From Drumming to Rock ’n‘ Roll Passion
Bertram Engel, the renowned drummer of Udo Lindenberg’s Panikorchester and long-time collaborator with Peter Maffay, has recently released his biography, shedding light on his nearly five-decade-long career in the music industry. For Bertram, the journey towards becoming a rock legend began in August 1965, when he witnessed The Beatles‘ iconic performance at the New York Shea Stadium on television. Like many other music greats such as Billy Joel and Steve Lukather, this moment ignited a spark within him, propelling him towards a path of creating music that would resonate with audiences worldwide.
Growing up in Burgsteinfurt, Westphalia, Bertram Passmann, as he was known then, was immersed in a family that valued music, albeit in a more classical sense with piano lessons. However, Bertram’s heart belonged to the drums, and even the tragic loss of his father at a young age did not deter his passion. It was his older brother Thomas who introduced him to the raw sounds of Krautrock and punk bands, setting him on a path towards musical greatness.
A Journey with Musical Icons
At the tender age of 17, Bertram found himself behind the drum kit for Udo Lindenberg’s Panikorchester, under the mentorship of the band’s founder, Steffi Stephan. It was here that he honed his skills and earned the moniker „Engel,“ inspired by his long, flowing blond hair that shimmered in the evening sun. As fate would have it, a few years later, Peter Maffay transitioned from Schlager to rock music, offering Bertram another opportunity to showcase his drumming prowess on a different stage.
The unique scenario of playing for two top-tier musicians simultaneously in almost the same backing band became a defining moment in Bertram’s career. A rehearsal session with Peter Maffay led to the title of his biography, encapsulating the essence of his musical journey. While Bertram was fueled by a passion for rock music and played with warmth and energy, he found himself surrounded by colleagues who seemed lost and directionless after a long hiatus from the music scene.
Life on the Road and Behind the Scenes
Bertram Engel’s life reads like a quintessential rock ’n‘ roll tale, complete with the expected elements of „Sex, Drugs, and Rock ’n‘ Roll.“ Through his biography, he offers music enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of German music legends, sharing backstage anecdotes that Peter Maffay might not divulge and Udo Lindenberg would casually brush off. From sharing the stage with international giants like Santana, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, and Robert Palmer to eventually crossing paths with Beatles‘ drummer Ringo Starr, Bertram’s experiences are a treasure trove of musical history.
Despite the glamour and excitement of the music industry, Bertram Engel does not shy away from discussing the personal setbacks and financial insecurities that come with being a working musician. While he effortlessly sets the rhythm for crowds of 50,000 in stadiums, the absence of record-breaking sales figures in his bank account forces him to constantly reassess his future in the industry. However, through it all, Bertram’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his resilience in the face of adversity make him not just a rock ’n‘ roll icon but also a motivational figure for his readers.
Bertram Engel’s biography, titled „Mit alten Männern spiel‘ ich nicht,“ offers a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a drummer who has shared the stage with two of Germany’s music legends. From the tumultuous 1970s to the present day, the book is filled with legendary stories that capture the essence of Bertram’s rockstar journey. Published by Riva Verlag, the biography is a must-read for music enthusiasts looking to delve into the world of one of Germany’s most iconic drummers.
