Kastelruther Spatzen go on a rejuvenated Christmas tour

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as the saying goes. The saying is especially true in an apple country like South Tyrol. The musicians of the Kastelruther Spatzen have now, of necessity, looked very close to the tree. As singer Norbert Rier (65) had to undergo heart surgery at Innsbruck University Hospital in October, the Spatzen's annual Christmas tour was in danger of falling through. Now Rier's son Alexander (40) is taking part.

The son stands in for his father

There were no problems getting used to the junior, reveals keyboard and accordion player Albin Gross, the band's senior at the age of 70. "Alexander has heard the songs since he was a child and knows them inside out." He has developed very well as a pop singer in recent years. "It goes down well with the fans that the son is standing in for his father." It's also an advantage that Alexander brings the average age down a little. He has the same facial expressions as his father. Anyone who has known the "Spatzen" for a long time will probably think that time has stood still.

The Kastelruther Spatzen from South Tyrol are one of the most successful groups in folk music and can point to huge sales figures. Gross admits that they now find themselves in an exceptional situation, although this already happened eight years ago. Back then, Norbert Rier had an artificial heart valve implanted. The concert organizers were asked whether they could now go on tour with a replacement singer. "Some were in favor, others preferred to postpone it until next year." Instead of the planned 26 Christmas concerts, there will now be eight gigs.

Frontman Norbert Rier on the road to recovery

The band will be touring eastern Germany from Thursday. The tour kicks off in Grimma. Nevertheless, Norbert Rier is still on his mind. He has now reported back from his sickbed. "I can say that I'm doing really well, given the circumstances," the 65-year-old said. Last Saturday, his colleagues visited him at home in Kastelruth. Norbert's voice is still a little weak and he has also lost ten kilograms. "But he's recovering well," reports Albin Gross.

Now, at an advanced age, Rier and his colleagues are also asking themselves how much longer they want to be on stage. The band was founded 50 years ago, and next year they will be celebrating the 40th "Spatzenfest" - an iconic spectacle in their home town of Castelrotto, which attracts around 30,000 fans every year. Rier and Gross see music as the elixir of life - even if the time between performances is exhausting with long journeys. When people come to the concerts and applaud, it's like a "half drug", admits Albin Gross.

Gross: The concert business keeps you mentally fit

"You can't knock us out that quickly, but you also become more humble," says Gross. Next year, two more members of the "Spatzen" will be 70 years old. Of course, at some point the end of your career comes into view. When you've been "on the slopes" for 40 years and have divided your life up like this, it's difficult to stop. Then the question arises "What comes next?" On the other hand, the whole business keeps you mentally fit.

Of course, that day will come one day, admits Albin Gross. But at the moment, as long as the motivation is there and they harmonize well as colleagues, they will carry on for a few more years. In any case, the "Spatzen" have extended their contract with their record company by five years.

After Grimma, they will perform in eastern Germany on December 8 in Dresden, December 9 in Chemnitz, December 10 in Cottbus and December 11 in Weimar.