Conversation and music with Dietrich Kessler and Eberhard Klunker
In conversation with Hartmut Rüffert, an expert on GDR rock music, the two musicians Dietrich Kessler and Eberhard Klunker recount their different paths to the West from the GDR. They describe what drove them to escape state constraints and turn their backs on the GDR, despite losing a large fan base and numerous friends.
Surveillance, denunciations, slander, and interrogations led to Dietrich Kessler's imprisonment by the Ministry for State Security in 1983. In September 1984, he was bought out of Cottbus prison by the Federal Republic of Germany. In his autobiographical book "Stasi-Knast" (Leipzig, new edition 2024), he describes the oppressive experiences of this time. Eberhard Klunker managed a spectacular escape in a rubber dinghy across the Baltic Sea in 1975.
During the evening, the two musicians will play guitar, flute, or saxophone, providing insight into their musical work.
Host: Hartmut Rüffert
Dietrich Kessler was the leader of the well-known rock band "Klosterbrüder," which was forced to rename itself "Gruppe Magdeburg" in 1975. In 1981, the band – unique in the GDR – applied for a joint exit permit. The consequences were a professional ban and imprisonment. After 20 months in prison, Dietrich Kessler was released by the Federal Republic. He continues to work successfully as a publisher and musician.
Eberhard Klunker began his professional career as a guitarist with the "Modern Soul Band." Until his escape across the Baltic Sea with fellow musician Olaf Wegener in 1975, he worked with many well-known artists in the GDR, such as Klaus Lenz, Uschi Brüning, Veronika Fischer, and Hansi Biebl. Klunker remains a renowned guitar soloist to this day.
Hartmut Rüffert was a member of the GDR opposition and developed an early interest in GDR rock music and its excellent and often timeless lyrics.
This event is part of the Berlin Wall Memorial Association's "Life in Dictatorships" series.
In cooperation with the Center for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), the Berlin Wall Memorial Association, and the Robert Havemann Society
(TALK IN GERMAN)
Additional information
Meeting point: Visitor Center, Berlin Wall Memorial, Bernauer Straße 119, 13355 Berlin
Dates
May 2025
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