Nazi-era singer returns to stage

[Sergio 11]

A 104-year-old Dutch cabaret singer who once performed in Nazi Germany has given a concert in the Netherlands for the first time in four decades.

There were protests and tight security around the theatre in Amersfoort where Johannes Heesters appeared.

Although Heesters insists he never espoused Nazi politics, he performed for Adolf Hitler and visited the Dachau concentration camp.

Correspondents say many Dutch people have never forgiven him.

"He kept singing for the Nazi regime, for the Wehrmacht, and he earned millions," said Piet Schouten, representative of a committee formed to protest against Saturday's performance.

"We have a problem with that on behalf of all the victims," he told national broadcaster NOS.

Johannes Heesters, born Johan, began his career in Amsterdam in the 1920s and moved to Germany in 1935, where he enjoyed a successful career.

Heesters was never accused of being a Nazi propagandist, and the Allies allowed him to continue performing after the war.

He was booed off the stage in Amsterdam when he previously tried to stage a comeback in the early 1960s.

Since then he has performed in other countries, notably Germany and Austria.


This article can be found on : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7249119.stm

[abdithefaithful]

Hmm, makes you wonder what all the "gangsta rappers" will be "rapping" about when they're 104 years old?... Of course they'll probably all be "honored guests" at the White House-- Heck, they'll probably be given their own national holiday if our culture continues in its current downward spiral!

[Rubystars]

Most rappers end up self destructing long before they reach that sort of age.

[abdithefaithful]

Most rappers end up self destructing long before they reach that sort of age.

Yeah, but even with the blatantly  "self destructive" habits and behavior that today's gangsta rappers are genuinely famous for, if Obama gets in the Presidential chair, he'll be sure to create iron-clad legislation that provides the most exceptionally advanced FREE unlimited health care for the world's most notorious among the gangsta rappers, insuring that if they don't get gunned down in a hail of bullets, that they will live long and prosperous lives... No expense will be spared in keeping the evil hearts beating of gangsta rap's most dangerous celebrity characters--- Radical political liberals like Obama will keep the "gangsta rappers" alive until they're 204 years old!

[JTFFan]

Most rappers end up self destructing long before they reach that sort of age.

exactly, so it's quite surprising if they live that long