Overview
- The 80-year-old released Zeitlos without advance notice, mixing new compositions with reinterpreted classics despite saying in 2024 he would stop making albums.
- He confirmed a German farewell tour running from March 12 in Riesa to April 18, 2026 in Hamburg.
- Carpendale says streaming has fundamentally changed music consumption and that nationwide, unifying hits have largely vanished.
- He cites worsening economics, noting the gold record threshold fell from 250,000 to 75,000 sales, and argues many composers, singers and arrangers are being pushed out.
- He warns artificial intelligence could shut out young artists from starting careers, a critique echoed by veteran Peter Kraus even as newer Schlager acts build audiences.