German 80s music star is dead - he was seriously ill

Created: 2022-02-17Updated: 2022-02-17, 09:50

By: Julia Volkenand

Ralf "Bummi" Bursy is dead. © Klaus Winkler/dpa

The Ostrock star Ralf "Bummi" Bursy died at the age of 66.

Berlin/ Leipzig - The German music scene mourns the loss of a real rock icon.

Ralf "Bummi" Bursy died on Monday (February 14) at the age of 66 after a serious illness.

This was announced by his wife Regina to the German Press Agency.

He had become a star in the former GDR and celebrated his biggest hits as a solo artist in the last few years before reunification.

"Eh' die Liebe dies" and "Feuer im Eis" were the titles that the then 30-year-old sang with a rocking attitude.

In line with the trend of his time, Bursy wore a distinctive mullet hairstyle and that's how fans should remember the musician.

He recently retired from the music business.

German rock star died after a long illness

Bursy had already started with music as a schoolboy.

He completed an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer and later distance learning at the Hanns Eisler Music Academy in his hometown of Berlin.

With the band Biscuit he landed his first major hit with "You Make Me Love".

He later switched to Prinzip and then decided to pursue a solo career under his nickname "Bummi".

After the fall of the Wall, Bursy continued to work as a producer, refining songs for Dagmar Frederic and Nena, among other things, as music manager Jürgen Kerber said.

"He was brilliant, always up to date, not old-fashioned." But at some point Bursy slowly withdrew from music.

German music world mourns Ralf Bursy

The Berliner remained creative - photography was another great passion of his.

He ran a marketing agency and was a sports photographer.

Whether it's boxing or football, cycling or a marathon - he has the necessary passion and craziness to have the right eye in every situation, according to the company website.

"Bummi" is also said to have had great qualities as a skat player, the "Bild" newspaper reported.

He was no longer looking for the big stage.

His wife said Wednesday he didn't want big news about his death.

Rock fans just had to say goodbye to music icon Meat Loaf.

He passed away at the age of 74.

(jv/dpa)