On September 27th, the musician and moderator Tobias Pötzelsberger, also known as Tobias Poetzelsberger, will be releasing a music album. This is not his first album as Pötzelsberger has been making music for many years. He released a teaser from the album on May 24th of this year titled „Carry You“, a heartfelt exploration of fatherhood accompanied by drums and guitars. In the song, Poetzelsberger sings about the challenges of parenting, reflecting on the idea that „You wouldn’t grow, if I carried you“. The drums gently push the song forward, while the electric guitars try not to wake the sleeping child.
Now, Poetzelsberger follows up with „Play It Cool“. The video for the second single release takes place on a tennis court. Tobias Pötzelsberger (accompanied by lovely piano notes) sets down his handbag and sits on the old player’s bench, where a guitar awaits him instead of a racket. He then strums the guitar gently, with a touch of emotion and a slightly dreamy look. The message of the song is that those who fail often can handle it well, making life not seem so tough. As the ZiB moderator continues to play music, the actor, podcaster, comedian, and amateur tennis player Manuel Rubey tries to hit the ball over the net. Clearly making an effort and not entirely skilled, he practices his baseline game. His forehand appears more stable than his backhand.
It’s no coincidence that Pötzelsberger chose a tennis court as the setting for his music. Tennis has been a significant part of Pötzelsberger’s life for a few years now, as stated in the press release. He finds inspiration in the sport, especially when he defeats Manuel Rubey on the court. The actor is his preferred playing partner, and they get along well off the court too. When asked who wins or loses more sets on the court, Rubey mentions, „Let’s say: It’s amazing how bad we are, despite investing so much. And we both rejoice at a point for the other, as if it were our own.“ This shows their fair play.
Rubey leaks music video In a sporting manner, Pötzelsberger takes it in stride that Rubey made a significant blunder: he accidentally released the joint video for „Play It Cool“ ahead of schedule, when the official release was planned for the following week. Not intentional, of course. „We may have communicated a little poorly,“ said the ORF moderator in a recent Instagram video where he provided an „official explanation“. „The world is sometimes shaped by leaks,“ begins the 41-year-old in a serious tone, similar to his ZIB style. Now he has also become a victim of a leak – and the singing journalist won’t let that slide. „I want to put the leaker on the internet’s pillory,“ emphasizes Pötzelsberger, looking into the camera. „None other than the famous actor Manuel Rubey himself.“
However, it becomes clear that the video should be seen with a sense of humor when Pötzelsberger refers to Rubey as a „dear friend“ in the same breath. Normally, leaks lead to lawsuits, as Pötzelsberger reminds the Instagram community (and Rubey) with a less serious tone, but in this case, he will graciously overlook it. „There is no room between Manuel and me,“ the Upper Austrian says, dispelling any rumors of a rift between them. He even appreciates the leak and acknowledges that it came at the right time, thanking Rubey in the end. „I look forward to our next game – where you will let me win.“ Can we expect a rematch?
In addition to the upcoming album release, Tobias Poetzelsberger & Band have scheduled several live performances in various locations. Fans can catch them on the following dates: September 26, 2024 at Posthof Linz, September 27, 2024 at Rockhouse Salzburg, October 3, 2024 at Porgy & Bess Vienna (Bluebird Special), October 12, 2024 at Kunstbox Seekirchen am Wallersee, November 7, 2024 at Orpheum Graz, November 8, 2024 at Bühne im Hof St.Pölten, November 9, 2024 at Treibhaus Innsbruck, November 15, 2024 at Röda Steyr, March 14, 2025 at Sublime Aflenz, March 15, 2025 at Alter Schlachthof Wels, and August 10, 2025 at Free Tree Open Air Taiskirchen. Support for these performances will be provided by Amelie Tobien.
With their shared love for music and tennis, Tobias Pötzelsberger and Manuel Rubey continue to entertain and inspire fans both on and off the court. Their friendship and camaraderie shine through in their work, showing that even leaks can bring a touch of humor and excitement to the music industry.