Rainald Grebe’s Arduous Journey: From Stroke to Stage
In the midst of a performance in Düsseldorf in 2017, renowned German singer-songwriter Rainald Grebe’s life took a dramatic turn. A sudden stroke cast him into a realm of darkness and uncertainty. "After the first sentence: pitch-black darkness," Grebe recounts the moment in the 3sat documentary "Rainald Grebe: Der Tod im Leben – Unheilbar krank zum größten Auftritt." Words seemed to "ooze away beyond the edge of the plate." In the years that followed, Grebe would endure a series of additional strokes.
The documentary directed by Bärbel Bielek intimately captures Grebe’s arduous journey alongside his band as they navigate the challenges leading up to a highly anticipated performance at Berlin’s Waldbühne in the summer of 2023. It is a path marked by setbacks, yet ultimately culminates in a triumphant concert.
The stroke in Düsseldorf profoundly altered the 53-year-old cabaret artist, celebrated for his sharp-witted lyrics in songs such as "Brandenburg." Medical investigations revealed a rare vascular disease as the underlying cause of his strokes.
The film presents a softened Rainald Grebe, somewhat removed from the acerbic persona of his earlier days. It portrays a vulnerable, yet resolutely optimistic individual.
"The guardrails are black. You can experience something beautiful during the day, but the underlying principle is dark," Grebe explains his altered perspective on life. "I wanted to kill myself. I wanted to be gone. And then I realized I have so much that is wonderful." This realization, coupled with a healthy dose of fear, has prevented him from giving up on life.
The documentary vividly illustrates the devastating effects the illness has had on the singer-songwriter. He confides that he is usually unaware of most of the strokes he experiences, attributing them to the numerous small lesions scattered throughout his brain. Initially, these were not life-threatening, but their frequency and severity have escalated, leading to impaired speech and mobility.
Death and illness loom large in the film, yet it maintains a surprisingly upbeat tone. Grebe confronts the topic of mortality with somberness but without resignation. "I was incredibly hopeless for a few months last year. Now spring is coming again. The improvements are noticeable, so I have hope for life once more."
The documentary highlights the pivotal role played by Grebe’s band and team in supporting him through this challenging time.
"Everyone is motivated and does so much out of love for him. Everyone is here in some way to celebrate his life’s work," one of his colleagues remarks in the film.
Currently, things have been quieter for the cabaret artist. Late last year, the singer-songwriter canceled all scheduled performances for the following months. "He had another stroke," his spokesperson confirmed. "At the moment, no one can say how long it will take for him to recover."
