Overview
- The decoration was conferred at the Hamburg Rathaus, honoring his work as a musician, lyricist and producer.
- Reichel said he views the award as recognition of a lifelong journey and described culture as a "lifeline."
- Brosda highlighted his settings of classical poetry and inventive reinterpretations of German folk songs that broadened access to cultural heritage.
- Reichel first broke through with The Rattles, who toured with the Rolling Stones in England and the Beatles in Germany.
- He is known for "Aloha Heja He," later explored German-language rock and shanties, and marked his 80th birthday with the 22-track collection "Schön war es doch! Das Abschiedskonzert."