Peter Maffay Takes Stock: Music, Foundation, and His Connection to Mallorca

A life that comes home — and still keeps resonating

In front of the Peter Maffay Foundation house in Pollenca, a late Tramuntana breeze ruffled the olive branches as he sat opposite me. Peter Maffay appeared calm, almost serene — not a showman, but someone who, after 50 years on stage, consciously selects what still makes it onto his to-do list.

No big tours anymore, but the music remains

His big stadium tours are over: 2024 marked the end of that phase for him. But that doesn't mean: end of music. Maffay plans future hand-picked performances in medium-sized halls, which he likes to call "Love Places" — places with 10,000 to 14,000 people that offer atmosphere rather than a roar. "I no longer want to live in the tour corset," he says, and laughs briefly. Family, calm and less stress have become more important to him. His wife Hendrikje and daughter Anouk play a big role — and you can tell.

Foundation, nature and small successes

The work of the Peter Maffay Foundation on the island is no lip service for him. In the past, youths from Germany were brought to Mallorca; nowadays the work focuses more on children from Spain itself. Two weeks at the finca, supervision, excursions into nature: the program aims to create safe spaces and help children regain trust. "Nature here is a teacher," he says. And yes, the foundation is more of an initiator than a strict institution — placement often goes through youth welfare offices and local partners.

Conservation topics are also close to his heart. He recalls the debates about the highway or water scarcity on the island: progress brings comfort, but also responsibility. For his stance he received recognition from environmental groups — but daily work in small things is more important than trophies.

Next generation, team and a bit of gratitude

His son Yaris is finding his own path in the music world, not copying his father — as Maffay proudly and calmly describes. And he repeatedly emphasizes how much the people on Mallorca have given him: doors opened, strangers became friends, projects turned into longer commitments. Life between Tutzing and Pollenca is now a balance: Germany is home, the island remains a place close to the heart.

Conclusion: No grand farewell speeches, but rather a conscious reorientation. Whoever meets him feels: the energy isn’t gone, it has simply found a new address — smaller stages, intensive foundation days, and more time for family. Quite human, in a way.