Roland Kaiser, the enduring star of German Schlager music, has recently unveiled his 29th studio album titled Marathon. This album, which debuted on February 10, 2025, marks over 50 years since his first single was released, and with 90 million records sold, Kaiser remains a beloved figure among his fans.
The title Marathon was inspired by his wife, Silvia, who likened the resilience needed for a long artistic career to running a marathon. Kaiser remarked during his interview on BRISANT about the unpredictability of success for artists, saying, "Künstlerinnen und Künstler starten ihre Karriere und wissen nicht: Wird das jetzt ein Sprint, wird das ein Mittelstreckenlauf oder ein Marathon?" meaning, artists start their careers without knowing if it will be a sprint, middle-distance run, or marathon.
The new album features 11 original tracks, including the poignant song "Was aus euch wird", which reflects Kaiser's thoughts on his children’s futures. He poses the heart-wrenching question: "Was aus euch wird, wenn ich nicht mehr da bin?" or "What will become of you when I am no longer here?" This emotional connection to his family underlines his desire to impart wisdom to the next generation.
Despite the serious themes, Kaiser expresses great confidence in today's youth. He dismissed negative stereotypes, stating, "Manche sagen, die heutige Jugend ist faul, die wollen nicht arbeiten - das ist alles Nonsens!" emphasizing his belief in their potential. This positivity is not only mirrored in his professional work but also through his family dynamics.
Kaiser is a proud father to four children: Hendrik, Tim, Jan, and Annalena. His eldest son Hendrik, from his first marriage to actress Anja Schüte, is engaged in gastronomy, and also mixes music as a DJ. Tim, who was brought up by Kaiser since the age of six, shares:
"Ich kenne ihn aber seit ich sechs bin – also gut 30 Jahre jetzt – und trotzdem ist er wie ein Vater für mich." Tim now is blessed with two daughters, cementing Kaiser’s role as a dedicated grandfather.
Son Jan, studying Sportmanagement, and daughter Annalena, who has carved out her own path within the music industry, are especially close to their father. Annalena, the youngest of Kaiser’s children, has studied Media and Music Management and collaborates with her father at their joint talent management business, Kaiser & Kaiser. Jan has voiced his admiration for his father, acknowledging him as his role model and best friend, stating, "Mein großes Ziel ist es, dass du einmal sagst, ich bin dein bester Freund. Und das kann ich heute sagen, das ist wirklich so."
Beyond his musical endeavors, Kaiser remains prominent on television, as demonstrated by RTL's recent programming shift to accommodate him. On February 11, 2025, shortly after the release of his album, RTL announced it would air RTL Nachtjournal Spezial: Roland Kaiser im Interview, effectively altering its regular night schedule to highlight the Schlager star.
The special episode will air at 00:25 AM and will include insights about his life, his music, and his relationship with societal issues. This scheduled interview not only displays Kaiser’s fame but also his influence as he shares concepts pertaining to love, family, and resilience.
Fans of the artist will have the chance to hear him discuss important themes during this 15-minute interview, as the network rearranged the program to showcase his insights—something rare for artists of his caliber. Following the interview, the usual weather report will be pushed back to later, as Kaiser takes center stage.
Reflecting on his storied career filled with both personal and professional challenges, Kaiser continues to inspire audiences with his music and strength. Not only has he established himself as one of Germany's iconic musicians, but he’s also dedicated to nurturing the next generation—his children and beyond.
All these elements underline how Roland Kaiser balances personal dreams with familial responsibilities, resulting in powerful music inspired by love and legacy. With Marathon, he hopes to solidify his connection with fans and remind them of the importance of family throughout any life's race.