All together again…
For 35 years the “Kastelruther Spatzen,” surrounded by thousands of their fans, have held a party to beat all parties.
T The first-ever “Kastelruther Spatzen Fest” was held in August 1985 in Castelrotto. It was a small affair at that time, with a slightly different line-up and without the slightest inkling of the success it would become. The “Kastelruther Spatzen” (“Castelrotto Sparrows”) have long been the undisputed stars of the folk scene; over the course of the last few decades they have sold millions of discs, and are charismatic ambassadors to our homeland. Every year tens of thousands of concert guests gather in the mammoth marquee tent in the Tirler meadow for what is probably the largest meet-up in Europe. “The Kastelruther Spatzen Fest is bigger than Everest,” as Norbert Rier sings. Wherever their
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“Spatzen” are, that’s where their many fans want to be: Men and women, the young and the young-at heart; they laugh with them and cry with them, cheer them on and wave banners, dance to their music and, simply, enjoy being happy. “As if it were just yesterday, all together again,” to show their allegiance to their “Spatzen.” Norbert Rier, frontman of “Kastelruther Spatzen” wins people over with his natural charm and authenticity, his unmistakeable voice and his soul-felt interpretation of songs. When he sings of his beloved home, of yearning and of joy, you believe him in every note and every word. In the run-up to the jubilee “Spatzen Fest,” Alpe met Norbert for a chat. »
Interview: Elisabeth Augustin Photo: Helmuth Rier
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