Former moderator reminisces about "ZDF-Hitparade": "It was far from enjoyable"
In the world of German entertainment, few names are as synonymous with success as Viktor Worms. Known for his diverse musical tastes, Worms has made a significant impact in the industry, particularly during his tenure as the moderator of the long-running "ZDF Hitparade."
Born and raised in Germany, Worms' love for music was evident from an early age. He was a fan of American artists like Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, but he also appreciated the German Schlager genre and the New German Wave. This eclectic taste was reflected in the shows he oversaw, such as the "ZDF Hitparade," where he took over from Dieter Thomas Heck in 1985.
Before his role at the "ZDF Hitparade," Worms honed his skills at Radio Luxembourg and gained experience as an editor and moderator. He stood in front of the camera for ZDF until 1989, during which time he also worked on productions like "Wetten, dass...?"
However, Worms' time with the "ZDF Hitparade" was not without controversy. Recently, another prominent figure from the Schlager world has criticised the show harshly, though the specific nature of these criticisms remains unclear. The current status or response from ZDF regarding these criticisms is also not detailed.
Despite the challenges, Worms expressed that he didn't enjoy the extensive rehearsals required for TV moderation. Instead, he valued good melodies above all in music, and he particularly enjoyed shows in the "ZDF Hitparade" where artists like Roland Kaiser and Udo Lindenberg appeared together.
Since leaving moderation, Worms has mainly been active as a coach and consultant. The identity of the prominent figure from the Schlager world who criticised the "ZDF Hitparade" remains undisclosed. The "ZDF Hitparade," a public broadcasting success for 32 years, was discontinued after 385 episodes in the year 2000.
As we look back at Worms' career, it's clear that his impact on the German entertainment industry is significant. Despite the criticisms and the show's eventual discontinuation, his tenure on the "ZDF Hitparade" will undoubtedly remain a defining moment in his career.
In his career, Viktor Worms expanded his influence beyond music to encompass movies-and-tv, becoming a well-known entertainer in Germany. His love for entertainment extended to celebrities, often inviting prominent figures like Roland Kaiser and Udo Lindenberg to perform on his shows, such as the "ZDF Hitparade."
