To mark his 90th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his expulsion from the GDR, singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann is planning three celebratory concerts this year, accompanied by prominent artists. Under the title “Don’t Wait for Better Times!” he will perform on October 21 in Cologne (Philharmonie), on November 3 in Hamburg (Elbphilharmonie), and on November 20 in Leipzig (Gewandhaus), as the organizers had previously announced. Now, however, it has also been confirmed who will accompany Biermann at the concerts.
Biermann was banned from performing for twelve years
Biermann, who had moved from Hamburg to the GDR in 1953 at the age of 16, quickly came into conflict with the GDR authorities. As a result, he was subjected to a total ban on public appearances and contact with the public for twelve years after he called on people to take their freedom rather than wait for minor freedoms to be granted.
Biermann nevertheless stood by his criticism of the GDR dictatorship. Through books and music that were smuggled to the West, he
quickly became well-known. “His popularity largely protected him from arrest,” explained the event organizer.
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