'We are heroes' is the name of a German band that is currently packing the country's clubs and concert halls. Vip News asked the band's agent Ben Rodenberg, of concert agency A.S.S. about his plans and the difficulties he currently has to cope with.

The history of Wir Sind Helden is a typical record industry tale of A&R short sightedness. For two years no A&R representative from record companies big or small showed any interest in signing the band. As is so often the case the only indications of A&R's confidence and expertise included such offers as signing a deal with the female singer of the band and replacing the 3 male members of the group. Finally it was the publishing company Wintrup Musikverlage who took the initiative, releasing a promotional single which gained intensive airplay by selected radio stations. Meanwhile the debut album 'Die Reklamation' (The Complaint) sold more than 100.000 copies creating huge public demand, causing Rodenberg to rebook new and bigger locations for the currently ongoing 35-date tour.

Rodenberg explained to Vip News what happened: "We had already booked two thirds of the tour in May and originally chose capacities that rapidly appeared far to small. I had to rebook almost 30 to 40% of the tour into bigger halls and venues. Now we expect to sell out even these bigger locations, for instance in Vienna we previously booked the 750 capacity WUK and have now rescheduled the date in the 3,200Alten Gasometer which looks like it will sell out." Regarding his cooperation with the band Rodenberg says: "We closely discuss everything, together with all involved parties. In terms of the strategic planning of the booking this includes the band, Wintrup Musikverlage, the record company Labels and A.S.S. The local promoter provides the production. It is our aim to keep expenses as low as possible and to maintain a reasonable budget. The band tour with six crewmembers, consisting of a tour manager, back line and f.o.h. engineers, lighting operator, merchandiser and bus driver."

Asked about the economics of the tour Rodenberg explained, "The total capacity of maximum sold tickets is around 42.000 and I expect that we will sell that many tickets. I believe that part of the success of the tour is that we do not charge expensive ticket prices. The average advance ticket price is 12 Euro".

Plans are already progressing for 2004. Rodenberg: "We are probably going to play additional dates in March and then intend to play some festivals. Basically we would like to play in the German language regions of Europe but also intend to book shows at established European festivals in other territories. Furthermore we are planning, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, to do 4 concerts in Siberia."

When Vip News asked Rodenberg if competitors wanted to woo him or the band away he confirmed that this was the case. Rodenberg refused such offers and due to the history of the band it is understandable that these attempts might not be successful. Rodenberg has known two band members for a long time even before working regularly with the band since December 2002. As well as Wir Sind Helden, Rodenberg looks after the booking of Die Busters, Solomon Burke, Dan Bern, Astra Kids* (*in collaboration with Pulse Entertainment)