The Violin is Happy Again and André Rieu is Back!

André Rieu ~ The Violin is Happy Again!

November 14, 2010: Here he explains for the first time why he has not been seen on stage since last summer, and how he has overcome his illness and his debt.

The Star Musician in an interview ~ He fidgets, only very slightly, but one notices how much energy he has: André Rieu is back! Next Thursday he will perform in Antwerp, his first concert since August.

Star violinist André Rieu speaks for the first time with Bild am Sonntag about his enforced break, about his illness and a life lesson.

"For four months, I was flat on my back," he says. "It was hell! Everything around me was spinning." The doctors told him that it was about a balance disorder caused by a viral infection. He then began researching for the cause. "I talked a lot with my wife and we came to the conclusion that I had taken on way too many projects."

André Rieu had done too much: openings of buildings and lectures ... things he did for his good friends because he can not say no. For five years, he and his wife had not had a holiday, because they wanted to have control over everything.

Bild am Sonntag: Now you do not have anything under your control.
André Rieu: "The cancellations of my tours to England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand was difficult. We had a meeting with our financial advisors and asked, how long can we last without performing? Their answer, well it would be best if you were on stage again tomorrow. But those are the words from the financial advisors."

Bild am Sonntag: An artist is not interested in finances.
Rieu: No, I am not a financial individual. My job is to give! When I am in my grave, I won't be interested in how much money is laying beside me there.

Bild am Sonntag: Your debt amounts to be 18 million euros high.

Rieu: Wait a minute, last year I went from a ten million euros in debt to ten million euros in the black. I was debt free, until now. Due to my forced break, I am now almost back to zero.

Bild am Sonntag: How did that debt come about?

Rieu: The Australian tour, for which we copied the Schönbrunn, caused me to go into too much debt. Everything I had, I had to hock. Even my 1627 Stradivarius!

André Rieu smiles and brushes over his blue velvet jacket.

Bild am Sonntag: How did you feel when you had to give your violin as collateral?
Rieu: I was hoping not to lose my Stradivarius, but the bank wanted me to sell her. So I offered it - totally overpriced - back to Vienna, I am not dumb! I bought her for two million. And she is still here and now she belongs to me. It is still only a violin, but my wife and I would never sell her.

Bild am Sonntag: How do you today, look back on the months in bed?
Rieu: Prior to that, I did too much, I was overworked! And I am glad that the warning which I received was only a balance disorder and not a heart attack. I listen more to my children now. They say I look good and that I have become calmer.

Our thanks to John for another Great ©Translation!