The German music scene is mourning the sudden loss of Anna R., the singer of the renowned pop duo Rosenstolz, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. The news, confirmed by her management and shared on her social media, has left fans and fellow musicians reeling from the shock.
Born Andrea Rosenbaum in East Berlin in 1969, Anna R. captivated audiences with her powerful and evocative voice. She formed Rosenstolz with composer Peter Plate shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the duo quickly ascended to stardom, becoming one of Germany's most successful pop acts of the 1990s and 2000s. The band was celebrated for their melancholic hits such as "Liebe ist alles" and "Gib mir Sonne," which have become staples of German pop culture.
The loss of Anna R. has drawn heartfelt tributes from her colleagues, particularly from Peter Plate, who expressed his sorrow on Instagram: "I will miss you every second. Just two weeks ago, I wrote to congratulate you on your new role as poetics lecturer and was so genuinely happy for you. You would have excelled at it! You were so full of anticipation for everything to come. Perhaps this is small comfort." His words reflect the deep bonds forged between the two throughout their creative partnership.
A statement on Anna R.'s official Instagram account, signed by her manager Frank Wiedemann and drummer Manne Uhlig, conveyed the sorrow felt throughout the music community, describing her death as "shocking and confusing" and noting she had many musical plans at the time of her passing.
Rosenstolz, founded in 1991, recorded twelve albums together before taking a hiatus in 2012. Their most successful album, "Das große Leben" (The Big Life), released in 2006, spent over two years on the charts and featured tracks synonymous with the duo's distinctive style. Between 1991 and their split, five of their albums achieved number-one status, garnering numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious Bundesverdienstkreuz for their engagement against AIDS.
Anna R.'s unique contributions to music extended beyond her collaborations with Plate. Following the dissolution of Rosenstolz, she explored various musical avenues, including forming the band Gleis 8 and contributing to Silly. This year, she released her solo album "König:in" and was gearing up for her upcoming "Mut zur Liebe" tour, set to launch this October.
Though she had achieved significant success, Anna R. often expressed frustration at being solely defined by her work with Rosenstolz, stating, "It annoys me to be reduced to just Rosenstolz. I have done many other things too." This sentiment resonates with many artists who strive to be seen as multifaceted and constantly growing.
Colleagues and fans alike are left reflecting not only on Anna R.'s musical talent but on her shared humanity through her lyrical themes, which often addressed love and social issues. The "Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazine" once described her voice as "bright, powerful, melancholic," encapsulating the essence of her artistry.
The cause of Anna R.'s death remains unknown, and reports suggested she was found alone at her Berlin home, with authorities currently investigating. Her untimely passing has left questions about the future of her planned concert dates, which were sure to bring together fans drawn to her timeless music.
Peter Plate fondly recalled their early days of collaboration, stating, "I will never forget our first evening together. We drank sparkling wine, and you told me you wanted to be a jazz singer, and I wanted to make pop music. Only three days passed, and we wrote our first songs together. I was captivated by your voice, your way of singing, and your ability to envelop each of our songs with the most beautiful colors." Their musical synergy was not merely professional but deeply personal; they viewed each other as siblings, sharing laughter and tears along their musical journeys.
With her dynamic presence and emotional performances, Anna R. provided solace and inspiration to countless fans, marking her as more than just another performer. Her contributions to music and society will be long remembered, and the world feels her absence.
Fans and supporters hope her message of empathy and love continues to reverberate through the music industry and beyond. They cherish the memories of her songs and the comfort her voice brought to their lives, remembering her not just as Anna R. of Rosenstolz but as Anna—a beacon of creativity and passion.
