"Peppermint Prince" Westernhagen turns 75

Digging into 75 Years of the "Peppermint Prince" Westernhagen

A synonym for the moniker "Peppermint Prince" and the mantra "Freedom" is Marius Müller-Westernhagen. This renowned artist is known for his sassy rocker persona as well as his fondness for blues in the pub and heartfelt ballads. On December 6, 2023, this Wednesday, the artist and actor turns 75 years old.

Even the most successful melodies under Westernhagen's critical eye. For his upcoming tour next year, he dons an innovative hat, reimagining even his beloved hits. "There will always be new things," the musician confided to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur in Berlin. "There will always be the will to be creative with the old songs and make them interesting for us and for the audience. I would never let that be taken away from me."

Acting Passionately

Born in Düsseldorf, the son of popular actor Hans Müller-Westernhagen, Marius Müller-Westernhagen discovered the thrill of acting before his love for music. By the end of the '80s, the actor had starred in numerous productions. He achieved widespread recognition as a long-distance Ruhrpott patterer in "Theo against the Rest of the World" (1980).

Music Takes Center Stage

The music scene began singing Westernhagen's name in the second half of the '60s. Describing his early beginnings in "Mit 18," the musician recalls, "The guitars were out of tune, but it was a blast, we thought we were geniuses." The debut album "Das erste Mal" received little recognition in 1975. That changed in 1978 with the release of "Mit Pfefferminz bin ich dein Prinz," igniting a lifelong music career.

Successes and Setbacks

In the '90s, Westernhagen proved his songwriting prowess with albums like "Westernhagen," "Halleluja," "JaJa," "Affentheater," and "Radio Maria." The era marked a surge in his popularity, filling soccer stadiums with crowds chanting "Freiheit" alongside him. Some critics viewed this period as a shift, branding him an "Armani rocker."

Stepping Back to Succeed

As the pressure mounted, Westernhagen chose to take a break to "think and reflect." Describing this phase in his life, the artist admits, "Life is a series of mistakes. You have to learn from them, reflect, face up to them, and grow."

An Evolving Musical Legacy

Over the years, Westernhagen released relatively successful albums such as "In den Wahnsinn" and "Nahaufnahme." His most recent album is "Das eine Leben," which he will commemorate in 2022.

In the spirit of his 75th birthday, Westernhagen has released a music box set, "Westernhagen 75," featuring remastered originals, studio versions, and new interpretations of his "Peppermint Experiment." The reinterpreted version of "Dicke" is an intriguing spin, a result of a spontaneous practice room recording, a version Westernhagen cherishes for its novelty.

The Future of Westernhagen

While Westernhagen turns 75, he remains eager to continue his musical journey, maintaining his physical and mental fitness. Although the future is uncertain, the artist plans to embark on a tour in 2023, performing old favorites with newfound enthusiasm.

Next year will see the artist performing around 20 concerts, revisiting memorable songs that have shaped fans' lives. In true entertainment fashion, Westernhagen confirms, "If they want to hear 'Sexy,' then I want to sing 'Sexy.'"

Further Insights

Marius Müller-Westernhagen's upcoming projects and plans include:

1. Concerts and Tributes:
2. "Westernhagen Tribute Band" at Burg Stettenfels on July 4, 2025
3. MARIUZZ – die Westernhagen-Tribute&Double-Show No.1 at the Hüttenwerk in Michelstadt
4. Special Events:
5. "Weitersagen Celebrates 75 +1 YEARS WESTERNHAGEN" in Berlin
6. Music Box Set:
7. "Westernhagen 75"
8. Tour Performances:
9. Numerous concert performances and special events hint at the continued celebration of Westernhagen's legacy and contributions to German music.

These plans reflect a continued celebration of his legacy and influential impact on German rock music.

Enrichment Data:

Marius Müller-Westernhagen has several ongoing engagements and upcoming projects:

1. Concerts and Tributes:
2. A tribute band performing Westernhagen's hits, including "Sexy" and "Dicke," will take the stage at Burg Stettenfels on July 4, 2025.
3. A tribute show, featuring original Westernhagen musicians and detailed mimicry, will take place at the Hüttenwerk in Michelstadt.
4. Special Events:
5. The event "Weitersagen Celebrates 75 +1 YEARS WESTERNHAGEN" will honor Westernhagen's 75th birthday and his significant contributions to German music.
6. Music Box Set:
7. The "Westernhagen 75" music box set includes remastered originals, studio versions, and new interpretations of Westernhagen's "Peppermint Experiment."
8. Tour Performances:
9. Marius Müller-Westernhagen himself has no mentioned tour performances, but the special events and tributes suggest a continued focus on his music and legacy.