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Editor's visit
At the editorial visit in Hamburg, Udo Jürgens (76) spoke as openly as ever about aging.
They sing about love again on their new album ... Udo Jürgens: ... and do not talk to a single person. Only love! I am indebted to her because she has enriched my life. I fell in love many times and it often went wrong. But I was never angry, but grateful for this time.
How is it today? Udo Jürgens: Today I am old. And that makes it easier for me because I'm no longer dependent on love. As a young person I was addicted to eroticism and recognition. That is different today, because I have become reasonable.
What do you mean by that? Udo Jürgens: I am filled with a greater peace and quiet at the age, which makes it easier for me to concentrate on the essentials. In the 60s and 70s, hell was still going on, and I neglected the music to meet with women in bars. Today, on the other hand, I have more peace and strength to compose.
That sounds almost like a declaration of love to the aging. Udo Jürgens: Why not? Age gives us wonderful years, and I enjoy every moment of it. But why are many people afraid of that? Udo Jürgens: Because age is often treated as a disease in our country. A person who gets older is often seen by society as ill just because the steps are getting harder and things are not going so well anymore. But you can defend yourself by living the last phase of your life consciously.
How should this work? Udo Jürgens: You have to be in harmony with yourself and your age and recognize the age. Because even when the body breaks down, we gain wisdom over the years. If one can no longer keep up with the youth in terms of strength, one has to think about thinking. Then you can experience many wonderful years. And then you can grow old in dignity, as I just notice.
They are still working at 76. What do you advise people who suddenly retire at age 65? Udo Jürgens: That even at the age of 65 it is still early enough to make your own decisions. No matter how old you are, you can still change your life. You just have to have the courage! For example, if you are dissatisfied with your apartment, then you should change that, maybe look for something in the countryside! And I also advise all older people: Go get involved in discussions with young people. Even such small things prevent us from falling into this old age. We all want to enjoy life ...
... as you do in your role as Grandpa. Udo Jürgens: Yes, and I think it's wonderful. An infinite and deep love connects me with my children Jenny and Jonny. And that John has children with his Korean wife is great. Asian grandchildren are great! Jasmin (12) and Dennis (11) are friendly, intelligent and bright. And also the little Lilly (1) is really cute and sweet!
How is Udo Jürgens as a grandfather? Udo Jürgens: Not as you might imagine. I'm not a fairy tale-telling grandpa with a beard, where you just "park" the grandchildren over the weekend. It does not work for me, because we all have our own lives. Nevertheless, we have a close telephonic contact and visit us if time permits.
Professionally, you have already achieved everything. But could you imagine a duet with Germany's Schlager-Princess Helene Fischer? Udo Jürgens: Absolutely. She sings excellently and looks adorable as well. Of course we would have to see how it fits in musically and lyrically, but it's imaginable from the vocals.
