From this Saturday, Munich will again invite you to the largest folk festival in the world. Hacker tent boss Toni Roiderer explains who is really in charge.
Munich - He has been Oktoberfest host for around 30 years, and host spokesman for 16 years: Hacker Festwirt Toni Roiderer is a Munich institution. In the past year, however, the structure of power at the world's largest folk festival has changed a little. Finally, the 74-year-old resigned from the position of landlord's spokesman and handed it over to his colleague, Festwirt Peter Inselkammer from the Armbrustschützenzelt. High time for a few memories and the question: Who sets the tone besides the brass band - on the festival grounds and in the tent.
Mr. Roiderer, happy birthday! How do you celebrate your special day?
Roiderer: Stylish! I even set up a tent so I can celebrate properly. Oh, I'm just kidding. September 22nd is a day like any other. I go to the Oktoberfest to work. And that for 29 years.
Do you share your best Oktoberfest moment with us?
Roiderer: Oh, there were a few. But most of all I am happy when a guest comes to me and says thank you. Because then I know that I've done my job well.
What makes a good host?
Roiderer: A landlord who sits in the office all day is definitely successful. But the better one is the one at the front. If you want to be successful, you have to identify with your business.
How does this work?
Roiderer: A good landlord has to see his guest, he has to know and feel him. From the professor to the unskilled worker. No matter what title someone brings with them. There are no hierarchies in the tent.
Apropos: Who is in charge at the Oktoberfest?
Roiderer: The city with its politics and administration and of course the Wiesn boss, our mayor Josef Schmid.
But the hosts also have a lot of power ...
Roiderer: No, we are only feeders. Nevertheless, the following applies: three instances, three points of view.
What if you don't agree?
Roiderer: Of course, each side represents its own interests. The mayor of the city and the landlord's spokesman for the landlords. There can be differences.
As with the topic of beer price brakes ...
Roiderer: For example. Fortunately, we are all adults and not resentful. And in the end we all have the same goal: We want the best for the Oktoberfest.
What do you think of the suggestion of the small Oktoberfest landlords to reintroduce a representative like Gabi Weishäupl as Wiesn boss - and not to entrust a politician with this office anymore?
Roiderer: To be honest: not much! We don't need a representative for the Oktoberfest, we need a speaker who takes his time and is passionate about the matter. As has been the case so far. So everything is settled.
For 16 days the Oktoberfest madness develops again in Munich.
© dpa / Peter Kneffel
On the premises - but who wears the (leather) pants in the tent?
Roiderer: With us, the tasks are clearly distributed. My wife does the accounting. Thomas, our son, is responsible for the work and I am allowed to socialize. But it is secretly like this: the boss is the boss.
Your wife?
Roiderer: Yes, my Christl and I are married today on September 22nd, my birthday, for exactly 48 years.
A long time! Can you tell us your recipe for success?
Roiderer: In a marriage it's basically the same as in business: you're only strong when you stick together. A colleague who has been married for 50 years once said: Now and then it's not bad if you don't hear well. And you just have to like yourself.
But you are infected one or the other time during your time as the host's spokesman ...
Roiderer: That's right. But it is also called host speaker and not host silent. I think that too much democracy is not a good thing. Or not purposeful. We employ more than 600 people during the Oktoberfest. You have to set the direction so that everything runs smoothly. And that has always worked wonderfully up to now.
Last year you handed over the office of landlord's spokesman to your colleague, Festwirt Peter Inselkammer. How does it feel to suddenly no longer hold the helm in your hand?
Roiderer:
Very relaxed. I am very satisfied with my successor. Peter does his job really well!
Wouldn't you like to step in here and there and sort things out yourself?
Roiderer: No, not at all! Of course, one notices that the boys sometimes argue differently. But it's ok like that! I think after 16 years it was time for a generation change.
You have steered and managed your company for three decades. Do you still enjoy your work today?
Roiderer: Yes. If I just went for a walk all day with my hands behind my hump, then I wouldn't be satisfied. Of course there are days in between when you sag, but that's quite normal.
How do you straighten up again?
Roiderer: By cycling in the morning. When it rains, I use the elliptical machine at home. Movement clears your mind - and best of all: it keeps you fit. My family and my faith also give me strength.
Your belief?
Roiderer: Yes, I have a strong relationship with the Catholic Church - from an early age. To this day, there has not been a day that I have not prayed. I think: You shouldn't just start when you're feeling bad. You can also just say thank you and be satisfied with what you have.
Read all information about the Oktoberfest 2018 in the live ticker.