“A real lighthouse”: Leslie Mandoki dedicates moving lines to his “most reliable, best friend” Peter Maffay on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
With 20 number one albums and more than 50 million records sold, Peter Maffay is one of the most successful German-speaking musicians. On the occasion of his 75th birthday on August 30, his long-time friend and companion, music star Leslie Mandoki (71), dedicated some moving words to him in a letter to the news agency spot on news.
Biographies are closely linked
“We have much more in common than ‘musician friends’ usually do,” Mandoki begins. “Our biographies are closely intertwined, because our fathers shared the same mother tongue and we both found a home in Germany at a young age, far away from our country of birth.” Mandoki fled from Hungary to Germany in 1975, Maffay fled from Romania with his family in 1963.
“As an artist committed to humanistic ideals, you show a clear stance and do not hold back with your opinion, even if it may be uncomfortable from time to time,” Mandoki continues. “In this respect, you are a real beacon for me, who stands up for what you believe is right, who stands up against what you believe is wrong and who, of your own accord, designs, builds and supports where you think it is important and meaningful, who also lives these attitudes and values yourself and creates light where it is dark.”
All of this applies “to music as well as to your broad social and community involvement and especially to your wonderful and unique foundation. What an impressive life’s work of honesty, responsibility and humanity!” praises Mandoki. Maffay has been committed to helping traumatized children and social inclusion for many years, including in his home country of Romania.
“A unique artist and the most reliable best friend”
“For most people, you are the most successful German singer, for me you are also a unique, holistic artist and role model for younger generations, a truly brilliant music maker.” As the only German musician alongside Till Brönner (53), he finds the greatest respect and musical recognition among the Soulmates, not only as a singer, but also as a guitarist in the studio and on stage. Mandoki founded his heart’s project, the Mandoki Soulmates, in 1992. The all-star band brings together a who’s who of rock in a changing line-up. After their only German concert at the Munich Residenz in August, the band is currently touring the USA.
For Mandoki personally, Maffay is “the most reliable, best friend.” “Our first meeting over 40 years ago, the shared risk and mutual trust, has over the decades, as you said on my last birthday, grown into ‘a stately tree. And the friendship into a community of life.'” A tree with deep roots that provides stability and support even in stormy times. “Such a friendship is a unique gift, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
On his special day, he wishes him above all good health and “many, many wonderful years with your family and friends. For me, it is an honorable privilege to be able to count myself among your friends,” he concludes his congratulatory letter.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
