Duo disperses following a 36-year tenure
In a surprising turn of events, the folk music duo Wildecker Herzbuben has announced its separation after 36 years of creating memorable tunes. The news, reported by BILD on August 9, 2025, along with Heidi Klum's Instagram account and joyn.de, comes as a shock to fans of the popular Schlager genre.
The main reason for the split appears to be health issues affecting Wilfrid Lien, who is reportedly struggling with mobility. His partner, Wolfgang Schwalm, however, has decided to continue his career as a solo artist, having already signed a new record deal.
Wolfgang, now known as "The Herzbube Wolfgang," is focusing on a new chapter in his career, with plans to start fresh in the fall. His last joint appearance with Wilfried Gliem was over a year ago at the Parookaville festival. In an earlier report, Wolfgang had stated that he and his singing partner had "grown apart."
Wilfried, on the other hand, is considering maintaining the Wildecker Herzbuben brand, with the possibility of re-engaging Wolfgang if he recovers from his health issues. If not, he is considering a replacement singer. As of March 31, 2025, Wildecker Herzbuben officially dissolved their civil law partnership.
The separation of Wildecker Herzbuben is significant for Schlager fans, as the duo had been popular interpreters of "Herzilein." The breakup seems to be contentious, marking the end of their long collaboration. Despite this, Wildecker Herzbuben will be guests at Heidi Klum's "HeidiFest" on September 18, 2025, in the Hofbräuhaus in Munich.
It's worth noting that Wilfried Gliem is 78 years old, while Wolfgang Schwalm is 70. Heidi Klum, who used to watch music shows with her grandmother Leni, considers it special that many of those artists are now standing on her stage. The folk music duo's separation may have a lasting impact on the Schlager genre, but the future is certainly promising for both Wolfgang and Wilfried as they embark on their respective solo careers.
[1] The breakup appears to be contentious, as reported by various sources.
[1] Despite the upcoming performance at Heidi Klum's "HeidiFest", the separation of Wildecker Herzbuben seems to be characterized by tension in the entertainment industry.
[2] The end of the duo's long collaboration in pop-culture has sparked speculation about the future of the Schlager genre, with celebrities like Heidi Klum expressing admiration for the legacy of artists like Wildecker Herzbuben.
