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Die Flippers

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Die Flippers, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 2025
Die Flippers
Company typeMusic group
IndustryMusic
Founded1964 in Knittlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
FounderManfred Durban, Claus Backhaus, Franz Halmich, Manfred Mössner, Manfred Hehl, Hans Springer
Defunct2011
Headquarters
Knittlingen
,
Germany
ProductsSchlager music albums and singles
Number of employees
3 (final lineup)
Websitewww.die-flippers.de

Die Flippers were a prominent German Schlager ensemble established in 1964, widely regarded as one of the genre's most triumphant acts. From their first album released in 1970, they produced a total of 45 albums, earning five platinum and twenty-four gold awards. Between 1988 and 2004, the band received eleven Goldene Stimmgabel honors.

Band history

Originating in Knittlingen, Baden-Württemberg, the initial members consisted of Manfred Durban, Claus Backhaus, Franz Halmich, Manfred Mössner, Manfred Hehl, and Hans Springer. Their early performances were under the names "Dancing Band" and later "Dancing Show Band." Subsequently, Bernd Hengst took over for Springer, and Olaf Malolepski succeeded Hehl in 1967.

Their debut single as Die Flippers came out in 1969 with "Weine nicht, kleine Eva," which gained popularity on Schlager radio stations. Tracks such as "Sha La La, I Love You" quickly became emblematic of their style. During the early 1970s, they rose to prominence within the Schlager scene and began working with producer Jean Frankfurter in 1973. Claus Backhaus exited the group in 1974.

Despite strong concert attendance in the late 1970s, their record sales declined. Roland Bausert departed in 1979 and was replaced by Albin Bucher (later known as Albin Berger). To restore their commercial success, producers Mick Hannes and Walter Gerke joined the team.

The early 1980s brought ongoing difficulties; Bausert briefly returned in 1985 but left again by 1986. Keyboardist Harry Authenrieth joined for a short period before departing. The band then solidified as a trio comprising Bernd Hengst, Olaf Malolepski, and Manfred Durban until their retirement in 2011. Their collaboration with producers Heinz Rupprich and Uwe Busse led to the 1986 album Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt, which marked a resurgence with its first gold certification and popular songs like "Die rote Sonne von Barbados," increasing their television presence and radio airplay.

Starting in 1988, Die Flippers embarked on yearly tours, highlighted by a major concert at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle attracting 17,000 fans. Their first television special aired on ZDF in 1994, followed by numerous specials over subsequent years.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2004, they released a greatest hits compilation titled 35 Jahre - Ein Leben für die Zärtlichkeit and conducted a record-setting tour with over 150,000 attendees at prominent German stadiums.

Their final live performance took place on 19 March 2011 in Mannheim, with their last television appearance occurring on 9 April 2011.

Founding member Manfred Durban died on 20 October 2016 at age seventy-four.

Olaf Malolepski continues his career as a solo performer under the name "Olaf der Flipper." In May 2025, he achieved position No. 71 on the UK Singles Chart with "Drinking Wine, Feeling Fine," a duet featuring Swiss artist Vincent Gross.

Reception

The Pet Shop Boys have revealed during interviews conducted in Germany their appreciation for Schlager music, naming Die Flippers as their preferred group within the genre and describing their sound as "well-produced."

Albums

Videos and DVDs

Singles

  • "Weine nicht, kleine Eva" (1969)
  • "Sha La La, I Love You" (1970)
  • "Bleib mir treu" (1972)
  • "Komm auf meine Insel" (1973)
  • "Rosemarie" (1974)
  • "Luana" (1975)
  • "Kinder des Sommers" (1977)
  • "Isabell" (1980)
  • "Ein kleines Hotel bei Cuxhaven" (1982)
  • "Nimm den ersten Zug" (1983)
  • "Nein, nein, ich bin lieber frei" (1983)
  • "Hab' ich Dich verloren" (1984)
  • "Auf rote Rosen fallen Tränen" (1985)
  • "Die rote Sonne von Barbados" (1986)
  • "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt" (1986)
  • "Mexico" (1987)
  • "Malaika" (1987)
  • "Arrivederci Ciao Amor" (1988)
  • "St. Tropez" (1988)
  • "Mitternacht in Trinidad" (1988)
  • "Summer-Lady" (1988)
  • "Acapulco" (1988)
  • "Je t'aime heißt: Ich liebe dich" (1989)
  • "Sommerwind" (1989)
  • "Lotusblume" (1989)
  • "Moskau im Regen" (1989)
  • "Sieben Tage" (1990)
  • "Santa Maria Goodbye" (1990)
  • "Goodbye Eloisa" (1991)
  • "Schuld war die Sommernacht von Hawaii" (1991)
  • "Mona Lisa" (1991)
  • "Liebeskummer" (1991)
  • "Hasta la vista" (1992)
  • "Mädchen von Capri" (1992)
  • "Angelina" (1993)
  • "Wilde Orchidee" (1993)
  • "Sehnsucht nach irgendwo" (1993)
  • "Sayonara" (1994)
  • "Sommersprossen" (1995)
  • "Der letzte Bolero" (1995)
  • "Weit, weit von Hongkong" (1995)
  • "Der Löwe schläft heut' nacht" (1996)
  • "Mexican Lady" (1996)
  • "Rote Sonne, weites Land" (1996)
  • "Ein Herz aus Schokolade" (1997)
  • "Das ganze Leben ist eine Wundertüte" (1998)
  • "Liebe ist mehr als nur eine Nacht" (1998)
  • "In Vendig ist Maskenball" (1999)
  • "Der kleine Floh in meinem Herzen" (2000)
  • "Die weißen Mühlen von Rhodos" (2000)
  • "Bye bye Belinda" (2001)
  • "Isabella" (2002)
  • "Drei Töne am Piano" (2002)
  • "Immer, immer wieder" (2003)
  • ""Wetten dass..."" (2004)
  • "Solang ins uns ein Feuer brennt" (2004)
  • "Auf deiner Mailbox sind drei Küsse von mir" (2005)
  • "Hundertmal" (2005)
  • "Du bist ein ungelöstes Rätsel" (2005)
  • "Wir Männer" (2005)
  • "Du bist der Oscar meines Herzens" (2006)
  • "Er war der größte Casanova" (2006)
  • "Kein Weg zu weit" (2007)
  • "Wenn ich Dich nicht haben kann" (2007)

External links

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