Date: 11 October 2024
Published in: Journal Lokal website (Germany)
Written by: Gregor Starosczyk-Gerlach and Oliver Gehrig
The 2024 Advent tour will take the British singer to Ingelheim
INGELHEIM – Kim Wilde is coming to Ingelheim in December. Here is an interview that the British singer gave ahead of the German tour “Wilder Winter Acoustic”.
Kim, you started your career in the early 1980s. People still love your songs like “Chequered Love”, “View from a Bridge” or “Cambodia”. How do you explain that?
The 80s were an incredibly creative time and my brother Ricky and my father Marty wrote great, catchy hits for me. These songs have stood the test of time and remind people of their youth, which is why they still like to listen to them.
What is more important to you: working in the studio or giving concerts?
Both are equally important to me… although I really love live performances these days. You are coming to Germany and Switzerland during Advent.
What will be different about the Wilde Winter Acoustic Tour than other concerts?
These acoustic shows are very intimate and we can show how good these songs are in their raw form. Three-part harmonies and two acoustic guitars sound amazing.
Please tell us a bit about the “Wilde Winter program”. What songs will be played?
We will play my hits of course, but also some well-known Christmas hits as well as songs from my album “Wilde Winter Songbook”. It is really fun to play this set.
Music is your first love, but we know there is another one… Gardening. Is it just a hobby or more? How much time do you spend in your garden?
My garden is probably in better shape than the inside of my house. I spend time in the garden almost every day when I am home, either for minutes or for hours. I love creating a safe space for wildlife while pursuing my passion for plants. I’m always learning and enchanted by nature in all its forms.
In January 2025 you will release a new album: “Closer”. It’s your first album since 2018. Can you tell us a bit about it?
“Closer” is inspired by my 1988 album “Close”, which was our most critically acclaimed and successful album of the 80s. Ricky and I wanted to create ten perfect pop songs that had the same variety as “Close” both musically and lyrically. The songs have been carefully developed over the past few years and both Ricky and I believe we have created an album that is equal to, if not surpasses, “Close”. But we’ll leave it up to you to judge.
Touring is a tough job. How do you prepare for it? Gymnastics? Diet? Mental health? Motivation?
I’m always ready to go on tour. I keep fit at the gym and eat healthy, although I don’t follow a special diet. I quit drinking alcohol almost ten years ago. The band and I perform all year round, so we are always prepared, but of course there will be extensive rehearsals.
There are a lot of problems in the world right now. What are your wishes for the future?
Despite the horror we see and hear every day, I still have hope and faith in humanity. There is a lot for all of us to do. Each of us should look where we can be a better person in our own lives. Especially through gardening, I have learned: “From small seeds, big things can grow.”
What do you think about your success in Germany and the German audience?
I have been coming to Germany since “Kids in America” and have a close connection with my German fans. We grew up together and I feel a lot of warmth and love from my German audience. I am incredibly grateful for all the success Germany has brought me over the years and am always happy to visit your beautiful homeland.
