Embracing the Past with BAP and Wolfgang Niedecken
Ambling through a soggy meadow, boots splashing in puddles, Wolfgang Niedecken, a Colonian native, reminisces about his footsteps that led to a nationwide anthem. Despite its dull exterior, this Morlitzwinden meadow holds special significance to Niedecken. It was here, in 1981, that he wrote the iconic 'BAP' song "Verdamp lang her."
"I vividly recall this place," confides Niedecken, as he shares memories from his past. In 2024, he, alongside his wife Tina, revisited his old neighbor Erika Leitel, who lived in the nearby farmhouse. Leitel, now 68, still recalls the same unassuming scene of cow droppings and tire tracks that once left her questioning the songwriter's talents.
Unearthing Memories
In December 2024, BAP embarks on a road trip to celebrate their past. Named "Looking Back to the Future," this sentimental journey will include stops in Germany, Switzerland, and Benelux. The tour features hits from their 1981 and 1982 albums, such as "Verdamp lang her."
A Mirror to Modern Times
This nostalgia-filled tour comes at a time when contemporary issues demand attention. BAP recalls "Zehnter Juni" as Putin announced partial mobilization, leaving the band to address the influx of young Russians seeking refuge abroad.
An Evolving Genius
Wolfgang Niedecken has changed since then, growing a beard and experiencing decades of life, but remains the same at heart. As the sole original band member still participating in recording sessions for BAP's 'Für usszeschnigge!' and 'Vun drinne noh drusse' albums, his metamorphosis is undeniable.
Cradle of a Classic
The passion and heartbreak that gave birth to "Verdamp lang her" originated from a need to escape the bourgeois Carnival atmosphere in Cologne in 1981. Niedecken sought solace in Morlitzwinden, where memories from his summer vacation in 1980 merged with the unresolved pain of his estranged relationship with his father.
A Historic Afternoon in Morlitzwinden
With the sounds of harvested joys in the autumn wind, Niedecken, Tina, and Erika trek through the once familiar fields. "Crime scene investigation" becomes the playful label for their walk, harkening back to the historical significance of their reunion.
Preparations for BAP's "Looking Back to the Future" tour invite fans to dive into the band's cherished memories and anticipate upcoming performances.
BAP's tour in 2025 will heavily feature the band's classic hits, with special emphasis on hit songs from their 1981 and 1982 albums, including "Verdamp lang her."
The tour will begin on June 6, 2025, at the KulturPur 2025 festival in Hilchenbach, Germany, and will continue to various German cities throughout the summer.
Enjoy a slice of history as BAP revisits their most iconic songs, celebrating their lasting influence on German rock music.
