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"The Letters" tells us in this interview what they and the Rolling Stones have in common and why their band structure is like a good relationship!
The subtitle of your band name is "Gala and Party Band". The term gala band is not so common nowadays. What is the focus of your band concept?
Our band concept is mainly in the field of classic dance, rock and current party music. We come from the time when there were still dance halls with live music and lots of carnival and fancy dress events. In recent years, our performances have focused on large ball events and corporate parties and still weddings, weddings, weddings...
Would you please tell us something about "The Letters"? How long has the band been around?
Yes, the band The Letters has been around for a very long time. It was founded at the end of the 60s. So it's almost as old as the Rolling Stones.
So a really experienced troupe! You are occupied with 5 musicians plus a singer, but you also indicate to perform as a trio or quartet, quintet. Are these always the same musicians or do different musicians perform here? Can you tell us something in brief about the band members and the variable lineups?
Due to the changed performance possibilities for our large 6-piece gala line-up (with 3 wind players), we had to adapt the band concept to the circumstances. Especially for weddings and smaller occasions (e.g. birthday parties, club anniversaries etc.) 6 musicians are too much and the costs usually exceed the budget of the organizers. Therefore, we have been offering smaller line-ups with the same quality for several years now.
And how do you keep a troupe of 5/6 musicians together over such a long period of time?
Two of the founding members are still with us. The last change of the original line-up took place 20 years ago. The band will soon celebrate its golden anniversary. I think it is like in a good relationship.
If you understand each other and always pursue a common goal, then it also works out over a longer period of time.
That is impressive and certainly inspiring for many colleagues! When looking through your repertoire, the versatility is striking - from Oberkrainer to rock-pop-party. With a singer and horns in the luggage you have all possibilities. Do you always play from all genres at events, or do you make it dependent on the type of event?
Due to many years of experience, we can call up our repertoire, which has grown over the years, specifically for (almost) all events. We make the music program dependent on the type of event.
On your homepage, large gala events are listed as a reference - but there is also a section for wedding. Which events do you like to play the most?
For us there are no differences in the events. We always try to give our best at every performance, whether it's a wedding party or a gala ball, and we are happy when there is a good feedback from the organizer and guests.
Which performance, which feedback are you particularly proud of, what was your personal highlight?
To the 20 winter balls of the universities of Regensburg (from 1990 to 2014) and the University Ball of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in the Meistersingerhalle with 2000 ball guests.
Whoever is booked so often must be doing it right! Congratulations and thank you for your cooperation!