AnNa R., the iconic singer of the German pop duo Rosenstolz, died on March 17, 2025, at the age of 55. The news of her passing was first shared on her official Instagram account, causing shockwaves throughout the music community.
Known to her family and friends as Andrea Neuenhofen, AnNa R. formed the duo with musician Peter Plate back in 1991. The pair quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of pop and rock, captivating audiences with heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies.
One of their most notable hits, "Liebe ist alles" (Love is Everything), became emblematic of their style and the emotions they expressed. The song, along with other hits from them, showcased AnNa's powerful and soulful voice, which many described as one of the most recognizable and impactful of the German pop music scene.
The duo released twelve albums from 1991 to 2012, five of which reached number one on the charts, securing their place as one of Germany’s most beloved music acts. Their most successful album, "Das große Leben" (The Big Life), spent over two years on the charts, marking milestones in both their careers.
Besides her work with Rosenstolz, AnNa R. was active with her band Gleis 8, which she formed later, and even took the role of lead singer for the rock band Silly for a brief time during 2019 to 2022. AnNa’s career was filled with various projects, reflecting her versatility as an artist. She released her solo album titled "König:in" (King:in) just last year.
Tragically, her death was announced as "sudden and unexpected" without detailed information on the cause. Her management confirmed the news, expressing heartfelt condolences to fans and friends alike, stating, "The sudden, unexpected end of life of our friend and ’König:in’ shocks and confuses us deeply." Among the fans and fellow musicians, the reactions poured out on social media, highlighting the significant impact AnNa R. had on their lives and careers.
Peter Plate, her long-time collaborator and friend, took to Instagram to share his grief. He wrote, "AnNa, you will be missed every second. Rosenstolz, it was you and me. What we had together was one of the most beautiful times of my life." He had recently congratulated her on her new position as a poetry lecturer just weeks before her passing, and Plate reflected on their shared experiences together, emotional yet grateful.
Cultural figures and fellow musicians like Culture Minister Claudia Roth expressed their sorrow as well, underlining how AnNa’s unique voice and presence affected so many lives. Roth remarked, "With just 55 years, we lose one of the most charismatic German singers far too early. Her sensitive songs about love and hope will remain engraved in the hearts of many."
Born on December 25, 1969, AnNa grew up in East Berlin, where the socio-political environment shaped much of her artistic outlook. Despite facing challenges as she sought to pursue music—like difficulties with educational opportunities during the DDR era—AnNa persisted. She originally trained as a chemical laboratory technician but never gave up on her passion for singing, which eventually led her to find her true calling. Rosenstolz came alive from the early '90s, with their musical style often combining influences from pop, chanson, and rock, securing their spot within the larger German cultural zeitgeist.
Despite entering what was termed an indefinite hiatus after 2012, the music of Rosenstolz has continued to resonate, inviting fans to reminisce about their contributions to pop music. AnNa once expressed her thoughts on the pressures of fame and the necessity for downtime: "We had not taken enough time off, long enough to get ourselves back to relaxation. It became too much and much too big, and none of us had any real life anymore." This candid reflection points to the struggles many artists face, battling the demands of their careers against the need for personal space.
Before her unexpected death, AnNa had plans for her upcoming tour named "Mut zur Liebe" (Courage for Love) set to begin later this year, with nearly 30 concerts scheduled. Friends recount how excited she was for this new project, highlighting the irony of the timing of her passing.
AnNa R.’s legacy will forever live on through her iconic sound and meaningful lyrics. The numerous accolades received over the years, including the Federal Cross of Merit for her contributions to the fight against AIDS alongside Peter Plate, symbolize both artistic achievement and social responsibility, reflecting her compassionate nature.
The music community mourns the loss of AnNa R., celebrating her life and contributions. Fans and fellow artists are left holding onto the memories of her vibrant performances and the depth of feeling conveyed through her work. She will be remembered not just for her songs, but for how deeply she touched the hearts of her listeners, leaving behind messages of hope, love, and resilience.
