Peter Maffay, 76, still rehearses before concerts: 'I forget my lyrics regularly'

Peter Maffay, the German rock musician who has achieved cult status, has confessed in a recent interview that despite his decades-long career, he still cannot rely on his memory when performing live. The 76-year-old told the German Press Agency (dpa) in Hamburg that he regularly forgets his lyrics and therefore prepares meticulously before each concert.

I forget my lyrics regularly. I hope it's nothing to do with Alzheimer's.

The singer, who was born in Romania, explained that the thought of blanking on stage is his worst nightmare.

If I didn't have my teleprompter, I'd be lost.

He is remarkably candid about the struggle, noting that he makes no effort to conceal it.

Everyone knows it by now, and I don't try to play it down. I have to keep working at it. There are people who have it come easy – they do it blindfolded. I'm not one of them.

Staying on the road

Despite his reliance on the teleprompter, Maffay has no intention of retiring from the stage. He told dpa:

I don't want to be on the road so much, but I don't want to give up the road either, because I haven't learned anything else.

To stay in physical shape for touring, he cycles roughly 12 kilometers through the forest every morning.

New Nashville album

In June 2026, Maffay joined fellow musician Johannes Oerding on stage at Hamburg's Volkspark stadium to premiere the first song from their joint album, "Nashville." The album is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. The collaboration marks a new chapter for Maffay, who remains active in the studio and on tour well into his eighth decade.