Peter Maffay: Honor for his life’s work at Goldener Henne

He has been on stage and filling concert halls for more than half a century, hits like his version of “You have to go over seven bridges” have cult status – just like Peter Maffay (75) himself. The singer has also been using his fame for many years, to use his foundation to help disadvantaged children and young people. He will be honored for his life’s work at the Golden Hen on November 15th.

For the 30th time, the prize will be awarded to the most popular entertainers, musicians, actors and athletes – but also for social commitment and special achievements. This year the honorary award goes to Maffay, according to a press release. “With Peter Maffay we are honoring a music legend, an artist with a strong and distinctive voice and social commitment,” says a statement from host Stefan Kobus.

Since his breakthrough in 1970 with the hit “Du”, Maffay has released 21 number one albums and has sold 55 million records. Since the 1980s he has used his fame for social projects. In 2000 he founded the Peter Maffay Foundation, which annually offers around 1,800 disadvantaged, sick and traumatized children a place of refuge in holiday facilities in Germany (including the Tabalugahaus Gut Dietlhofen), Spain and Romania.

Not only Peter Maffay will light up the award stage, but also show acts such as Roland Kaiser (72), Wincent Weiss (31), violin virtuoso David Garrett (44), Max Giesinger (36) and Kerstin Ott (42). Revolverheld and the MDR Symphony Orchestra and the MDR Children’s Choir also provide musical highlights.

The Golden Hen will take place at the Leipzig Trade Fair – with around 4,500 public guests. The co-organizer MDR will broadcast the award ceremony, moderated by Florian Silbereisen (43) and Barbara Schöneberger (50), on November 15th from 8:15 p.m.