Saddened to hear today that Konrad Beikircher has passed away aged 80. Even as a resident of Düsseldorf many years ago I was aware of this multi-talent who seemed to represent all that was good humoured about the Rhineland area. He was a comedian, musician, writer, presenter, Moderator…

Beikircher developed his own unique style.  One that managed to laugh with, rather than at, the foibles of his subjects (more often than not Rhinelanders). If you wanted a fresh view of anything – Konrad Beikircher was your man.  I offer as proof a book I’m currently reading, his witty analysis of Beethoven ‘Der Ludwig – Jetzt mal so gesehen’ 

Despite being from South Tyrol, Beikircher lived most of his life near the Rhine and has become synonymous with Bonn in the way that Wolfgang Niedecken has with Cologne, and indeed his first professional appearance was on the stage at Jazzgalerie in 1978. He announced an end to touring last year and this year was ironically due to see the last appearances of Konrad Beikircher onstage.

But offstage too Konrad Beikircher has enriched the Cultural landscape of Bonn.  His home at Katharinenhof with third wife artist Anne Siering-Beikircher in Schweinheim has long been an insider tip for locals with its off-beat courtyard and fields where walking round any corner could bring you in contact with giant insects made from spare parts, life-size painted wooden people or even a stainless-steel Cardinal Woelki.   It’s also been a place for numerous concerts and events in an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Best enjoyed with a glass of wine and slice of home-made plum cake.   

I never did make it to one of Beikircher’s own cabaret evenings which I regret.  I guess it was a case of that old error we’ve all made, saying ‘Maybe next year’…

So, with that regret in mind, I will remember him best as a man enjoying being our host on a sunny Summer evening at Katherinenhof,  pouring out generous glasses of wine for the visitors with a happy smile. 

Visitors to Konrad Beikircher’s website this morning will find only one page.  It shows a heavenly sky with Frederico Fellini’s words:

“There is no end.
There is no beginning.
There is only the infinite passion of life.”