Ben Zucker became a star with pop rock. In the interview he talks about unforgettable live moments – and reveals his private playlist.
The world keeps turning and the pop world keeps turning with it. Ben Zucker (41) embodies a new generation of pop musicians. The electric guitars can also roar along with the distinctive grater voice – the main thing is that the emotional message reaches the audience.
The musician celebrated his big breakthrough in 2017 with an appearance in Florian Silbereisen’s (43) “Schlagercountdown”, in which he brought his first single “So what?!”, a defiant and rocking love ballad, to the big stage. His mixture of pop, pop and rock, which he continued in other hits such as “Was für ein geil Zeit” or “Towards the Sun”, proved to be an absolute recipe for success. Just a few years later, the singer and composer can look back on four albums, all of which reached the top of the charts and achieved gold and platinum status multiple times.
One day after the start of his current tour, Ben Zucker is offering his fans today, October 18th, an expanded new edition of his last album “Today not!” from 2023 a special gift: In addition to five new bonus tracks, he is releasing live versions of his biggest hits for the first time on “Today not! Tour Edition”.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he talks about his love for live shows and his balancing act between pop and rock.
On your new album “Not Today! Tour Edition” you present 12 of your songs as live recordings. How do the live tracks differ from the regular album versions?
Ben Zucker: My live versions are often rearranged for my fans. There are different parts where the fans sing along, the songs sound more rocky and the instruments can be heard more clearly. We approach it very creatively and freely, but always in such a way that every song can be experienced in the way that the fans have learned to appreciate it.
Your concerts are often very emotional – which live moments have impressed you the most so far?
Zucker: Each of my concerts is a potpourri of numerous moments and therefore very emotional for everyone involved. When I invited and moderated Bonnie Tyler at my final concert in what was then the Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2019 and we then sang together, that will never be forgotten.
You’ll be back on a big arena tour from mid-October to the end of November – is there something you’re missing when you’re not on stage for a while?
Zucker: The stage is my home, where I like to be next to my private retreat. When I’m not on stage, what I miss most is my fans.
Your new single “There’s still light in front” is bursting with strength and optimism. – Where do you get your confidence from? And how confident are you about next year?
Zucker: This is one of my most fundamental attitudes in life. I’m always optimistic, confident and, above all, I’m always looking forward. I’m looking forward to next year and we have big plans, but for now it’s all about my upcoming arena tour.
Your musical roots lie in rock music; today you are considered a rock and pop singer. Do you always find the balancing act between the two genres easy?
Zucker: Yes, that’s very easy for me. In the end it’s about music. If I can make people feel emotionally touched, then I have done my homework and that can also be across genres.
Could you imagine being on stage at Wacken Open Air at some point?
Zucker: I’m honestly not sure. This would have to be thought through very carefully conceptually. I have a lot of respect for the metal scene. You can’t just walk in the door and join in just because you sound rockin’.
What music do you currently listen to most privately?
Sugar: This varies all the time. At the moment something between Wanda and John Mayer, up to Silverchair and finally Juliane Werding.
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.
