As of: February 27, 2024, 1:56 p.m
By: Stefanie Thyssen
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Giovanni Zarrella (right) is an admirer of Roland Kaiser.
The two have known each other for several years.
© Sascha Baumann
The King congratulates the Emperor - that's what ZDF could have titled the big show for the hit icon's 50th stage anniversary.
In the interview, Zarrella explains how Giovanni Zarrella and Roland Kaiser met, what the 45-year-old appreciates about the 71-year-old and which of his songs he particularly likes.
The year Roland Kaiser appeared on stage for the first time, Helmut Schmidt became Chancellor, Germany became the soccer world champion, a wall divided our country - and Giovanni Zarrella (45) had not yet been born.
On Saturday he hosted the show on ZDF for the singer's big anniversary: "50 Years of Roland Kaiser" - incidentally at the request of the 71-year-old, who has always thrilled audiences across all generations.
Together, the two and their guests look at Kaiser's life's work and thus at a piece of German music history.
Can you remember your first encounter with Roland Kaiser?
In any case.
That was at a TV recording.
And he was exactly as I imagined: polite and with an incredibly beautiful aura.
At the time, I didn't really know what topics I could entertain him with.
But he came straight to me and asked me about the current football results because he knew about my passion for this sport.
The ice was broken immediately.
Since then it's always been like this: Our first five minutes are always about football.
In a few words: What else do you associate with him?
Elegance.
Class.
Commitment.
Resistance.
50 years on stage – not many people can do that. In your opinion, what makes Roland Kaiser the legend he is?
Exactly that: being on stage for half a century – with all the ups and downs.
To be so successful over all these decades and to constantly reinvent and question yourself, but at the same time not lose your values and principles.
Unique
Do you have a song by Roland Kaiser that you associate with something special?
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I love “extremes”.
This is the German version of “Insieme” written by Toto Cutugno.
There will be a special version of this on the show on Saturday night, from both of us.
Let's also look at your life: Do you sometimes have to pinch yourself because of the past few years? You have your own show on ZDF, were recently awarded the Bambi, and are now hosts of the big Roland Kaiser party. This is all pretty crazy, isn't it?
It's incredibly beautiful.
To see that it's worth never giving up.
To carry on.
To stand up.
Over and over again.
That at some point it will be your turn if you have patience, persevere and don't let your dreams and goals be ruined.
I want to be a good role model for my kids and also encourage people who have a big dream or wish.
As for Roland Kaiser, it fills me with great joy that he decided to spend an evening with me on ZDF on such an important anniversary in his glorious career.
This is really something special - and the emperor's tears of emotion at the show will really touch people out there.
It will be an unforgettable evening.
If you missed the show on February 24th, it is available in the ZDF media library.