Sportfreunde Stiller are back with a new single. Peter Brugger and Rüdiger Linhof talk about the reason for their time off.
The Sportfreunde Stiller made their big breakthrough in the early 2000s. Songs like “A Compliment” or “Applause, Applause” made the three Bavarian musicians famous. After their last album in 2016, however, it became quiet around Peter Brugger (49), Florian Weber (47) and Rüdiger Linhof (49). But now the Sportis, as fans like to call them, are back. This Friday (May 6th) her first single “I’m Alright” will be released after a break of about six years. But that’s not all: the long-awaited new album “Jeder nur ein X” will follow on September 16th.
It is not a matter of course that the Sportfreunde Stiller will appear together again. “For a long time we didn’t think we’d make another album,” admits bassist Rüdiger Linhof in a double interview with frontman Peter Brugger. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the musicians reveal the reason for their long break and how the comeback came about. The two also talk about depression, love and how the band Sportfreunde Stiller will continue.
Her new single is entitled “I’m Alright”. Are you currently doing well?
Rüdiger Linhof: Personally, I’m doing really well. I’m looking forward to the upcoming concerts. Especially after the first. Now I know we can still do it. But I’m a news junkie and networked with people who have a lot to do with Ukraine. That’s why I have a relatively good insight into what’s going on in the country. That worries me a lot. But despite everything that’s happening right now, you have to be able to be happy.
How about you, Mr Brugger?
Peter Brugger: I can only confirm what Rüdiger says. In the meantime, the current situation worries me. There is a feeling of heaviness, but also compassion. After two years of the pandemic, everyone had hope that life would get a little easier – and then this terrible war begins. But I look for moments of happiness and contentment. One wonders whether that is appropriate in these times. But I’ve come to the conclusion that it has to be.
Linhof: Yes, it has to be. It’s important that we remain confident in some form and have a good time.
Your new album will be released in September, the last one is from 2016. What has happened in the meantime?
Brugger: A lot has happened. There was radio silence in the band at first. We didn’t get along well when we finished live performances in 2017. We had different opinions and moved away from each other. That’s why we made the cut, we parted with a completely open ending. Everyone has either started other projects or retired into private life. About two years ago we made the decision to try it together again. We met, had our instruments with us – we wanted to talk and drink beer. But also to find out if we can get closer again. Then something nice happened: we created corona-free bubbles in which we made music together again. A new record was also made. We’ve come closer together again, have a better understanding of each other and feel like playing together again.
So you didn’t plan to record a new album at all? Did it happen by accident?
Linhof: For a long time we didn’t think we’d make another album. But there was something outrageous and funny about this corona-free bubble. We locked ourselves in an apartment together and made music because we were allowed to meet professionally. It wasn’t a rehearsal room, it was a room with normal windows. We sonicated a village. The first thing that came out was “I’m Alright” – and it’s now the first single.
The new album is entitled “Everyone just an X”. What’s the deal with the name?
Linhof: “Everyone only one cross” they say. The phrase comes from the Monty Python film “Brian’s Life”. For me it also stands for the album. Today each of us is offered various crosses, although sometimes one is enough. On the album we keep our positive attitude towards certain things. I don’t want to let that take me either. It’s a basic attitude, I can’t help it.
Brugger: We live in an open society and luckily we have a choice. I keep realizing how freely we can live. Although that was up for discussion during the pandemic. We have a choice in many moments. This openness also creates hope. I see that in our songs too. I don’t feel like sinking into a black hole at the end of a song.
That’s correct. There’s always hope in your songs – have you ever lost it?
Brugger: Sure, everyone has moments of depression or sadness. Then hope vanishes. But I’m lucky that a door keeps opening for me.
In “We’re hiring a guard” you address depression. Why do you think the disease is still taboo in society?
Lindhof: I don’t think it’s a taboo subject. Society has devoted itself to many topics in recent years – from gender to more tolerance towards other orientations. Mental illnesses exist and it is important to develop understanding and empathy for them. They are part of our reality and it is good to talk about them. The song is from a friend of Florian’s [Florian Weber, Schlagzeuger der Sportfreunde Stiller, Anm. d. Red.] inspired, who told about a phase of life. Flo sent him a few lines and that’s how the song came about. The older I get, the more often I find that I know people who have already been in a dark hole. But one must not claim to be able to pull the other out. That does not work. But you can be there for others.
