Cult favorite duo parts ways independently.
Wildecker Herzbuben Disband After 36 Years, Wolfgang Schwalm Pursues Solo Career
After 36 years of creating music together, the German Schlager duo Wildecker Herzbuben has announced their separation, primarily due to the health issues of member Wilfried Gliem who relied on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers for their last performances.
Wolfgang Schwalm, one half of the duo, will continue his career under the name "Der Herzbube Wolfgang" and has already signed a new record deal. He plans to release a single and its accompanying music video towards the end of August. Despite focusing on his solo career, Schwalm has expressed a willingness to perform with Gliem again if the opportunity arises and his schedule permits.
Gliem, on the other hand, intends to maintain the Wildecker Herzbuben brand and is considering collaborating with a new partner once he regains his health. For now, he has declined all performance offers until his health condition allows him to perform without assistance. He has emphasised that there is no rift between him and Schwalm and wishes him all the best for his solo career.
The duo will give a final joint performance at Heidi Klum's first Schlager show on September 18, which is expected to be an emotional farewell from their long-standing musical partnership.
The folk music duo, known for their 1989 hit "Herzilein", began their career with their first proper concert in April 1990 at a café in Schwalmstadt, Hesse. The heavyset duo took off after their first concert and gained popularity over the years.
Despite the separation, Gliem still holds the Wildecker Herzbuben trademark. The civil law partnership between the two members was dissolved on March 31. As of now, Gliem is unaware of any new record deal for Schwalm.
Schwalm discussed his separation from the duo in an interview with the Bild newspaper. The duo is listed on the artist lineup for the "HeidiFest" show at the Munich Hofbräuhaus on September 18, where Gliem will perform from a wheelchair due to his current health condition. If Gliem recovers, he could potentially engage a new singer, which could be Wolfgang Schwalm legally.
Entertainment continues to be a significant aspect of Wolfgang Schwalm's life, as he embarks on a solo career under the name "Der Herzbube Wolfgang" and plans to release new music later this summer. Despite the disbandment of the Wildecker Herzbuben, the legacy of their music remains, with Gliem holding the trademark and considering potential collaborations in the future.
