Dieter Birr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dieter Birr
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Birr in 2014
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| Born | 18 March 1944 Köslin, Pommern, Germany |
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| Years active | 1969–present |
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Dieter "Maschine" Birr is a famous German singer, guitarist, and composer. He was born on March 18, 1944. For many years, he was a key member of the popular rock band Puhdys. The band stopped playing together in 2016.
Contents
Dieter Birr's Early Life and Music Career
Learning Music and Joining Bands
Dieter Birr first trained to be a grinder, which is someone who works with grinding machines. But he also taught himself how to play the guitar! From 1966 to 1972, he studied music at a school in East Berlin. He learned about dance music, music theory, and guitar.
Before 1969, he played in several bands like Telestars and Luniks. In 1969, he joined the Puhdys and became their lead singer. The Puhdys became the most successful rock band in the history of the GDR (East Germany).
The Story Behind His Nickname
Dieter wrote about 250 songs for the Puhdys. His bandmate, Peter Meyer, gave him the nickname "Maschine." This was because Peter said Dieter was an "eating machine"!
Acting and Solo Music
In 1974, Dieter Birr had a small role in a film called Elective Affinities. In 1986, he released his first solo album, Intim. This album was not very successful at the time. He also wrote song lyrics for other artists.
Later Career and Solo Albums
Maschine and Neubeginner
In 2014, Dieter released his second solo album, also called Maschine. Famous singers like Julia Neigel and Wolfgang Niedecken sang duets with him on this album. It included new versions of popular Puhdys songs from the 1970s. These included Geh zu ihr and Wenn ein Mensch lebt.
Also in 2014, on his 70th birthday, Dieter's autobiography was released. It was called Maschine – Die Biografie. In 2016, after the Puhdys band ended, he released his third solo album, Neubeginner.
Recent Projects
In 2017, he sang with Romano on a song called Karl May. This song was on Romano's album Copyshop. In 2019, Dieter performed with Julia Neigel at a music festival called Lieder auf Banz.
Dieter Birr's Family Life
Dieter Birr lives in Neuenhagen bei Berlin. He has been married since 1979. He has two children. His son, Andy Birr, is also a musician. Andy is a singer, guitarist, and drummer for the pop band Bell, Book & Candle.
Awards and Recognitions
- 1982: National Prize of the German Democratic Republic
Images for kids
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Birr performing in 2016
