April 21, 2006
"Caravan" #16/06 , Kazakhstan
Author: Nurai Mukades
Photo: Takhir Sasykov
Translated by beilie

I’ve got a lucky life

The ex-soloist of “Modern Talking” and the idol of 80-s Thomas Anders in his exclusive interview to “Caravan” named the reason of his break with Dieter Bohlen and told about his philosophical mindset and his feelings of being a father.

The main reason of the break of duo “Modern Talking”, which was popular in 80-s, was the characters’ incompatibility:

- For the continuous work it’s necessary to have common thought and feelings and to work in compliance with one rhythm. Otherwise there’ll be no partnership, and both sides will not be satisfied by the work, - Thomas Anders says.

And after 16 years two disco-leaders could not agree in views either during their attempt to unite again. In 2003 the legendary band broke up for the second time.

However, duo’s split didn’t make Dieter Bohlen’s songs less significant for Thomas. He loves them and includes them in his concerts. No matter how Bohlen may “pull the blanket on his side” and try to prove to the world that these songs were popular only because of his author’s talent, namely Thomas’ voice made “Brother Louie” and “Cheri Cheri Lady” sound as they were included in the Gold Collection of pop-music.

After the split of “Modern Talking” Thomas leaved to America and lived there from 1988 to 1991. He made up his mind there and rearranged himself for the solo career. Now the star is living in Germany, in Koblenz, on his motherland. Everyone was expecting him doing away with his past and performing under his real name – Bernd Weidung, but he didn’t do that. Too risky, ‘cause he is no one but Thomas Anders for his fans. And he’s been singing under this great disco-brand for more than 30 years!

It’s unfair to write Thomas off – because the love towards disco-style in 2000-s faces its rebirth. 80-s music becomes popular not only in CIS, but in European countries as well, where Anders is beloved and needed. Thomas determined the secret of today’s success of disco:

- The disco is based on the pleasant melody and nice music. And the 90-s has overloaded the songs with the hard rhythm, that’s why it’s difficult to sing them; they do not remain in one’s memory. And the people like harmony. That’s the law: it’s much easier to remember the melody than the rhythm.

Do not believe rumors; they’re made up by the utter fools!

I was wondered by the Thomas’ patience while answering the questions, which were asked for hundreds and thousands of times, for sure. He respects his fans, because he knows how tremendous was the fanaticism of the Soviet girls of 80-s towards “MT”! What’s to say – Thomas was one of my idols during my school years! I’ll remind you that it’s the second Anders’ visit to Almaty; he’s been here around 15 years ago, when the love towards “MT” was still fervent.

During the communication with Anders it doesn’t feel like “star pressing” – no one instructs you how to talk and no one weeds out the improper questions. Thomas is very tolerant towards Bohlen, his ex-partner in disco industry; he hasn’t ever talked about Bohlen badly or in haughty manner. The only question that caught him unawares was concerning his weak and strong sides of character. He suggested asking his assistants about it, because it’s easier to see from aside.

It’s remarkable that the singer regards the rumors about his personality with humor – of course, until it concerns his private life and family interests. It happens quite often, as Thomas thinks, when these rumors are devised by those around. Sometimes their scope amazes him: they’re able to make a mountain out of a molehill!

- At times I’m so astonished by the people that I even don’t know how to react! Still I never explode and only am at a loss – well, what’s to be done, if the waiter who told the yellow press the absurd information about me, or the hotel personnel who dig in my private stuff – just utter fools? That’s the only conclusion I can make. And the publications, which make me out a freakish and arrogant star, just amuse me.

Thomas was in Almaty for one day. He’s come with his devoted team – a manager and a Russian interpreter, who works with the singer in CIS. The organizers appointed the bodyguards to look after him in order to prevent fanatic girls from tearing him to pieces.

Right after the arrival Anders called home to ask, how his son was getting on. Alexander was playing the baseball and wondered why his Dad was absent. He asked, how far was Daddy, and if he would kick a ball strongly, would his Dad catch it?

Thomas explained the son that there’s no ball that can fly that far. Ve-ery, very far!

Before the interview he went for lunch in the white limousine. He didn’t make experiments and ate his favorite – a filleted chicken.

- Your residence time in Almaty is quite short. What will you do before the performance?

- I need some rest and relaxation before the concert; I didn’t sleep enough. We arrived very late and got up with the lark, awakened by the lumbering construction works behind the hotel’s window. I’d like to have massage, and I made an appointment for 6 o’clock to make it. I like the clear schedule. Before the concert I’ll visit the concert stage for sound check. And after the concert I’ll go to airport.

- Dieter Bohlen had much jitters and even, as people say, got the stomach ulcer during the split of “Modern Talking”. He covered your name in mud in every single interview! And we, your fans, didn’t understand – who is right and who is wrong? Tell me, do you like to remember MT period?

- This is my past, my splendid experience with the work. I cannot say I remember it often, but I respect this tandem. My work and life is going on, I record CDs and just enjoy the new period of my life. I have recorded the last CD where my fans can see my true attitude towards music. I included in it my favorite songs and arranged and stylized them in a different way. This is Culture Club with their “Do you really want to hurt me?” and Whitesnake with “Is this love?” In short, it’s a fount of musical culture of 80-s and 90-s!

It’s not necessary to show off your love.

- Your girl-fans were jealous about your remarkable chain “NORA”, that you wore being the soloist of MT. Why nowadays your neck is not decorated by the golden chain with the name of your second wife, Claudia?

- After a number of years you come to understand that the external attributes, such as the chain with the name of beloved wife, do not reflect the internal state and do not declare about your love and happiness. On that moment, 16 years ago, it was my attitude towards Nora and an original fancy accessory as well, and nothing more. Now I don’t feel the need in wearing the attributes with the name of my second wife.

- Your fans were surprised by your parting with Nora. What kind of relationship do you have with your former wife nowadays?

- We demonstrate some signs of attention to each other from time to time; we exchange Christmas cards and birthday congratulations. Sometimes we afford ourselves short SMS-messages. But we don’t call each other often and do not make visits either. We both have very rich lives, our own families and cares.

- What does it mean to be a father? Can you share some impressions...?

- It’s an indescribable feeling; it’s difficult to tell about the feelings when you see your own child growing at home. It’s so amazing to be a father! It’s something brand new, which had never happened before! However, from the other hand, it’s difficult to make comparisons if one didn’t experience it yet. Because you don’t know what did you lose and what did you fail to learn. But if the man becomes a father, it’s just wonderful, with no doubts!

After the interview Thomas posed before the camera with pleasure. Nevertheless, he didn’t take off his sunglasses. He explained that the sun in Almaty was too bright, and his eyes were ailing because of that. Well, we understand the reason: he didn’t have his sleep out...

Thomas Anders didn’t disappoint us; he is tolerant, kind, patient and charming. Regardless of rumors about the star’s lack of organization (this rumor was obviously spread out by his ex-colleague Bohlen) Thomas made an impression of the punctual person. It was necessary to arrange with him about an interview beforehand, in order for him to include it in his residence time in the country. He comes to the meeting with journalists in time.

And the rumor about the careless attitude of ex-“Modern” towards music – they say, it’s just a hobby for the late mayor’s son, - was wrong as well. Thomas assured us that the music for him was everything: both the way to earn money and the pleasure.

It’s worth to pay attention to the wisdom of the Disco King – he calls upon to enjoy each moment of life, because you don’t know, what would happen in the future.

- You have to learn how to find the positive moments in each situation; and stop thinking of opposition – this is good, and this is bad. Try to think in a positive way! If I were to conceive a desire, I’d ask to repeat my life once again. It was truly successful!