J.Bertl, W.Bachofner, Jo Bertl, F.Kramer and K.Simonischek

Dark Gray Songs – Tribute to Ludwig Hirsch on his 80th Birthday
An Evening in Honor of the Great Austropop Legend

On February 26, 2026, Ludwig Hirsch would have turned 80. With his profound, dark, melancholic, yet tenderly humorous songs, he shaped the Austrian music scene like few others.
Since his legendary debut album Dunkelgraue Lieder (1978), featuring classics like Die Omama, Spuck den Schnuller aus, Der Herr Haslinger, I lieg am Ruckn, and the iconic Komm großer schwarzer Vogel, Ludwig Hirsch has remained deeply ingrained in the hearts of his fans and companions.

His longtime collaborator, bandleader, and guitarist Johnny Bertl ensures the familiar Hirsch live sound with his fantastic band.

Together with Wolf Bachofner, Felix Kramer, Kaspar Simonischek, and Jo Bertl, we want to honor the incomparable Ludwig Hirsch and dedicate this special evening to the work of Austria’s greatest songwriter of our time.

His work and his unique approach to language, poetry, and social themes remain unforgettable. On the occasion of his milestone birthday, there will be a nationwide concert tour, where renowned artists will pay tribute to the legacy of this extraordinary songwriter.

The concerts are titled Dark Gray Songs – Tribute to Ludwig Hirsch on his 80th and promise an emotional, musically diverse, and respectful commemoration of one of the country’s greatest poets.
Johnny Bertl tells the story of a friendship.
Alongside his best-known works, rarely heard songs, as well as personal stories and anecdotes about Ludwig Hirsch, will be part of the program.

In this spirit – Ludwig, we remember you!

Band:
Johnny Bertl – guitar
Andi Steirer – percussion, drums
Dieter Kolbeck – keyboard
Sebastian Gansch – bass
Felix Kramer – guitar

Book: Nicolaus Hagg
Sound: Valentin Zopp

Concept and Production:
Scheibmaier & Schilling Promotion GmbH

Program and cast