ESC participants
It started in the Black Forest – singer Max Mutzke remembers

Always with a hat: Max Mutzke has written a book about himself. (Archive photo) Photo
© Christoph Soeder/dpa
In 2004 the musician Max Mutzke made his first appearance on a big stage. Two decades later, it is time for him to write an autobiography.
Mutzke made his first appearance on a big stage at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2004 with the title “Can’t Wait Until Tonight” written by Stefan Raab. At that time he reached eighth place in the music competition. This year he wanted to represent Germany again, but had to give way to the singer Isaak for the ESC final in Malmö. Isaak then came 12th.
Why is Mutzke looking back? The idea for the book was brought to him from outside, the artist tells the German Press Agency in an interview. “”It would be totally worth it to show people who you really are”” – that was the tip. “Your childhood in the mix with what you have otherwise experienced is so complex and special.””
“A total ride”
The musician, who lives with his family in the Black Forest, got to work: “Contrary to all expectations, I actually wrote the book myself,” he reports. It was “a total ride,” but it straightened out a lot of things in his life. Co-author Kira Brück is the architect of the book; she structured the chapters. The author, whose real name is Maximilian Nepomuk Mutzke, has already written a children’s book.
20 years ago Max Mutzke slipped into color television
The singer, known as Hat Wearer, has been making music since he was six years old. At the age of eleven he began performing at concerts at school and in the village. Twenty years ago he moved from the Black Forest “to color television”. He has now opened his eyes when he stands on stage: “That’s why I actually notice all the people,” he writes.
His recipe for success: confidence and an almost naive optimism. His favorite music remains soul. In the book, which the publisher says will be released this Wednesday (October 9), Mutzke often breaks away from the biographical pattern and explains his values. These include his attitude to raising children – and to money.
Difficult chapter about the mother
The chapter about his mother, who died early, was particularly difficult for him. The actress was an alcoholic. His family intervened and the siblings ultimately accepted the text. “I didn’t want anything to break in my family,” sums up Mutzke. “We got things into calmer waters.”