Chris Brandon Comes to Mallorca: 'The Island Spirit Stays With Me'

An Evening, a Team, and Plenty of Sea in the Ears

At the end of September, Palma still smelled of sun and sea as Chris Brandon arrived. The singer, who, by the way, learned drums as a child, will be a guest on the live show Music & Talk on Wednesday, September 24. An ARD television crew will be there to document his appearance for the magazine – plenty of material to whet curiosity.

Music with Memories

Brandon loves to talk about the sounds that shaped him: old rock'n'roll cassettes that were played over and over in his parents' house, Chuck Berry riffs, Elvis moments. From the little anecdote it becomes clear that he doesn't just hear music—he feels it. The voice is my instrument, he says, laughing and with the conviction of someone who has seen many stages.

His way of memorizing music is also a life aid: as a blind man he relies on memory, smells and sounds. In Mallorca, he says, he connects the island not only with pictures but with the salt in the air, the murmur of the waves and the clinking of a cup drying behind the harbor in the early morning.

Projects and Small Surprises

In 2024 he caused a stir with the video for 'Promised Not to Drive' – the idea behind it is as simple as it is cheeky: love as a reason to do things you should actually refrain from. For the video he sat in a driving-school car; safe, but with a wink. Professionally, he also worked with Ryan Presley — yes, relatives and music stories are everywhere.

For his Mallorca visit he brings not only music: he will meet show and stunt artist Marco König and, to the surprise of some, go jetskiing with him. 'You have to say yes to life,' says Brandon. And anyone who would have seen him on the Paseo Marítimo at 8 p.m. after the soundcheck would know: He means it that way.

Why Mallorca Stays

What remains after such a short trip? For Chris Brandon it is the 'good spirit' of the island – not merely a cliché, but a feeling he takes with him. It's not lofty fairy-tale stuff, but rather relaxed conversations backstage, a cafe around the corner open, and a night drive by the sea that feels like a short home.

Whether it's the TV crew, jetskiing or new songs – on Wednesday evening it's time to take the stage. And afterwards? Probably a stroll along the harbor, a piece of olive bread and the soft hum of a melody that lingers in the head for a long time.

Event note: Music & Talk, Wednesday, September 24. Doors and times vary; sudden risk of rain showers cannot be ruled out – but that's somehow part of Mallorca as well.