Gabalier in Ischgl

“We are back with full power”

Andreas Gabalier was deeply relaxed and in a talkative mood during the "Krone" interview with Jasmin Steiner and also gave some personal insights.(Bild: ProMedia)

Andreas Gabalier and his live band will be providing rocking spring fever this Sunday in Ischgl. The "Krone" met him for a big interview on Saturday after his arrival in the Paznaun Valley. Among other things, he talked about 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 has followed the next in Ischgl. The organizers spare no expense or effort for the "Top of the Mountain Concerts", bringing superstars to the Idalpe non-stop. They have included, among others: 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 will expand this elite circle. At the "Top of the Mountain Spring Concert", he and his band will make the Idalpe shake - live, of course. The successful local artist took time for a big interview for the "Tiroler Krone" yesterday directly after his arrival in the Paznaun Valley.

The entire Andreas Gabalier band and crew.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

Myriam Walser (TVB Paznaun- Ischgl) and BM Werner Kurz (right) welcomed Gabalier and his discoverer Klaus Bartelmuss.(Bild: Jasmin Steiner)

"Krone": How does it feel to be back here in the beautiful Tyrol? 
Andreas Gabalier: I only have fond memories of Tyrol. These range from the beginnings of the Ursprung Buam festival in Mayrhofen in Zillertal to the first concerts in Kitzbühel, the winter parties in Seefeld, motorcycle excursions and vacations. I really enjoy being here, it always feels good. That's another reason why we always play in Kitzbühel in August every year. Every now and then I hear the question: 'Isn't this getting too stupid for you? My answer: 'But no, of course not, it couldn't be nicer'. The weekend in Kitzbühel attracts thousands of people again this year - just like the one here in Ischgl.

Normally we always conduct our interview in the Gamsstadt, but now it's Ischgl for the first time - how come?
If you don't ask, you always get a no anyway and if you ask, you might get a yes. No, seriously: it's a great pleasure and honor for me to be able to perform here with my band. We have already had many wonderful winter concerts - for example in Montafon, in Switzerland or in my home country, Styria. Here in Ischgl it's definitely something special, because not only my hardcore fan audience is here, but many vacationers will also be listening to the concert today - so maybe even potential new fans.

The crowds are waiting at the Idalpe in Ischgl this Sunday.(Bild: Thurner Samuel/Kronenzeitung, Krone KREATIV)

Big names have already rocked the Idalpe in Ischgl over the past decades. How does it feel to be a part of it from today? 
It's absolutely wonderful. I got to know many of these internationally renowned rock and pop stars - for example in the recording studio, on TV shows or at company events where we performed together. The bigger and more famous these musicians were, the more down-to-earth they were. That was always a wonderful experience and I 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 an impressive 2320 meters above sea level like here today in Ischgl? 
I think that the altitude in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland must have been at least similar.

After about an hour, I looked like Gandalf in the movie Lord of the Rings.

Andreas Gabalier

What are the challenges involved? 
The weather should of course play along if possible. Last year, we played in the Bernese Oberland in minus 10 degrees and a 70 km/h crosswind. After about an hour, I looked like Gandalf in the movie Lord of the Rings (laughs) and I voluntarily lay down in the bathtub for an hour. That's the only challenge. Apart from that, it's a real treat, you're out in the fresh air, for example.

When was the last time you went on stage at 1 pm? 
(Laughs) I don't think it's ever been quite that early. We already performed at various skiclosing concerts in Montafon in Vorarlberg in April, but we started a little later there.

What can visitors expect at today's concert? 
At the beginning of the show, we're going to set off a firework display of hits and belt out the popular songs. Then we'll probably play one or two international cover songs. We haven't played together since the end of the tour in November 2023, we spent two days rehearsing in Styria and this Sunday we'll be back in full force and power.

How did you spend the months of rest? 
I used the time for new songs that we recorded in Nashville. I was on a few TV shows. And, as I do every year, I took a break over Christmas until the Hahnenkamm race to review the year and get some distance.

What can we look forward to this year? 
Definitely 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, Italy. We're really looking forward to that.