For over five decades, Peter Cornelius has been one of the most successful singer-songwriters in the German-speaking world. Many of his songs have long become public domain – classics such as 'Reif für die Insel', 'Segel im Wind', and of course 'Du entschuldige, i kenn di'.
The frontman, singer-songwriter, and lead guitarist Peter Cornelius, known for his emotional ballads and uptempo songs with profound lyrics, also beloved for his virtuosic guitar playing, will celebrate his 75th birthday in 2026 with a major tour. Accompanying him on stage is his band, consisting of bass, drums, and keyboards.
Cornelius, who was born in Vienna in 1951, is one of the most influential German-speaking songwriters.
His music is always inspired by personal experiences and societal observations.
“Sometimes I write and compose, whether I want to or not, - reflexively. As if it were the most natural thing in the world to do.”
Much of this can be heard in his songs. They are a wonderful collection of windows that have developed over the years, allowing a few minutes of glimpses into the man's innermost being.
In his concerts, you are taken along as a traveler and dive into the world he brings with him.
“Strangely, it seems more natural to me to go on tour at 75 than at 40 or 50. I adopted the song 'I’m not like everybody else' by The Kinks as my life motto very early on, - as a guidepost.
With each song, Cornelius provides energy, encourages, often inspires reflection, and sometimes meaning lies between the lines, leading his audience to the nuances.
His songs are Gesamtkunstwerke written in his unmistakable style. “Over the years, people have repeatedly told me that my songs are timeless. I am timeless.”
Peter Cornelius & Band Live, is an absolutely timeless highlight of the concert calendar 2026!