A special evening in honour of Klaus “Nille” Gerlach
DOORS OPEN 7.00
pm, START 8.00 pm
Klaus “Nille” Gerlach was far more than just an outstanding rock guitarist: he was a defining figure on the Hamburg music scene, a musical free spirit and, to many, a close friend. With his guitar, his humour and his unmistakable energy, he has captivated audiences for decades.
As a founding member of the jazz-rock band Altona and later as guitarist with the Dirty Dogs, Klaus made Hamburg’s musical history. His artistic expression knew no narrow boundaries: rock, blues, jazz, heavy rock and experimental soundscapes were, for him, a natural blend. Even as an avant-garde producer and sound designer, he always remained curious and unconventional – a musician who never stood still.
On 16 May 2026, Klaus Gerlach passed away at the age of 80. With this special evening, we wish to celebrate him, remember him and, above all, keep his music alive.
Many colleagues, friends and fellow musicians are coming together to play for Klaus. It won’t be an ordinary concert: we’re expecting an evening full of stories, favourite songs, shared memories and spontaneous musical moments. Precisely because so many of Klaus’s friends will be in the audience, we can also look forward to surprise jam sessions and further guests on stage.
The following acts have already confirmed their participation. Further artists and bands will be added on an ongoing basis:
One Way Out Blues Connection
The One Way Out Blues Connection has been a fixture on Hamburg’s blues scene for many years. This musical project brings together blues enthusiasts from different generations and thrives on groove, the joy of playing and the interaction on and off stage.
Musically, the repertoire ranges from Chicago blues, boogie-woogie and rhythm and blues to rock ’n’ roll and soul. Classics meet lesser-known gems – always with room for improvisation and genuine live moments. It is precisely this open, spontaneous energy that is the perfect fit for an evening with Klaus Gerlach.
Martin Friedenstab Trio
featuring Martin Friedenstab, André Closius and Gunther Andernach
Three musicians, three distinct styles – and a shared love of blues, boogie and ragtime.
Martin Friedenstab combines his virtuoso guitar playing with an unmistakable voice and a unique blues sound that has evolved over the years. André Closius brings together guitar, harmonica and vocals; his fingerpicking is reminiscent of the great blues legends and takes the listener on a musical journey from the juke joints of the American South to Chicago blues. Gunther Andernach is a true Hamburg jazz veteran and, as the ‘Wizard of the Washboard’, has been at home on stages both big and small since the 1960s.
An energetic trio where you never quite know where the next song will take you – just the ticket for an evening where Klaus’s musical spirit will be felt everywhere.
Sea Captains
The Sea Captains play folk, blues and country – with harmonies, guitars, saxophone, banjo and harmonica. Their songs tell of broken hearts, shattered dreams and what remains when you gaze towards the horizon.
Harald Fischer, Anna Oelkers and Thomas Adler are all about raw, handmade acoustic music. Their music is warm, honest and full of atmosphere – sometimes raw, sometimes tender, always close to the audience.
Sammy’s Saloon
Sammy Semtner is a singer, songwriter and frontman of Sammy’s Saloon. As a former bassist with the Dirty Dogs, he shares a long-standing rock ’n’ roll history with Klaus Gerlach.
As well as his country rock band, Sammy is also known for his interpretations and musical settings of texts by the Hamburg writer Hans Leip. For this evening, he brings not only his musical experience but also a direct link to the era of the Dirty Dogs and to Klaus’s journey as a musician.
Peter “Kirche” Kirchberger
Peter “Kirche” Kirchberger, a defining voice from the Dirty Dogs’ circle, takes to the stage. As the band’s singer, he shares a common rock ’n’ roll history with Klaus “Nille” Gerlach. Kirchberger has also been a well-known singer, actor and voice-over artist for decades – his distinctive voice and stage presence will make his performance a very special moment of the evening. Together, we will pay tribute to a friend, companion and exceptional guitarist from the Hamburg music scene.
Ole Ohlendorff – Art for Klaus
Ole Ohlendorff is not a musician, but a long-standing friend of Klaus Gerlach. The two met in 1978 at a Dirty Dogs concert at the Audimax in Hamburg. What began as an initial enthusiasm for this band and its guitarist grew into a friendship that lasted almost five decades.
For his ‘Dead Rock Heads’ project, Ole has captured Klaus on canvas: a large-format portrait in mixed media, created with great passion and personal memories. The work will be on display this evening at the Kulturpalast – as an artistic tribute to Klaus and as part of a tribute to the Dirty Dogs.
An evening with room to grow
This list is just the beginning. We’re expecting further confirmations and look forward to welcoming musicians, friends and companions who will bring Klaus’s music and his story to the stage.
Come along, reminisce with us, share stories, listen, sing along – and celebrate Klaus ‘Nille’ Gerlach just as he deserves: loud, warm-hearted, spontaneous and with plenty of rock ’n’ roll.
