you delicate spirits and conflict avoiders - this is serious business. In his language, which doesn't just want to play a little Bavarian, Söllner lives in what and how he says it, with all his might and incredible force. Hans Söllner howls and whispers - shouts and curses - speaks and tells stories - laughs and grins - makes you sad or happy - drives you forward and holds you tight. Insistently - precisely - relentlessly and always in the rhythm of life.