German comedian and musician Helge Schneider, now 70 years old, persists in creating music and disseminating random talk.
Helge Schneider Turns 70: A Legendary Career in Music, Comedy, and Film
Helge Schneider, a beloved German comedian, director, writer, and musician, celebrates his 70th birthday on August 30, 2021. Known for his absurd, anarchic humor, Schneider began his career as a jazz musician in the 70s and has since become a household name in Germany.
Over the past five decades, Schneider has performed thousands of shows, showcasing his passion for improvisation. His album "Es gibt Reis, Baby" (1993) contained the hit song "Katzeklo," and in 2013, his album "Sommer, Sonne, Kaktus!" reached number one on the charts.
Schneider's versatility extends beyond music. He has directed several films, including "Texas – Doc Snyder Holds the World in Suspense," "00 Schneider – Jagd auf Nihil Baxter," "Praxis Dr. Hasenbein," "Jazzclub – Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm," and the documentary "The Klimperclown" (2024/2025), which he co-directed with Sandro Giampietro.
"The Klimperclown" is currently available in cinemas and the media library since early August 2021. The film features old photos and videos of Schneider with his two sisters and parents, offering a glimpse into his personal life. Schneider describes Spain as his second home in the film.
Helge Schneider's career took a significant leap in 1994 when he appeared on the popular German TV show "Wetten, dass..?" Introducing him to a TV audience of millions, the appearance solidified his status as a national treasure.
However, Schneider is critical of the internet and artificial intelligence, preferring a more organic and human approach to his art. He ended his own talk show on WDR in 2012 and stays fit by walking early in the morning.
Currently, Schneider is touring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with "A Man and His Music." He has also created a crime series featuring his alter ego, Kommissar Schneider, with the latest installment being "Stepptanz" (2023).
Despite turning 70, Schneider has no plans to celebrate. He previously stated he wouldn't celebrate again until his 100th. A true icon in the world of German entertainment, Schneider continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of music, comedy, and film.
