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Peter Maffay: My wife does incredible things at home

He is on the road 250 days a year

He is Germany's most successful rock star and constantly on the go. Nevertheless, Peter Maffay always takes the time to help needy children. His own family is sometimes too short. We talked to the singer about this difficult balancing act ...

How often do you travel the year for the music and children? Peter Maffay: Around 250 days. And that for 40 years. I can not help it. I can not rest or do nothing at all. When I take off my jacket, I am happy and know that I'm on the right track. Do your wife and son sometimes accompany you? Peter Maffay: Yes, but that is very rare. Yaris (7, red.) Is better if he has his place. And most of all peace. The professional world has its own pace. Is not your son sad to see you so seldom? Peter Maffay: Of course he is. He suffers the most. But then I explain to him that there are other children who need me. The solution to the problem lies in such conversations. I feel Yaris can understand me better then. How do you deal with that? Peter Maffay: Of course I miss him too. But everything has two sides. Luckily I have my wife and dear friends whom I can rely on. Only through them is it possible for me to travel six weeks straight. They are my base. It is your fourth marriage. Do you still believe in eternal love? Peter Maffay: Yes! Tanja and I imagine that it could work. I enjoy having her by my side. I am very grateful to her.

For what? Peter Maffay: For taking care of our son and everything around him with a lot of love, responsibility and drive. Sometimes it is unbelievable what it does. They are a well-rehearsed team ... Peter Maffay: Yes, but you can not rest on that. You have to be careful and never lose your common level. Despite the huge success, you never lost sight of children in need. Where does your great commitment come from? Peter Maffay: When I was 14 years old, I knew that I did not just want to make music, but also want to help. I myself experienced my childhood in Romania and under dictatorial conditions. And I know what it means to be discriminated against. Unfortunately, children are the weakest in our society. With music you can reach a lot of people emotionally and draw attention to many abuses. I use that.

In the meantime 400 traumatized children and adolescents come to your finca on Mallorca every year. .. Peter Maffay: Especially for them it is important to get out, to have a different perspective, to draw new life courage. The change of location, the holiday in the south and the handling of the animals helps them.

How did you manage to stay on the ground despite the great success? Peter Maffay: I've never had the mentality to take off. I've always seen the stage as an exaltation that even the last listener in the hall can see me. But never to stand above other people.

What can you advise as an experienced musician for young artists like Lena? Peter Maffay: It is dangerous to give other people good advice. Everyone has their own way and must find it. You have to hear a lot about yourself - your own feelings, your creativity, your curiosity. Nobody can look into your soul as deeply as you do. You should trust in that. It is both a curse and a blessing if, like Lena, you are so well known and successful out of nowhere. The expectations are extreme. You need luck and perseverance to handle everything. You have to do the long distance, not the sprint. I wish Lena that she reaches her destination. She certainly has the potential to do so.

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