Rubén Blades plays only German concert in Berlin on farewell European tour

A final European tour

Rubén Blades, the Panamanian salsa icon, announced in February that his 2026 European tour would be his last. The 77-year-old, who turns 78 on July 16, told dpa he must face "the reality of time and health." He wants to spend more time with family and in his homeland Panama.

In my age, you have to face the reality of time and health.

Berlin return after 40 years

His only German concert takes place on July 10 at the Tempodrom in Berlin. Blades last performed in the city four decades ago, when it was still divided. He said the fall of the Wall proved that the seemingly impossible is possible, and he was especially pleased Berlin was on the tour schedule.

The fall of the Wall was proof that the seemingly impossible is possible.

The setlist challenge

Blades, who has released around 40 albums, admitted it was difficult to condense a 50-year career into a 90-minute to two-hour show. The concert with the 20-piece Roberto Delgado Big Band will feature his Latin Grammy-winning album "Fotografías" and classics like "Pedro Navaja," the 1978 hit inspired by Brecht's Mack the Knife. The album "Siembra" remains the best-selling salsa record in history.

It's a problem to fit 50 years of a music career into an hour and a half to two hours of concert.

Honoring Willie Colón

The set will also include songs from his collaboration with trombonist and producer Willie Colón, who died unexpectedly in February. Tracks like "Pablo Pueblo," "Plantación Adentro," "Plástico," and "Tiburón" are expected.

Beyond the tour

Blades insists this is not a retirement. He plans concerts outside Europe in 2027, is working on two new albums, and will continue acting, he has appeared in nearly 50 films and the series "Fear the Walking Dead." His memoirs, titled "La vida te da sorpresas" (Life gives you surprises), referencing the refrain of "Pedro Navaja," are due next year.