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ACHIM REICHEL - The Player
Documentary film by Oliver Schwabe (D/2024/60min)
Broadcast 28.10.2024 / WDR
"Achim Reichel - Der Spieler" is a long overdue tribute to an artist and rock music pioneer who celebrated his 80th birthday in January 2024. Shortly afterwards, he unpacked his guitar once again for his big farewell tour.
Achim Reichel made music history with The Rattles, Wonderland and AR & Machines, constantly reinventing himself in the process. Time and time again, Reichel has met the tastes of his audience, even if he has never subordinated himself to short-lived trends.
His version of Krautrock was not understood in the 70s, but sold out the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg in 2017. He successfully rocks shanties and poetry. In 2021, his song "Aloah Heya He" conquered the whole of China thanks to TikTok. Reichel remains a likeable wanderer between musical genres.
The film accompanies the musician 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.
Keywords
Documentary film