This week's International Fan of the Week is Wolfgang from Germany aka @eurovisionwolf on Twitter. Read his full Q&A with us below.
What is your name and where are you from? Hey, I‘m Wolfgang from Germany, you can also call me Wolf or Wolfi, I‘m fine with all of them. I‘m living in the mid-western part of Germany, not for away from our regional capital Düsseldorf aka the HOST CITY of Eurovision 2011.
We like 'Wolfi', we'll go with that! ~ Aussievision
What do you do or tell us something interesting about you? When I‘m not listening to Eurovision music (which almost never happens!), I‘m working as a content manager in the marketing department of Germany‘s biggest tutoring company, producing books and learning material for our students. More interesting, of course, is the fact that Eurovision is a biggest part of my LIFE!
When did you first get into Eurovision? It was the year 1974 when little 5 yo Wolf danced to a certain Eurovision song called Waterloo in front of the living-room TV (at least that‘s what my parents always tell!). And yes, ABBA had quite an impact on my life. The first Eurovision I can remember was the 1977 edition with France winning with my favourite French Eurovision song L‘oiseau et l‘enfant.
That is amazing, what a long history of being a Eurovision fan!
Which is your favourite Eurovision year and why? It‘s Birmingham 1998 because it was my very first Eurovision live experience, which was all amazing.People in Birmingham were so nice and hostile, and the organization team was fab. Looking very much forward to having another Eurovision in the UK some time soon!
That's so interesting to hear, the UK would put on an amazing contest. Hopefully they can win again... soon?
If you could change one thing about Eurovision what would it be? I love Eurovision traditions, saying that I would wish the Eurovision orchestra back. At least the artists should have a choice if they want to perform with a playback or the Eurovision orchestra. It would lift up so many ballads to a higher level, imo!
How do you think Germany has been going in Eurovision recently? Are you on the right track? Well, we are THE ZEROS OF OUR TIME 😂 , at least the years 2013 - 2017 were a very tough time for us. But Michael Schulte brought us back to Eurovision life again. He had the most emotional song with a very personal message last year and did an excellent performance in the Grand Final. I think Germany did a step up with the songwriting camp to produce songs that are fitting for each individual artist. I‘m not a fan of buying songs from Swedish, Danish or American songwriters for Eurovision, tbh!
It was nice to see you guys have such a good year after a few tough ones....
If you could only listen to three Eurovision songs for the rest of time, what would you choose?
1. My number one (Greece 2005) 2. Lane Moje (Serbia & Montenegro 2004) 3. Euphoria (Sweden 2012)
Which Eurovision song:
Had the best staging? Paul Oscar (Iceland 1997) had the best staging for me, ahead of its time. I still love Minh Hinsti Dans.
Paul Oscar was quite risqué for the time!
Best live vocal? Stronger every Minute by Lisa Andreas (Cyprus 2004) got close to Barbra Streisand. Excellent performance!
Her vocal was excellent AND from England no less!
Was robbed? Je t‘adore by Kate Ryan (Belgium 2006) was the most robbed entry to me. It‘s also my favourite non-qualifier since we have the semis.
From before 2000 is your favourite? Imaani & Where are you? (UK 1998) is my all-time favourite. It was my winning song that year, although I liked Dana much too.
Do you enjoy more now, than when they performed? Dime by Beth (Spain 2003)! Not a big fan of the live performance, but the studio version is my fave Spanish entry so far. Did you last play? This is our night by Sakis Rouvas, Greek BOP time! 🕺🙌
Is your guilty pleasure? Verka Serduchka & Dancing Lasha Tumbai all the waaayyy! 😂
Yes! We know many people aren't a fan but we love it!
Any other interesting honourable mentions? 60‘s: Non ho l‘eta & Poupée de cire poupée de son 70‘s: Tu te reconnaîtras & Save your kisses for me 80‘s: What‘s another year & I treni di Tozeur 90‘s: In your eyes & Maria Magdalena 00‘s: Il faut du temps & No no never (favourite German entry with a bit of Aussie help! 👍😉) 10‘s: Calm after the storm & 1944 😍
Love the way you went through the decades and included an Australian led German song! All such fantastic choices until the very end....
What national finals are you most looking forward to? I‘m a big fan of Melfest since 2007 and Destination Eurovision since last year. But I actually follow most NFs, NF season = best time of the year! Very excited for the first edition of Australia Decides too!
What do you think of Australia being in Eurovision? I‘m a 100% supporter of Australia staying at Eurovision for 2 reasons: 1. You guys enrich the contest with quality songs & artists. 2. The Aussie Eurofandom is so passionate about the contest, even more passionate than most Europeans. I love that! 😍
Thank you! It does take a certain type of madness to get up as early as we do!
If Australia won Eurovision, would you be happy for it to be held in Germany? Of course, I‘d love to have another contest in Germany, usually it only happens every 28 years though! 😂 Hamburg or Cologne would be great, imo, but I would love to have it in Paris, Bristol or Brighton, Barcelona or Milano too.
Well Italy and France don't give us any televotes so Germany sounds good to us, we'd probably prefer Berlin though!
And finally...
Tonight Again, Sound of Silence, Don’t Come Easy or We Got Love? I‘m totally on the TONIGHT AGAIN bandwagon, the Guy Sebastian performance was excellent and it is such a great „good mood“ song. 👍
Ranking of the 4 songs:
1. Tonight again 2. We got love 3. Don‘t come easy 4. Sound of silence
Thank you for your time Wolfi!