June, 12, 2006
Yekaterinburg, Russia

The report about press-conference of Thomas Anders in Yekaterinburg. June, 12, 2006.

Four years ago (on March, 22, 2002) Thomas as a member of MT has visited Yekaterinburg for the first time. On June, 12, 2006 he has visited the capital of Ural region for the second time. This time concerts in Yekaterinburg and Tyumen were organized by a production and concert center “Profile” (Yekaterinburg).

The day before, on June, 11, in 23.00 Thomas’ band arrived to the city together with all equipment, and Mr. Anders himself flied in from Germany late at night. There was an easy passage in airport, organized specially for him – all important papers were adjusted for 5 minutes. Everyone – Thomas himself, his manager Lutz-Rainer, musicians and technicians (totally 11 people) were lodged in the recently built hotel “Voznesensky”, which is placed in historical part of the city near to an old and picturesque park. Thomas was provided with two-roomed first-class, and others received more simple rooms. Thomas refused from having breakfasts, lunches or dinners outside the hotel, so the meals were brought to his room right from the restaurant “Caliph”.

In the morning of 12th Thomas didn’t go out, having his sleep out. The press-conference was appointed for 3 o’clock in the afternoon; it took place in the hotel, and Thomas appeared wearing blue jeans and shirt, with a sweater tied above. He was fresh and rested, being elated. The conference was planned for 40 minutes.

Thomas: Good morning, hello!

Thomas, does your son show any musical abilities?
In two weeks my son will be only 4. Neither I nor Claudia knows what kind of life course would be chosen by Alexander. Now it’s too early to talk about it. As all kids, he likes singing and dancing. Of course, sometimes he sits down near the huge piano, but it’s too early to make any conclusions right now.

Thomas, you have a house on Ibiza, but you go to work there, as usual. Did you ever have a real rest there, visiting clubs?
I don’t visit clubs. I like just resting on Ibiza. I visit clubs once in five years. Maybe, I’m too old for it? Clubbing life starts at 3 o’clock in the morning and finishes at 7-8 o’clock. On that exact time my son usually asks me to play with him (laughing), that’s why I don’t visit clubs.

Do you have a life credo?
I have several mottos to follow. The most important is to talk to people. If someone says “no”, it can truly mean “no”, but you have to work at self-improvement and try to make say “yes” those who said “no” before. The most important thing is to obtain needed result by means of persuasion.

There’s a conviction that Thomas Anders is very composed and imperturbable person. Can anything drive you crazy?
Yes, I’m very composed. I want people to respect me and I respect them, my work, my fans and journalists. I think that it’s the most important thing in life, and it makes me so imperturbable. It is so wonderful to have such a life and such a work!

There’s a holiday in Russia today; it celebrates an Independence Day. Does your visit contemporize with it occasionally? What do you think of Russian Independence Day?
Independence from what? (laughing) Frankly speaking, I think that every country has a holiday like that. It’s very important. I’m so lucky to be independent! You have to fight for your own independence during the whole life, and if you win, you’re truly happy.

Thomas, did you keep up with Eurovision results, and what do you think of Russian singer?
Yes, of course. I was in Hamburg at that time as a guest of big TV-show, watching everything during the live broadcasting in the studio. I remember well the performance of Russian artist; he performed with a big piano. This song was very good, and it received the second prize fairly. I liked it personally; it corresponds with my musical taste. I think that the top of Eurovision hit parade should have been occupied by Sweden and Russia. And what about Finnish performance, we can discuss it for a long-long time...

Are there some modern singers Thomas would note specially? Who has an excellent musical future, in your opinion?
There’re plenty of them. I like to listen to good music very much. I like those who don’t make huge shows on the stage. The most important thing is voice. If a song is really good, but the voice is awful, the song’s quality wouldn’t save it. I like different musical styles: music of Michael Buble, Nickelback, Nancy Wilson, chill-out music.

What are you expecting from tonight’s show? Can you tell us in full?
It will be a great show! (laughing) You know, the show I make in Germany differs from the one I make in tours, even in a world tour. I even work with different musicians in Germany and here, during the tour. I know very well that people wait for MT music, and it is absolutely right. Of course, I’ll perform these hits. But it will be my show, where I will sing not only Modern Talking songs, but the songs from the last album of Thomas Anders as well. In the framework of one concert we’ll have a special song mixture, including different musical genres – ballads and dancing compositions. I invite everyone to the show! There’ll be 1,5 hours of songs, which you know very well. Today you’ll have a perfect chance to see everything with your own eyes! I think that “This Time” is a good program, because you can hear the old hits and the new ones.

Thomas, are you planning to continue working with EDEL Records, and why did you choose this company?
Yes, I’m planning it. However, it doesn’t relate to me personally, the choice was made by my manager.

What does an ordinary Thomas Anders’ day in Germany look like?
Work, work and work! I wake up as everyone, early in the morning, between 7.30 and 8.00 o’clock. In 9.00 I go to office. I’d like to tell that there’re two Thomas Anders’ lives – private and public (I mean my work). In 9.30 I come to office, check my e-mail, call different people and communicate closely with my managers. I’m not the one who sits at home and listens to his manager, who is mentioning the performing dates. Of course, I have my private life, and the time when I compose melodies and appreciate new creative ideas is a part of it. I regret that there’re only 24 hours a day, because I don’t have enough time for everything. For example, sometimes I have to solve some financial questions: pay bills, meet with my lawyers... I have truly a lot of work.

Thomas, you were conferred the rank of professor in Kiev’s University of Culture and Fine Arts. What are you planning to teach your students, and how much is it important for you?
Yes, it is true. But I don’t have time for it. I can afford myself visiting Kiev once a year for master-class. It doesn’t correspond with my lifestyle.

Does Thomas Anders, having such a hard working schedule, have any means to buck up and get rid of fatigue? Are you depressed sometimes?
Depression and bad mood is not the same for me. Depression is a disease. I try not to slump, and the mood, be it bad or good, depends on my activities: if I pay my bills or communicate with those who do not understand me at all, having no idea of what do I need in life. But the most important for me is to be healthy and to start every single morning in good spirits and full of energy. There’re millions of people who are not as lucky as I am, and who cannot live the same way as I do. I’d like all of them to be happy as well.

If there would be a possibility to turn back time, would you like to change anything in your past?
No. It’s better not to look back; just look at the future. The past is your mistakes that can teach you, and the future is the things you’re living for right now. One shouldn’t doubt anything in his life; just let the life go on. I’m totally satisfied.

What books does Thomas Anders read?
I don’t have much time for reading, but in the summer I prefer easy fiction, that doesn’t need too much thinking about. My favorite writer is Peter Maile; I take his books to my tours and read them during long journeys. Such a pity that it’s the only time for me to read...

After the press-conference Thomas willingly posed before cameras, gave out autographs and took pictures with everyone who had such a desire.