Brugger: Depression and anxiety have a lot to do with powerlessness and withdrawal. In our society, only performance counts. Out of shame, many don’t open up. Depression should not be a sign of weakness. Actually, it is more of a sign of sensitivity and sensitivity. It has nothing to do with someone failing. But that he is overwhelmed or lonely.
In the song “Uphill!” address a couple going through a crisis. Have you ever experienced something like this and how do you deal with setbacks?
Brugger: There is nothing harder than maintaining a relationship. Especially if it’s a longer one. This includes crises. That’s something you have to understand. I celebrate couples who stay together long. Getting through difficult times together, getting back into communication. You can’t stop talking to each other and showing understanding for each other. Instead, keep reminding yourself what you have in each other and digging out the feelings again.
Linhof: It is normal for a relationship to have development cycles. You often get to a point where you don’t know how to relate to each other. But it’s important not to blame yourself – you shouldn’t measure yourself against someone who has just fallen in love. Instead just accept it as it is. There are ups and downs – that’s life. But it’s nice to remember what you’ve experienced and achieved together.
What is the place of love in your life right now?
Brugger: For me it’s what carries me. Friendships or a strong affection within the family. That’s the most important thing, I build everything on that. Love gives me freedom and inspiration.
Linhof: For me, love means being together – whether it’s a relationship, also with the children, or with friends. For me, love is a feeling that is connected to other things. A familiarity that carries you to certain points. Love has something dynamic for me.
You recently gave your first concert. How did it feel to be back in front of an audience?
Brugger: It was emotional and weird. Lots of memories came up while playing. What the songs mean to other people and what role they play in their lives – that’s really nice. I had to pull myself together on some tracks, I could hardly sing and really had to concentrate. We ended up getting drunk and playing songs we hadn’t even rehearsed. I was so surprised myself where these songs suddenly came from. If you had asked me beforehand, I would not have been able to tell you the lyrics. But when we started, he crawled out of some posterior convolution of his brain (laughs). I hope we continue to appreciate and celebrate all that we have. That we don’t get back into the old routine, but take care of ourselves. That we can experience everything again with a nice feeling.
Are there songs you don’t want to play anymore?
Linhof: For me, for example, it was “Seven Days, Seven Nights”. But I also think it’s important to relax. I just play it when the others want it. There’s something wonderful about being on stage and opening that little time capsule. Thanks to songs with which we connect stories. But we have to be careful not to burn out. Better to do a little less than too much.
There are a few concerts in the summer. Are you looking forward to getting started again?
Linhof: I was afraid of the first performance, an oppressive feeling spread. Two days earlier I woke up several times during the night after a devastating rehearsal. I was like, “Oh god, just a couple of gigs and then we have to play stadiums.” The next day I felt much better and the concert was great – now I’m looking forward to it.
Brugger: I really like it. A few weeks ago I couldn’t imagine playing Rock am Ring or Rock im Park at all. Also because for a long time it was not known whether festivals could take place at all. But luckily, life is returning after the pandemic. I’m happy to be part of it. Maybe we can clear some minds with our music.
Do you have certain rituals that you do before a concert?
Brügger: Flo and Rüdiger always insult each other (laughs). Since the worst swear words are unpacked. I just stand there and wonder. But apparently that releases the necessary energy.
Linhof: I don’t even notice it. We like to treat each other very badly – but in a funny way. We can make ourselves laugh with it.
You have had an Instagram account since September 2021. Why so late? And is social media already getting on your nerves?
Linhof: For me it is torturous to take care of Instagram, YouTube and Co. Of course, every single medium has potentially fascinating and artistically valuable elements. But you quickly get the impression that you have to be very present. Sometimes I think it’s nice to post something. But as soon as it becomes a duty, it sucks. So I try to balance it.
Brugger: That applies to everything. As soon as it becomes mandatory, it gets a stale aftertaste. Social media has endless possibilities. I understand that young people deal with this. It has great appeal. At the same time, it is dangerous because it has a high potential for addiction and takes up valuable time. But sometimes it’s really fun.
Do you already have plans for how things will continue after the summer of touring and the release of the album?
Brugger: Not at all. I can only think until the next concert. I learned that from football: Only the next game counts. I want to absorb, enjoy and appreciate everything. I wish it stays harmonious. We’re being very respectful and open with each other right now, I appreciate that. Even if the stress level increases, we have to keep it that way.
Linhof: I don’t plan that far in advance either. I’m just trying to get summer vacation. Otherwise there are a lot of appointments – so I don’t have any time to think about the future. I just jump in with a running start.