Andreas Gabalier and his live band will provide rocking spring feelings this Sunday in Ischgl. The “Krone” met him on Saturday for a major interview after his arrival in the Paznaun Valley. He talked about, among other things, his love for Tyrol, his plans for the concert on the Idalpe, big names in rock and pop music, new songs and his upcoming shows this year – see also the video.
For decades, one top event followed another in Ischgl. The organizers spare no expense for the “Top of the Mountain Concerts”; they bring superstars to the Idalpe all the time. Among them were: Kings of Leon, Simply Red, Lenny Kravitz, Helene Fischer, Andrea Berg, Zucchero, Robbie Williams, Elton John, Sting, Bon Jovi, Tina Turner and many, many more.
This Sunday, folk rock’n’roller Andreas Gabalier expands this elite circle. “At the Top of the Mountain Spring Concert” he and his band will shake the Idalpe – live of course. Yesterday, immediately after his arrival in the Paznaun Valley, the successful local artist took the time for a major interview for the “Tiroler Krone”.
“Kron”: How does it feel to be back here in beautiful Tyrol?
Andreas Gabalier: I have only good memories of Tyrol. These range from the start of the Origin Buam festival in Mayrhofen in the Zillertal to the first concerts in Kitzbühel, the winter festivals in Seefeld, motorcycle excursions and holidays. I really enjoy being here, it always feels good. This is also a reason why we always play in Kitzbühel in August year after year. Every now and then I hear the question, “Aren’t you tired of this?” My answer: ‘But no, of course not, it couldn’t be more beautiful.’ Once again this year, the weekend in Kitzbühel will attract thousands of people – just like the weekend here in Ischgl.
Normally we always hold our interviews in Gamsstadt, now for the first time it is Ischgl – why is that?
If you don’t ask, you’ll always get a no anyway, and if you ask, you might get a yes. No seriously: it is a great pleasure and honor for me to be able to perform here with my band. We have already experienced many beautiful winter concerts – for example in Montafon, in Switzerland or in my home country Styria. It’s definitely something special here in Ischgl, because not only my hardcore fan audience is there, but also many holidaymakers will listen to the concert today – maybe even potential new fans.
Big names have turned the Idalpe in Ischgl upside down in recent decades. How does it feel to be a part of it from today?
This is absolutely beautiful. I was able to get to know many of these internationally known rock and pop stars – for example in the recording studio, on TV shows or at corporate events where we performed together. The bigger and more famous these musicians were, the more earthy they were. It was always a wonderful experience and I will take that with me. Because what we are allowed to do on the stages of this world is something extraordinarily beautiful and that marks a special path in life. I appreciate that and try to go through everyday life as grounded as possible – with gratitude and humility.
Have you ever played a concert at a proud 2320 meters above sea level, like here today in Ischgl?
I believe that in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland the altitude would have been at least comparable.
What are the challenges?
Of course, the weather should cooperate, if possible. Last year we played in the Bernese Oberland in minus 10 degrees and a crosswind of 70 km/h. After about an hour I looked like Gandalf in the movie Lord of the Rings (laughs) and I offered to stay in the bathtub for an hour. That’s the only challenge. Otherwise it is a real treat, for example you are outside in the fresh air.
When was the last time you hit the gas on stage at 1 p.m.?
(Laughs) I don’t think it’s ever happened that early. We already performed at several Skiclosing concerts in Montafon in Vorarlberg in April, but it started a little later there.
What can visitors expect during today’s concert?
At the start of the show we will light a fireworks display and blast out the hits. Then we will probably perform one or two international covers. We haven’t played together since the tour ended in November 2023, we rehearsed for two days in Styria and this Sunday we are back with full force and power.
How did you spend the remaining months?
I used the time for new songs we recorded in Nashville. I’ve been on a few TV shows. And like every year, I retreated to the Hahnenkamm Race at Christmas to reflect on the year and take some distance.
What can we look forward to this year?
Especially the summer shows, which are almost all sold out. There are only a few tickets left for Munich and for the beach party in Lignano in Italy. We are looking forward to.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
