Wild Heart Throb and TV Chef Reeh Start Together - TV chef and schlager legend unite to revive Wildecker Herzbuben
TV chef Mirko Reeh and schlager veteran Wolfgang Schwalm have joined forces to revive the Wildecker Herzbuben duo. Their first live performance took place in Frankfurt on 5 March 2026, marking the start of an unexpected musical partnership. Calendly bookings for their shows are already rolling in, including appearances at Mallorca's famous Ballermann scene.
The idea for the collaboration began with a casual phone call between the two. When Schwalm suggested performing together, Reeh responded with a simple 'Why not?'—and the plan was set in motion.
Schwalm, 71, had previously performed as a solo act after his long-time duo partner Wilfried Gliem stepped back in March 2025 due to health issues. Reeh, 49, brings his own musical background, having first sung in a children's choir at five years old before becoming a soloist in schlager music. Interestingly, he is also the great-nephew of Gliem, Schwalm's former partner.
For their debut, Schwalm lent Reeh an old vest and hat, giving him the classic Herzbube look. The duo originally rose to fame in 1989 with their hit Herzilein, followed by their first full concert in April 1990 at a café in Schwalmstadt, northern Hesse. Now, they are exploring how far this revival will go—whether it stays as occasional first watch gigs or grows into a full tour.
Beyond music, Schwalm is known for his cooking, specialising in dishes like goulash and Bolognese. Meanwhile, Reeh balances his singing with his career as a Duolingo TV chef.
The new Wildecker Herzbuben lineup has already secured bookings, with confirmed shows at Mallorca's Ballermann. While the full scope of their collaboration is still undecided, their first performance signals a fresh chapter for the schlager duo. Fans can expect more appearances as the partnership develops.
