Veteran Composer Ralph Siegel Dreams of Eurovision Return Amidst Health Challenges
Veteran German music composer Ralph Siegel, active for over six decades, shares his hopes and plans amidst personal health challenges and industry changes. The 'old ESC veteran', as he calls himself, dreams of returning to the Eurovision Song Contest with Germany.
Siegel, who has overcome cancer and heart surgery, remains grateful for his life despite the 'incredibly terrible times' the world is experiencing. The 79-year-old has written over 2000 songs in his career, including hits like 'You Can't Always Be 17', 'Greek Wine', and 'A Bit of Fun'. He has reached the top four places in the Eurovision Song Contest multiple times between 1974 and 1999, with his song 'Ein bisschen Frieden' (A Bit of Peace) winning the contest in 1982.
Currently, Siegel is focusing on musicals in his second career. 'Zeppelin', which tells the story of Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, is set to return to the Festspielhaus in Füssen from October 16th. He is also working on another unnamed musical that is nearly finished and planned to be staged this year. Siegel believes there should be more German music played on the radio and TV, ideally 50 percent of the program, given the current 'unbearable' situation for German artists due to the lack of radio and TV play and the decline of CD sales.
Ralph Siegel, the music enthusiast who has dedicated over 60 years to his profession, continues to create and advocate for German music. Despite his health challenges and the industry's changes, he remains hopeful and focused on his upcoming musicals and a potential return to the Eurovision Song Contest.
