Schlagerbooom 2018 (English)
Everything sparkles – everything glitters – it is the Schlagerbooom 2018!
Dortmund – What a spectacular event on the 20th of October 2018 in the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund. A Eurovision show, the biggest music show in Europe. For the third time the Schlagerbooom was presented, very important with three “O”. Because it really cracks, when Florian Silbereisen smashes with his miles long guest list into the people evenings for primetime television. KLUBBB3, Ben Zucker, Eloy de Jong, Maite Kelly, Michelle, Matthias Reim, The Kelly Family, Roland Kaiser, Beatrice Egli, Kerstin Ott, Jürgen Drews, Marianne Rosenberg, Howard Carpendale, Andy Borg, Ross Antony, Santiano, Sasha, PUR, Leonard, Linda Fäh, Claudio Capéo, Sotiria, Bernhard Brink, Alvaro Soler, Feuerherz, Anastacia, Kings of Disco – Former Members of Village People, The 100 Voices of Gospel, Wahnsinn – das Wolfgang Petry Musical-Ensemble, Alex Christensen & The Berlin Orchestra and Thomas Anders. An eternal list of big names with big songs. Special highlight for me was the proposal of KLUBBB3-member Christoff de Bolle to his boyfriend Ritchie (he said yes 😉). And of course I was very excited for the TV-premiere of “Sie sagte doch sie liebt mich”, the duet from Thomas Anders and host Florian Silbereisen. The rehearsals started on Thursday and many days before the Westfalenhalle started to change into a music temple, with nothing to compare. 18:00 o’clock, the door opened for 12.000 people with blinking hats, shiny tops and much good mood for a big celebration. The warm-up started and shortly after this, host Florian Silbereisen entered the stage, together with his personal assistant Christa. “She is always looking after me, that I look good to work. Now for twelve years”, Silbereisen said. A very special gesture, to give this lady her moment on stage.
I want to take the opportunity to make a big compliment to Florian Silbereisen. Nearly four hours moderating, singing and celebrating. Different texts, different songs, artists and situations. As well as live in front of over 5 million people at home. Chapeau Herr Silbereisen. Of course there is a big team of people from the production, the security and other areas. Everyone had to function like a clockwork. If the show looks like easiness and party mood, everyone has done his job perfectly.
What should I say about the show. Hit after hit, artist after artist, additionally an overwhelming light- and pyroshow. Minute by minute the excitement increased, around 22:15 Thomas and Florian Silbereisen were announced on stage. “Sie sagte doch sie liebt mich”, a masterpiece, for that producer Christian Geller took one year of work. But haste makes waste! The whole album “Ewig mit dir” is full of modern productions, diversified sounds and lyrical ballads. Specially the song “Hätt’s nie ohne dich geschafft”, a song for Thomas wife Claudia. Get your tissues ready! Such a great song and truely the dream of every wife to get such a song from her husband. “Sie sagte doch sie liebt mich”, a winky song about the Schlager business. Florian and Thomas are „fighting“ about a nice lady, Israeli ancestry, and who gets her at least? Matthias “Matze” Reim. That’s life.
Hey, Hallo – was suchst du hier?“ The song starts. People start standing up and start to dance. Many of them already knew the text. No wonder, because the video had over 150.000 clicks in first few days. “Hallo, hallo, lange nicht gesehen, doch Mal im Ernst, du solltest jetzt gehn,“ Florian responded to Thomas. And again it must about be about the lady from the music video. So guys, she went away with Matthias Reim before. So leave it! And than, yes it happened. Thomas fell on stage over the slippery glitter from the act before, in the middle of the lifeshow. And now? Stand up, focus and go on with the show. Like a professional. The audience was thrilled and partied even harder after Thomas confident reaction. He was knocked out, that Matthias Reim was the winner of the “fight”, an arresting appearance, whatever. For the first, everyone was celebrating this fantastic duet, sure a highlight of the evening.
The show was exciting and very colourful. From “Joana” to “Lena”, from “Mr. Vain” to “YMCA”. All the single appearances cannot be discussed here. But I want outline one. It is the duet of Marianne Rosenberg & Eloy de Jong “Liebe kann so wehtun”. It is remake of an older Rosenberg song. Two very lovely artists and a truly powerful and romantic appearance. It was fun watching it.
I am happy, that Thomas feels so comfortable in his new musical home. We follow you on your path into the Schlagerworld. “Ewig mit dir” – fitting the new album title.
Photos/Videos and text © Andreas Unterberg for Thomas-Anders-Online.com