Achim Mentzel: The Unconventional German Schlager Star
Achim Mentzel was a German singer, television host, and carpenter whose unique blend of Schlager music and working-class charisma made him a beloved figure in East and later unified Germany. His 1995 album "Ich mag" became a surprise multi-platinum success, selling over 1.5 million copies and cementing his status as a cult icon of German pop culture.
Early career
Born in 1946 in Greifswald, Achim Mentzel initially trained and worked as a carpenter. His musical journey began in the 1970s within the East German cultural system, where he performed with bands like Die Fichten and later formed Achim Mentzel und die Fichten. His early releases on the state-owned AMIGA label showcased his rough-hewn vocal style and humorous, down-to-earth lyrics, setting him apart from more polished Schlager contemporaries.
Breakthrough
Mentzel's true national breakthrough came after German reunification with his 1995 album "Ich mag". Released on the independent label Buschfunk, the album's lead single, a cover of the traditional song "Hejo, spann den Wagen an," became an inescapable radio hit. The album's massive, unexpected success led to platinum and eventually multi-platinum certifications, proving the enduring appeal of his authentic persona in a changing music industry.
Key tracks
Hejo, spann den Wagen an — This folk song cover was the smash single from "Ich mag" that dominated airwaves and propelled the album to multi-platinum status.
Ich mag — The album's title track became an anthem for his straightforward, everyman philosophy and a staple of his live performances for years.
Zwei weiße Tauben — A later hit that demonstrated his consistent ability to craft simple, melodic Schlager songs that resonated with a broad audience.
Following the phenomenal success of "Ich mag," Mentzel maintained a prolific career, releasing numerous albums like "Mein Lebenslauf" and "Alles klar!" He became a familiar television face, hosting popular shows such as "Mentzel musiziert" and "Mentzels Hitparade," where he collaborated with artists across the German music spectrum. His style remained firmly rooted in accessible, guitar-driven Schlager and volkstümliche Musik, never straying far from the blue-collar image that defined him.
Fans of Achim Mentzel's brand of German Schlager might also enjoy the music of Gitte Hænning for her powerful vocal delivery and long-standing career. The cheerful, family-friendly approach of Heino shares a similar broad appeal within the genre. For another artist who successfully transitioned from East German to national fame, explore Nina Hagen, though her style ventures into punk and avant-garde. The work of Die Flippers offers a more polished but equally popular take on classic German Schlager music.
Achim Mentzel's distinctive voice and catalog of hits ensure his music remains in regular rotation on German Schlager and classic pop radio stations across the nation. His songs are fixtures on stations dedicated to evergreen hits and volkstümliche Musik, connecting with listeners who appreciate his genuine, unfiltered artistic personality.
The music of Achim Mentzel, the iconic German Schlager carpenter, continues to be broadcast on the network of radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Listeners can easily discover his timeless hits or enjoy his classic albums by tuning into the various German pop and Schlager stations available on our platform.
