Since 2008, SPD politician Ralf Stegner has been sharing music tips online almost every day. For his 65th birthday, we asked him a few questions – and asked for song titles as answers.
Mr. Stegner, have you ever talked to Chancellor Olaf Scholz about music?
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” (Rod Stewart)
Bad mood, bad polls: How does the traffic light coalition sound?
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (Ennio Morricone)
Seriously: will the traffic lights still be a thing?
“Miracles happen” (Nena)
The song about the current situation in your party? It used to be better…
“Life Is a Rollercoaster” (Ronan Keating)
Things went well in Brandenburg, with the SPD finishing just ahead of the AfD in the state elections. Your soundtrack to victory?
“Go Your Own Way” (Fleetwood Mac)
Will Scholz actually become chancellor again?
“Many Rivers to Cross” (Joe Cocker)
Wouldn’t another SPD candidate for chancellor, say Boris Pistorius, be more promising?
“So Far Away” (Dire Straits)
Friedrich Merz tries to drive the traffic lights ahead of him. What does the CDU leader hear from you?
“The Great Pretender” (Freddie Mercury)
What song can we play for your 65th birthday on October 2nd?
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” (Jackie Wilson)
Her daily music tips on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are legendary. What song did it start with?
“Caroline” (Status Quo), on October 18, 2008
Which song always works – forever?
“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (Monty Python)
The first record you bought with your own money?
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (Elton John)
And your first live concert?
“Everything is clear on the Andrea Doria” (Udo Lindenberg)
On October 3rd you appear with BSW chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht at a peace demonstration in Berlin, which is also met with incomprehension. What do you say to your critics?
“Against the Wind” – Bob Seger
Last question: The best bouncer?
“It’s All Over Now Baby Blue” (Them)
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.
