Wolfgang Petry: He “doesn’t feel at all” his age

Wolfgang Petry will be 70 years old on September 22nd – but the singer is far from retiring. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he said he was “47 years old” and “doesn’t feel his age at all”. The “Fall in love, lost, forgotten, forgive” interpreter has a special gift for his fans and himself: On Friday (September 24th), “Wolle” Petry will release his new album “Auf das Leben”. He then returns to his hit roots after having made a foray into country and rock music as Pete Wolf with “2084” almost two years ago.

“Pete Wolf didn’t die for me, he’s only having a break at the moment,” emphasizes Wolfgang Petry. He also reveals how he will spend his birthday and what he thinks of 3G and 2G rules at concerts.

With “Auf das Leben” you return to your hit roots. Is Pete Wolf history or will you be releasing English-language music again?

Wolfgang Petry: Strictly speaking, I just wanted to know if I could still do it. The album “Auf das Leben” also contains completely different facets. Pete Wolf didn’t die for me, he’s only on a break at the moment.

What is special about your new album for you?

Petry: At this point everyone answers: This is the best album of my life. In fact, it’s not that bad at all.

The song “Fighters” was the first harbinger of the new album. How are you a fighter yourself?

Petry: I put fighters straight away with diligence. I am all of that.

You have already had a career of 45 years. What were the biggest highs and lows for you?

Petry: I had a so-called low point in 1990 when my record company at the time put me in front of the door. A few weeks later I published “Fall in love, lost, forgotten, forgive” for another company and it got off to a really good start. The highs far outweighed the lows.

Did the success also have its downsides? If so, what were they?

Petry: For me, the result of success has always been an abomination. That’s why I never allowed myself to be celebrated, for example gold awards, which I banned at the time. There are a lot of curiosities about these things in my new book.

On September 22nd you will celebrate your 70th birthday. How are you going to spend the day?

Petry: Certainly in a small group.

What do you wish for in the new year of your life?

Petry: That my whole family stays healthy and that I don’t run out of ideas for songs.

For some, 70 is just a number, others are troubled by age. How do you deal with aging?

Petry: Since I eat a very healthy diet and do a lot of sport, I don’t feel my age at all. Feels like 47 years.

What have you planned for the rest of your life?

Petry: To be 100 years old.

When would the point be reached for you to turn your back on the stage?

Petry: I already turned my back on the stage in 2006. I only get in touch with music every now and then.

The music and events industry in particular has suffered a lot from the restrictions of the corona pandemic. What do you think of the 3G rules for concerts?

Petry: There have been 3G events and after that there have been a lot of positive testers. Even with 2G, I would still be careful to stand very close together. But honestly, who knows exactly?

Last year you said in an interview that, on the whole, the German government did a very good job during the pandemic. Do you still see it that way?

Petry: I still think so today. Even highly praised countries like Israel are now in a worse position than we are here in Germany. And if not everyone wants to be vaccinated, one cannot blame Mr. Spahn.

Her son Achim gave up his self-employment as a musician because of the corona pandemic. How bad did that affect you?

Petry: When my son came up with the idea of ​​working at a gas station, I was overcome with boundless pride. That showed me that he didn’t just want to lie in a gold bed, but wanted to buy his own bed. Great!