ACHIM REICHEL – DER SPIELER

Oliver Schwabe | Germany | 2024 | 57’ | OV

Achim Reichel has written music history, reinventing himself time and again, and for 60 years Reichel has been meeting the tastes of his audience, even if he never subordinates himself to any trends. His version of Krautrock was not understood in the 70s, but was performed to an overwhelmed audience in the sold-out Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in 2017. He introduced shanties and old poets to R ‘n’ B in the 70s. In 2021, his song »Aloah Heya He« became a TikTok hit in China – world music! The list goes on, the film accompanies him on tour, at soundcheck and backstage.

On Heligoland, he talks about his maritime origins and his philosophy of life, while he uses an off-day to review his career. Concert excerpts are supplemented with interviews and reviews of the musician’s 60-year career. Selected archive material shows an artist who has been successful for decades without losing his down-to-earth attitude.

Achim Reichel is an exceptional musician who has managed to be successful without making concessions. He has always been a curious, musical border-crosser who plays with ideas, genres and styles that not only surprise his audience, but also himself time and again.