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.
