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translation by Astrid Nolde-Gallasch Chris de Burgh The Irish womanizer One may attest a certain roughness to the Irish, but this clichee certainly doesn't apply to Chris de Burgh. The pop bard is nice and politely restrained. A gentleman through and through. "The Road To Freedom" is the title of his current successful album, with which he will go on tour in Germany in May. Of course Chris de Burgh brings along his megahits "Lady In Red" or "Don't Pay The Ferryman", but this time they are wrapped a little bit different. In our interview the Irishman with the bushy eyebrows talks about fans, loneliness and injustice. teleschau: Mr. De Burgh, the tickets for your tour sell as good as always. You have immensely many fans in Germany. Are you a fan of Germany too? Chris de Burgh: When I came here first in the 70s, I was completely overwhelmed by the prosperity that I met here. Full shop windows, big cars, it was fascinating. The economical situation in Ireland was very bad at that time, so in Germany I felt like being in the land of milk and honey! But my love only grew when I had my first number one hit in 1982 with "The Getaway". By doing large tours in the 80s I became better aquainted with the people and the country and really fell in love. teleschau: Is there a typical Chris de Burgh fan? Chris de Burgh: My fans are all over the place. From the five year old to the grandmother there are people of all colours at my concerts. But you have to say that about 70% are female fans. teleschau: What does your wife say to so many female fans who maybe even want to get at your underwear? Chris de Burgh: She is sure of what she is doing and can trust me. There are two Chris de Burghs: One is a loving family father who lives at home and takes his children to school every morning, the other sings and goes on tour. Some fans seem to forget that I am a married man and give way to their fantasy. They hang on a dream that will never come true. Generelly women seem to enjoy my company. Some of my male friends think I am a bit suspect, because their partners like to meet me. Women are emotionally very complicated, but I can understand them very well. That is probably why they like me so much. teleschau: In May you are going on tour. Did you practice a lot? Chris de Burgh: No, I didn't need to. I gave 110 concerts in Europe in the last 1 1/2 year in Europe, that is enough exercise. Also this isn't a giant concert production this time, but much more intimate. Me, a guitar and a piano - that is enough for my audience. I have the feeling they enjoy this much more than if I am on tour with a big band. The tour has almost been sold out already in March. teleschau: Is there anything that makes you see red? Chris de Burgh: Oh yes, injustice. It is very bad for me to experience or see injustice. Unfortunately things are very unfair in this world: Some bosses, family members of politicians don't make an exception. At the moment I feel very unfairly treated by the Miss World organization. My daughter as the current Miss World is being treated almost under-age. They don't let us parents get close to her, they keep us away from her. And I don't let them do that to me. Especially because I know a lot about contract law and of course I know what, how and why goes on in the media business. Unfortunately I can't be any more concrete, because we are currently in a lawsuit with the organization. So I am currently fighting for justice! |
File last modified on August 26, 2006