Helene Fischer doesn’t just enter the stage, she floats in on a trapeze. In a tight black and red costume with knee-high boots, she rushes towards the sky, past a stylized moon, only to end up back on earth. The singer gave five concerts in the Frankfurt Festhalle as part of her 71 concerts on the “Rausch Tour”. ARD shows one of them. “Oh, friends, it’s going to be big today,” Helene cheers. The camera shows fans singing along with all their might. Even tears flow. “Dear ones,” smiles Fischer, “you can’t imagine how happy we are that we can celebrate with you again.” She has something for the eye and the ear, says Helene. “You can let yourself go, dear ones, you can really go crazy.”
A concert tour with more than 750,000 spectators
A good 750,000 people attended the concerts live, but none of them saw such a perfect show as the ARD TV viewers. Flashes of light, waving arms, quick cuts, brilliant tracking shots, changes of perspective, close-ups of laughing fans and a meter-long red sailing skirt that flutters in the wind like a gigantic rose. The whole thing flickers unabridged into the living room at home as a concert highlight of the pop icon and with all the hits, thrilling acrobatics and elements of fire and water. It’s a perfect – critics might say too perfect – production captured by award-winning filmmaker Paul Dugdale. What is particularly impressive is the sense of rhythm that Dugdale demonstrated when editing the film.
Almost 30 songs for her fans
Maybe a stylish evening like this isn’t for everyone. But success definitely proves Helene Fischer right: with more than 18 million records sold, the daughter of a family of Black Sea Germans who were deported to Siberia is one of the most successful artists in Europe. The training at the Frankfurt Musical School was obviously worth it. In the money rankings, Helene Fischer has long since reached the same level as Céline Dion and Britney Spears. But Helene Fischer doesn’t seem to be interested in making quick money: she presents almost 30 songs to her fans. The ten-year-old song “Atemlos” is probably their best-known hit. But despite strenuous acrobatics and non-stop jumping, she never runs out of steam with any of the songs. That’s what you call professional.
“I will now let you see completely into my heart”
Helene Fischer wears a green dress with lots of sequins. Rain falls from above as she wades through ankle-deep water and sings. Ring of fire, fog, flares, lasers, wind and artificial drops – the show offers everything that technology can offer. The crowd goes wild. “Another moment where you touch me,” explains Fischer. Overall, the concert year was a great year. “I was able to devote myself completely to music. My heart was completely filled. I am so grateful to you.” She recently wrote her own songs and lyrics. “I will now let you take a complete look into my heart, into my emotions, even with the fears I have about the future.” Shortly afterwards, Helene is hanging in the air on ropes with her husband Thomas Seitel. Only his strong arms save the artist from a deep fall. The hug is intimate, familiar closeness is palpable.
“You are a wonderful girl who loves girls”
Stuffed animals fly onto the stage. There are also pink stockings there with the portrait of her husband Thomas on them. A sign in the audience reads “Swap neck massage for selfie.” Then Fischer’s gaze falls on a completely different sign: “Dear Helene, can you please help me with my coming out?” “I discovered a sign here, I have to respond to it now,” she says. “Today is actually a good occasion because the concert will be shown on television.” Fischer leans down to the young woman at the edge of the stage. “That means, from today on, your parents will know that you are a wonderful girl and that you simply love girls with all your heart.” Emotionally moved, Fischer thanks the viewer for the beautiful experience. “I’m really happy that you’re so honest and sharing this with me. That’s really, really big of you. Woe betide them, they react very stupidly. Please give them a warm greeting from me.”
“I’m so happy”
The hall is raging. Two and a half hours are coming to an end. Helene calls out: “Okay, Frankfurt, now is your last chance to completely freak out together with us.” She sings again like a “lightning”: “Because my world shakes with every thunder, because the endorphins are going with more. n.” A few more words and then it’s over. “I am so inspired. I’m so happy and I hope we could make you so happy too.”