German musician and actor, popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He starred as war correspondent Lieutenant Werner in Wolfgang Petersens movie Das Boot, but later concentrated on his musical career. His fifth album 4630 Bochum (1984) and his 20th album Mensch (Human) (2002) are the third and first best-selling records in Germany respectively, making him the most successful artist in Germany with combined album sales over 13 million. Grönemeyer often refers to his personal roots as lying in the German town of Bochum where he spent most of his childhood, youth and early adulthood. Still today, the song Bochum, first released in 1984, is one of his signature songs, especially during live performances. Being born in Göttingen and not in Bochum he has his own explanation: "I was only born in Göttingen because my mother often fainted when she was pregnant with me. She did this every time she turned to her left side, and no one believed her. In Göttingen there was a professor, a specialist, and he didnt believe her either, at which point she lay down, fainted, and brought me into the world. This is why I was born in Göttingen." Grönemeyer’s interest in music was sparked at the age of eight, when he started to take piano classes. These later formed the basis for his work as a pianist and composer at the local theatre Schauspielhaus Bochum. In 1979, at the City of Cologne Theatre (Schauspielhaus Köln), using his musical talent to great effect, he gave an excellent performance as Lorenzo in the The Merchant of Venice. Although never having attended an acting school he soon appeared in several TV productions. During one of the shootings he met his later wife, the actress Anna Henkel. Additionally, Grönemeyer published an album he had recorded with the jazz formation "Ocean Orchestra" in 1978, a year in which he also composed the music for the film Uns reicht das nicht by Jürgen Flimm, together with Jens-Peter Ostendorf. His first solo album Grönemeyer, which was published in 1979, was awarded the Golden Lemon for the ugliest album cover of the year. His second album Zwo was released in 1981. Neither managed to chart. In the same year he starred in Wolfgang Petersen’s successful movie Das Boot as Lieutenant Werner. For the role of composer Robert Schumann in the German-German coproduction Frühlingssinfonie (co-starring Nastassja Kinski and Rolf Hoppe), for which he also composed the film score, Grönemeyer spent six months in the GDR. During the early 1980s Grönemeyer put his main focus on his music; the next two albums Total egal (1982) and Gemischte Gefühle (1983) flopped and most concerts of the planned tour had to be cancelled. Grönemeyer first met success as a musician in 1984 with the release of 4630 Bochum which became the best-sold album in Germany that year, particularly supported by the singles "Männer" ( English lyrics ) and "Flugzeuge im Bauch". A year later Grönemeyer appeared in the TV-movie Väter und Söhne, co-starring Julie Christie, Burt Lancaster and Bruno Ganz. In his next albums Sprünge (1986) and Ö (1988) he increasingly expressed his political opinion, criticising the government under German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. In 1986 Grönemeyer performed at the Anti-WAAhnsinns Festival against nuclear power and he composed the film score for the TV film Sommer in Lesmona, for which he received the Adolf Grimme Award in gold. The release of his first English album What’s all this was followed by a tour through Canada, where it had sRead less
Born on April 12, 1956, in Rosdorf, Germany
Herbert Grönemeyer, the renowned German musician and actor, has been active in the music scene, continuing to captivate audiences with his powerful performances. Recently, he announced a new tour across Europe, showcasing his timeless hits and new material. The tour has been well-received, with many dates selling out quickly.
Herbert Grönemeyer maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, where he engages with his fans and shares updates about his music and projects. You can follow him on:
Herbert Grönemeyer has been working on several exciting projects. His latest album, released earlier this year, has been praised for its lyrical depth and musical innovation. In addition to his music career, Grönemeyer is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, focusing on humanitarian causes and social justice.
Herbert Grönemeyer is not only celebrated for his musical talents but also for his acting career. He gained international fame with his role in the critically acclaimed film "Das Boot." Over the years, Grönemeyer has received numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as one of Germany's most influential cultural figures.
His contributions to music and film have left a lasting impact on the industry, and his ability to connect with audiences through his art continues to be a defining aspect of his public profile.
Grönemeyer's impact extends beyond his creative endeavors. He is frequently featured in media outlets for his insightful commentary on social and political issues. His articulate views and advocacy for human rights have made him a respected voice in public discourse.
Herbert Grönemeyer's career is a testament to his versatility and dedication as an artist and a public figure. Whether through his music, acting, or social activism, he continues to inspire and influence people around the world. His legacy is not only marked by his artistic achievements but also by his commitment to making a positive difference in society.