Disbanding of a Raucous Male Group
The legendary German folk music duo, Wildecker Herzbuben, has officially disbanded after a remarkable 36-year career. The duo, comprising Wilfried Gliem and Wolfgang Schwalm, has been a staple in the German music scene since the 1990s, gaining fame with their 1989 hit "Herzilein."
The duo's career took off from their first proper concert in Schwalmstadt, a town in northern Hesse, in April 1990. However, their collaboration has come to an end due to Wilfried Gliem's significant health issues since 2022. Gliem's condition makes walking very difficult, and he has been performing recently only with a wheelchair or rollator.
Wolfgang Schwalm confirmed that their legal partnership was dissolved as of March 31, 2025, marking the formal end of the duo's activities under that name. Singer Wolfgang Schwalm cited Gliem's illness as the reason for the separation.
In a poignant final performance, Gliem will sing from a wheelchair at the HeidiFest show at the Munich Hofbräuhaus on September 18. Schwalm considers this final performance as a fitting final bow for the duo.
Despite the dissolution of the partnership, there is no public information available about the future use or ownership of the "Wildecker Herzbuben" trademark. It remains unclear whether the trademark or brand will be continued by either member individually or sold/managed by a third party.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Schwalm has already signed a new record deal for his solo career under the name "The Herzbube Wolfgang." Schwalm has been performing without Gliem for some time, and it is unsure if Gliem will engage a singer, even Wolfgang Schwalm, if he recovers.
The Wildecker Herzbuben's disbandment marks the end of an era in German folk music. Their unique blend of humour, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy tunes have entertained generations of fans, and their legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the genre for years to come.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [5] Source 5
[1] Wolfgang Schwalm, a member of the Wildecker Herzbuben, has ventured into a solo career in music, signing a new record deal under the name "The Herzbube Wolfgang."[2] The Wildecker Herzbuben's unique blend of humor, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy tunes has consistently provided entertainment to fans over the years.
