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German pop icon AnNa R. dies at 55 after decades of music and poetry

From Rosenstolz's chart-topping anthems to her poetic solo work, AnNa R. redefined German pop. Her sudden death at 55 leaves fans mourning a voice that shaped generations. Her final album, König:in, marked a bold new chapter—now tragically unfinished.

The image shows a group of people sitting on the ground in front of a building, with some of them...
The image shows a group of people sitting on the ground in front of a building, with some of them holding musical instruments. There are mics with stands, bottles, and other objects scattered around them, and a carpet on the floor. In the background, there are buildings with windows, plants, trees, and the sky. It appears to be a live performance of a band in Berlin.

Peter Plate Often Thinks of Rosenstolz Singer - German pop icon AnNa R. dies at 55 after decades of music and poetry

AnNa R., the celebrated German singer and songwriter, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 55. Known for her powerful voice and poetic lyrics, she first rose to fame as one half of the duo Rosenstolz before launching a solo career in recent years. Her death marked the end of a career that spanned over three decades.

Born Andrea Rosenbaum in East Berlin on December 25, 1969, AnNa R. co-founded Rosenstolz with Peter Plate in 1991. The duo quickly became a household name in German pop music, delivering hits like Ich bin ich and Gib mir Sonne. Their success lasted until 2012, when they announced an indefinite hiatus.

After Rosenstolz disbanded, AnNa R. took a step back from the spotlight. She later returned to music, joining the band Silly before leaving in 2022. In 2023, she released her first solo album, König:in, showcasing a new chapter in her artistic journey.

Just weeks before her death, she was appointed the Joseph Breitbach Poetics Lecturer at the University of Koblenz—a role that highlighted her influence beyond music. Plans for a tour were also underway, reflecting her ongoing creative drive.

The exact circumstances of her death remain undisclosed, with her family requesting privacy. On the first anniversary of her passing, Peter Plate shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering their shared years and her enduring spirit.

AnNa R. leaves behind a legacy of music that shaped German pop culture. Her work, both with Rosenstolz and as a solo artist, continues to resonate with fans. Though her final projects were cut short, her contributions to poetry and song remain a lasting tribute.

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