Matthias Reim is a well-known German singer, songwriter, and music producer. He became famous for his hit single “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich” in 1990. Over the years, he has had an exciting career with many ups and downs, but he continues to be a significant figure in German pop and schlager music.
| Full Name | Matthias Reim |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Korbach, Hesse, West Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Music Producer |
| Genres | Pop, Schlager |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Years Active | 1970s–present |
| Famous Hit | “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich” (1990) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $6 million |
| Debut Album | Reim (1990) |
| Number of Studio Albums | Over 15 |
| Significant Albums | Reim (1990), Phoenix (2016) |
| Marital Status | Married multiple times |
| Children | 6 children, including Marie-Louise |
| Notable Relationships | Michelle (German singer, former partner) |
| Health Issues | Heart condition in 2015 (recovered) |
| Financial Issues | Declared bankruptcy in 2006 |
| Awards | Numerous German music awards, chart-topping records |
| Famous For | One of the best-selling German-language singles (“Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich”) |
| Latest Album | Matthias (2022) |
| Comeback Year | 2016 (with the album Phoenix) |
| Associated Acts | Michelle, Schlager pop acts |
| Residence | Germany |
Early Life
Matthias Reim was born on November 26, 1957, in the town of Korbach, in the state of Hesse, Germany. He grew up in a family that valued education, as his father was a school principal. However, Matthias always had a deep love for music. He started playing guitar and piano at a young age, and by his teenage years, he was already writing songs.
He attended university in Göttingen, where he studied German and English. Even though he was focused on his studies, music remained his passion. While in college, Reim played in various local bands and began writing songs for other artists.
Professional Life
Matthias Reim’s professional music career didn’t take off immediately. In the 1980s, he struggled to gain recognition, writing songs for other musicians and performing in lesser-known bands. His big break came in 1990 when he released the song “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich” (“Damn, I Love You”). The song became an instant hit in Germany and many other European countries.
“Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich” stayed at the top of the German charts for 16 weeks, making it one of the most successful German-language singles of all time. This success turned Matthias Reim into a household name overnight. The song’s popularity led to the release of his debut album, which was also highly successful.
Despite this fantastic start, Reim’s career faced several challenges in the following years. His subsequent albums didn’t perform as well as his first one, and by the early 2000s, he was struggling with personal and financial issues. His financial troubles came to a head when he declared bankruptcy in 2006, largely due to bad investments and mismanagement.
However, Reim didn’t give up. He made a comeback with new music in the 2010s, and his albums started to do well again. His determination to keep going despite setbacks has made him a respected figure in the German music industry.
Personal Life
Matthias Reim’s personal life has been just as eventful as his professional one. He has been married several times and has six children from different relationships. His marriages have often been a topic of interest in the media, but he has generally kept his family life private.
One of his most well-known relationships was with Michelle, a popular German singer. They were together for a few years and even had a daughter named Marie-Louise. Matthias is known to have a strong bond with all his children, despite his busy career.
Over the years, Reim has also had to deal with health problems. In 2015, he had a serious heart condition that required him to take a break from performing. Fortunately, he recovered and was able to return to the stage, much to the delight of his fans.
Achievements and Awards
Matthias Reim has achieved a lot during his long career. Here are some of the highlights:
- “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich” Success: His biggest hit, “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich,” is one of the best-selling German-language singles ever. It stayed at the top of the German charts for 16 weeks, an extraordinary feat.
- Albums: Reim has released over 15 studio albums throughout his career. While some of them were more successful than others, his perseverance in the music industry is commendable.
- Comeback: After facing financial and personal difficulties, Reim made a successful comeback in the 2010s. His albums started charting again, and he regained popularity.
- Tours and Concerts: Matthias Reim is known for his energetic live performances. He has toured extensively in Germany and other countries, maintaining a loyal fanbase for over three decades.
Matthias Reim’s Net Worth
As of the latest estimates, Matthias Reim’s net worth is around $6 million. His wealth comes mainly from his music career, including album sales, concerts, and royalties from his songs. However, his net worth has fluctuated over the years due to personal financial difficulties.
In 2006, Matthias Reim had to declare bankruptcy. This was a major turning point in his life, as he lost a significant portion of his wealth due to bad investments and financial mismanagement. However, Reim managed to recover from this setback by releasing new music, going on tour, and rebuilding his career.
Today, Matthias Reim is once again financially stable, and his successful comeback has helped him regain much of the wealth he lost earlier. He continues to earn money through his music and live performances.
Musical Style and Influence
Matthias Reim’s music is a mix of pop and schlager, a popular German music genre that combines traditional folk music with modern pop sounds. His songs are often about love, heartbreak, and emotions that people can relate to. This emotional depth in his music has been one of the reasons why he has maintained such a strong connection with his fans.
Reim’s music has influenced many younger artists in the German music scene. His style of combining catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics has set a standard for pop and schlager artists.
Challenges and Setbacks
While Matthias Reim has had many successes, his career has also been marked by several challenges. After the huge success of “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich,” Reim struggled to release another song that could match its popularity. This led to a period where his career slowed down, and he faced financial difficulties.
In 2006, Reim’s financial troubles culminated in him declaring bankruptcy. He had accumulated significant debt due to poor financial decisions and investments that didn’t pay off. This was a very tough time for Reim, both personally and professionally. However, he didn’t let these challenges stop him. He continued to make music and eventually staged a successful comeback.
Another challenge came in 2015 when he had a serious health scare. Reim was diagnosed with a heart condition that forced him to take a break from performing. His health issues were a wake-up call, and he focused on recovering so he could return to his music career. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and continues to perform today.
Comeback and Recent Success
After his financial troubles and health issues, Matthias Reim made a strong comeback in the 2010s. His albums started charting again, and his concerts drew large crowds. His ability to bounce back from setbacks is one of the reasons he is so respected in the music industry.
Reim’s album “Phoenix” was released in 2016 and became a symbol of his return to the top. The album was well-received, and it showed that he still had the talent and drive to succeed in the competitive music world. Since then, he has continued to release new music and tour across Germany.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
Matthias Reim is a person who believes in resilience and never giving up. Despite facing several major challenges in his career and personal life, he always finds a way to come back stronger. His journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, hard work, and passion for what you love.
Reim’s legacy in German music is significant. He is one of the most successful pop and schlager artists of his time, and his influence on younger generations of musicians is undeniable. Even after decades in the industry, he continues to make music that resonates with his audience.
Conclusion
Matthias Reim is an iconic figure in German pop and schlager music. From his early life filled with musical passion to his meteoric rise to fame with “Verdammt, ich lieb’ dich,” and from financial and health setbacks to his incredible comeback, Reim’s life story is one of determination and resilience.
His current net worth of around $6 million reflects his hard work and the lasting impact he has had on the music industry. Despite the ups and downs, Matthias Reim has managed to maintain a successful career for over 30 years, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of German music.
