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German Promoter Legend Roland ‘Balou’ Temme Passes At 67

Roland "Balou" Temme.
Tine Acke – Roland “Balou” Temme.
An impresario in the truest sense of the word.

Roland Temme, a true German concert impresario instrumental in building the country’s live business, passed away, Aug. 6, at the age of 67.

A joint statement from his team at Roland Temme Konzerte (RTK) and Think Big reads: “We are infinitely sad and stunned!
“Our boss, friend, colleague, advisor and motivator fell asleep far too early and has now left everyday life behind him forever.
“When he walked into the room, gigantic problems that had piled up suddenly became tiny and were soon off the table. His visions for the first big stadium shows, which we had the privilege of implementing, as well as for the big tours, were always a great challenge and characterized by success. Setbacks got dealt with, and were usually just another step to even greater success.
“We were able to achieve great things with him and our small team. Only two weeks ago we said: At the next LEA, Balou must finally be recognized for his life’s work. It never came to that.
“We are all grieving a lot and still cannot understand it. We mourn with Andrea, Charlotte and Josh. We are there for you when you need us! The RTK and Think Big team Lili, Loredana, Fabian, Horst, Lennart, Roel and Stefan.”
Temme promoted the tours of German star acts Peter Maffay, Udo Lindenberg, Marius Müller Westernhagen, Barbara Schöneberger, David Garret, BAP, who he also managed, and others. Temme also handled the treks of international stars coming to Germany, including David Guetta or Justin Timberlake.
BAP wrote on their socials: “Everyone who knew him and had anything to do with him will miss him very much. Bye Balou,” referring to his well-established nick name.
Peter Maffay wrote: “When a friend suddenly leaves, you tumble into speechlessness. But slowly the memories come. We walked a wonderful way together. Every journey has a destination, I have to accept that. We had a great time, we are grateful for that.
“When we meet again, facing each other, we’ll finally be done with saying goodbye. Our thoughts are with your family. Bon voyage, Balou.”
Roland Temme (left) and friend and client Udo Lindeberg at the LEA 2017.
Ben Pakalski Fotografie – Roland Temme (left) and friend and client Udo Lindeberg at the LEA 2017.
They’re both holding their trophy for “Best Stadium Tour”.

Udo Lindenberg wrote: “Rest in power beloved Balou. I can’t event grasp it yet…death is a mistake, just a wrong signal sent from some distant valley of stars…our friendship is stronger than time, after all. You were the great magician of the Think Big K&K monarchy: No compromises – excess on cue – expeditions into unexplored lands: only the two of us had such a visa, best friends & compagneros 4ever! You made my dreams come true, you were the wind for my wings…our stadium shows are like legacies – they will remain forever and outshine the times. Your power remains inside of us, big brother. Deeply sad: your Udo and the Panic Family.”

Temme had a tour with Peter Maffay, who celebrated his 50th anniversary on stage in 2020, lined up for this coming September.
Temme also organized Cologne’s famous Christmas market, a matter very close to his heart. Its cancellation in 2020 was one of several economic setbacks Temme had to endure alongside his fellow promoters in Germany, which still hasn’t come up with a roadmap for a return to live at full capacity. 
He was in talks with the state government as late as Tuesday last week, discussing the future of the events sector, according to the Kölner Stadtanzeiger.
He was known in the business for his favorite attire of white shirt, hoodie and colorful sneakers. Aside from his humility and friendliness, he’ll be remembered for his political activism against right-wing extremism, suppression and political failures.
Temme wasn’t a fan of many words and preferred the handshake to lengthy contracts. He stayed away from award ceremonies if it could be helped, the picture above, taken at the 2016 Live Entertainment Award, is a rare exception.
Pollstar reached out to a few German veteran promoters for this obituary. Impresario Marcel Avram said, “I knew Balou from the early days of André Rieu. At that time I had organized a few shows with André Rieu in Germany and also in the USA, but I also had so much going on with other artists. Balou stepped up immediately, and made all of his energy and know-how available for this project. I have to admit, he did a great job and it is a real shame that Balou is no longer with us. He was a decent and straight human being and. Rest in Peace, Balou!”
Wizard Promotions founder Ossy Hoppe said, “It’s always very sad to hear of a colleague’s passing, particularly at a fairly young age. I met him several times during my time. He was always a pleasant and kind contemporary, there was never any animosity between us. He had a reputation for being honest and fair, and that’s exactly how I got to know him. He accomplished great things, which won’t be forgotten. I wish his family a lot of strength to persevere.”









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