Strolling Down Memory Lane with BAP's Wolfgang Niedecken
Wolfgang Niedecken, a native of Cologne, particularizes his footsteps gingerly across the sodden meadow clad in rain-soaked boots. The landscape around him, dotted with cow turds and imprinted tire tracks, may appear unremarkable to the casual observer. However, for Wolfgang, this Morlitzwinden meadow holds a significant memory.
"I can vividly recall this place," confesses Niedecken, as he reminisces about composing the iconic 'BAP' song, "Verdamp lang her," here in 1981. This single became a nationwide anthem, elevating the Middle Franconian hamlet of 32 inhabitants to an esteemed place in German music history.
Fast forward 42 years, and Niedecken and his wife Tina make a return visit to Erika Leitel, an old neighbor. The 68-year-old Leitel, who resided in the farmhouse adjacent to the meadow, still recalls the quaint details of the past. "I heard only snippets of the music and couldn't comprehend the Kölsch dialect, so I thought, 'If he isn't cut out for it, then he shouldn't pursue it,'" she reminisced, chuckling at the poignant memory.
A Nostalgic Journey Awaits
The artist's autumn visit serves both as a friendly reunion ("They recognized me even when I was nobody") and an expedition through time. This excursion, titled "Looking Back to the Future," is slated to commence on December 7, 2024, in Cologne, subsequently traversing Germany, Switzerland, and Benelux. Throughout the tour, which spans the year 2024, BAP will be revisiting old hits from their 'Für usszeschnigge!' (1981) and 'Vun drinne noh drusse' (1982) albums, including "Verdamp lang her."
The Relevance of History
The band embarks on this nostalgic tour in light of contemporary events, using their classic repertoire as a commentary on modern issues. "When Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilization, we unexpectedly performed 'Zehnter Juni' again, with the line 'Don't draw me into your plans,' aimed at the young Russians seeking refuge abroad," explains Niedecken, expressing the timeless appeal of their songs.
Evolving Musical Genius
As the only original band member who still participated in the recording sessions for the 'Für usszeschnigge!' and 'Vun drinne noh drusse' albums, Niedecken has undeniably changed in the decades that have passed. "I have aged, grown a beard, yet I retain the same essence," he reflects, a sentence that hangs in the autumn air.
The Birth of 'Verdamp lang her'
The creation of BAP's most celebrated song, 'Verdamp lang her,' stemmed from a deeply personal place. Fleeing the bourgeois Carnival atmosphere in Cologne in 1981, Niedecken sought solace in the tranquil haven of Morlitzwinden. The experiences from his summer vacation in 1980 converged with a poignant, unresolved conversation she had with his departed father. These emotions, compounded by the sorrow of their estranged relationship, birthed the melancholic and poignant masterpiece.
A Historic Afternoon in Morlitzwinden
Wrapping up their journey through time on a brisk October afternoon, Wolfgang, Tina, Erika, and Numa the dog traverse the fields of harvested grain. Leitel playfully labels the trek as a "crime scene investigation," referencing the historical significance of their encounter.
As the tour preparations commence, eclectic memories of the past intermingle with the anticipation of future performances. BAP's "Looking Back to the Future" tour promises to be a poignant, nostalgic, and highly-anticipated adventure for music enthusiasts.
- BAP's upoming 2025 tour will predominantly focus on their classic hits, with an emphasis on songs from their 1981 and 1982 albums.
- The tour will debut on June 6, 2025, in Hilchenbach, Germany, and will traverse various German and Austrian destinations in the following months.
- The rendition of 'Verdamp lang her,' one of BAP's most popular songs, will likely be a highlight of the tour, poignantly celebrating the band's legacy in German rock music.
- BAP encompasses a lifetime of memories, encapsulating the group's essence and evoking cherished feelings of simpler times.
- Widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of German rock music, BAP has an indelible impact on the legacy of music in Germany and beyond.
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Enrichment Data
As part of this tour, BAP plans to embark on their "Zeitreise 2025," which will transport fans back to the golden era of their music. The following details outline the key aspects of the upcoming tour:
- Tour Dates and Destinations: The tour launches on June 6, 2025, in Hilchenbach, Germany, followed by various performances in cities such as Mönchengladbach, Rastatt, Braunschweig, Mainz, Munich, and beyond[1].
- Focus on Classic Hits: The tour will mostly revolve around the band's iconic hits from the 'Für usszeschnigge!' (1981) and 'Vun drinne noh drusse' (1982) albums, allowing fans to experience a small piece of history[2].
- Celebrating Timeless Music: BAP's timeless repertoire allows for the exploration of thought-provoking and socially relevant themes, making their music just as relevant today[3].
- Historic Concert Venues: Notable concert venues on the tour include the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, where BAP performed for their 2024 tour[1].
BAP's "Zeitreise 2025" promises to be a memorable experience for music lovers, showcasing the band's storied history and enduring legacy in the world of German rock music.
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