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Michael Altinger

Michael Altinger

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Michael Altinger

The Lower Bavarian Satirist with Heart – Michael Altinger captivates with sharp wit, stage presence, and refined humor

Michael Altinger, born on November 20, 1970, in Landshut, has been one of the most distinctive voices in Bavarian cabaret since the mid-1990s. The trained social educator early on transitioned from an "involuntary laughter therapist" to a professional stage artist, developing a musical cabaret style where precise observation, linguistic elegance, and incisive social analysis merge. He gained recognition through numerous solo programs, duos with Alexander Liegl, and as the host of the BR cabaret series "schlachthof." Altinger impresses with a blend of subtle satire, palpable empathy, and a stage presence that captivates his audience in seconds.

Early Years and Artistic Influences

Growing up near Wasserburg am Inn, Altinger found his way to the stage early and began his music career as a cabaret artist in 1995. His education in social pedagogy shaped his perspective on societal tensions, environments, and everyday psychology—topics he still addresses with humor and warmth today. During this initial phase, he also worked with the "Occams" ensemble at the Munich Lustspielhaus before shaping his solo voice and developing the concept "Altinger & Band" with Martin Julius Faber. Even his early programs showcased a clear signature: close to dialect, yet sharply thought-out; musically supported, yet consistently meaningful.

Breakthrough on Television – from "Ottis Schlachthof" to the BR Series "schlachthof"

Alongside his live shows, Altinger made a name for himself at Bayerischer Rundfunk. As an actor and author in "Die Komiker," he gained television experience before regularly appearing alongside Ottfried Fischer in "Ottis Schlachthof." Since March 2013, he has co-hosted the successor program "schlachthof" with Christian Springer—a monthly cabaret institution where he delivers solo numbers and skillfully leads discussions with guests. The show stands for topicality, clever punchlines, and a form of political satire that takes a stance without polarizing for the sake of posing.

Programs, Punchlines, Audience Connection – Milestones of a Stage Career

Altinger's discography in a broader sense—his cabaret programs—ranges from early titles like "Wenn blöd, dann gscheit" to "Das Ende vom Ich" and "Hell," along with his most recent stage evenings. The dramaturgy of his evenings follows a clear style: strong opening numbers, tightly arranged textual spans, surprising breaks, and musical interludes. He has repeatedly collaborated with Alexander Liegl, for example in "Tote zählen keine Schafe" or "Platzende Hirsche," presenting duo cabaret that combines musical arrangements with playful joy and scenic wit. The consistency with which he develops and tours new programs attests to an artistic evolution that combines craftsmanship, timing, and relevance.

"The Last Cup of Testosterone" – the Current Live Program

With "Die letzte Tasse Testosteron," Altinger explores the tension between self-optimization, new models of masculinity, and the current political-cultural landscape. Navigating between yoga mats, sourdough bread, and global issues, he addresses the overburdening nature of modern life—and translates it into pointed satire with high recognizability. Musicality remains an integral part of the performance: rhythms, refrains, and small chanson and rock influences create dramaturgical breathing spaces where comedy and reflection shake hands. The tour in the years 2025/2026 underscores his unwavering appeal as a live artist.

Host, Curator, Entertainer – Altinger at BR and on His Own Stage

As the host of the BR "schlachthof," Altinger has delivered focused cabaret compositions month after month since 2013: solo highlights, duets with Christian Springer, and conversations with prominent guests. Recurring subjects—bureaucracy, care, Bavaria, and federal politics—he processes with scenic precision and rhetorical calmness. Additionally, he appears as a host of his own formats, such as "ALTINGERS BRETTL," where he curates colleagues. This dual role as artist and curator enhances his authority in the scene and demonstrates how he builds networks, presents talents, and actively shapes the cabaret discourse.

Music, Composition, Production – “Strunzenöd Rocks!” and the Sound of Cabaret

Altinger's stage work has always been conceived musically: catchy refrains, ironic lyrical ballads, and rhythmic counterpoints. He has transformed this aspect into a pure musical album with "Strunzenöd Rocks!"—a production that showcases a range from reggae to swing to rock. In the diverse roles of lyricist, composer, and co-arranger, he utilizes the sonic palette to set punchlines, broaden themes, and deepen moods. Collaborating with musicians like Andreas Rother sharpens the band sound and grounds the satirical intensity in a distinctive, audible style.

Podcast “Rampensäue, frisch geschlachtet!” – Practical Knowledge from Behind the Scenes

Since 2023, Altinger has been co-hosting the podcast "Rampensäue, frisch geschlachtet!" with Alexander Liegl. There, they share stories of stage catastrophes, rehearsal mishaps, and great moments of live performance—a documentary audio extension of their stage experience. The format provides practical insights into dramaturgy, performance routines, and the interplay of text, timing, and technology. Alongside entertainment, the podcast offers experiential knowledge for all interested in the mechanics of cabaret, structuring acts, and the psychology of performance.

Television Presence and Milestones – "schlachthof" as a Laboratory of Satire

Regular TV recordings and media library highlights illustrate Altinger's precision in current events: sometimes as a Bavarian chronicler, sometimes as a grounded social satirist who translates detailed observations into pointed miniatures. The contributions show how he transforms political headlines into scenic images without losing sight of the people behind the issues. This balance makes his work accessible: reliable in tone, clear in stance, and with a distinctive linguistic texture.

Awards, Recognition, Authority

Altinger's list of awards describes his evolution from a rising star to a mainstay in the German-speaking cabaret scene. Early on, he made an impression with competitions like the Passau "ScharfrichterBeil" and the "Kabarett Kaktus," followed later by the Bavarian Cabaret Prize (Rising Star and Main Prize) and the German Cabaret Prize (Program Prize, alongside Alexander Liegl). These honors document not only quality and continuity but also his relevance beyond the Bavarian scene. Coupled with a consistent television presence, this builds a profile that convincingly integrates expertise, discipline, and artistic development.

Style and Technique – Language, Timing, Musical Dramaturgy

An Altinger evening usually starts with a precisely set opening image: a mundane scene, a political half-sentence, a musical introduction. From the miniature, the macro perspective emerges; from laughter, understanding unfolds. Rhetorically, he works with repetitions, turns, and semantic shifts; musically, he opts for short motifs, counter-rhythms, and laid-back groove foundations. This mixture allows for tempo changes, pointed pauses, and the famous "second laugh"—a hallmark of his stage presence. Thus, numbers are created that not only succeed but resonate long after.

Discography in a Broader Sense – Programs, Recordings, Books

Although cabaret primarily comes to life in live and audiovisual form, Altinger has anchored his work in several media. Besides stage titles, audio releases and TV recordings also contribute to the overview of his work. The musical album "Strunzenöd Rocks!" showcases his affinity for song form and arrangement. As an author, he has published works such as "Auch das Christkind muss dran glauben" and "Rampensau ohne Bühne"—books that extend his tone literarily. Together, they create a discography that spans from solo stages to duo and band settings, studio work, and publishing.

Cultural Placement – Between Bavarian Coloration and National Relevance

Altinger's genre is political and societal cabaret, characterized by Bavarian inflections and universally understandable themes. His numbers thrive on the tension between regional location and general experience: family, work, bureaucracy, media, and morality. By prioritizing empathy over cynicism and grounding satirical intensity in music, his cabaret feels inviting—even for audiences who typically shy away from "political cabaret." This fosters cultural connectivity: for Bavaria, the rest of the republic, and the German-speaking cabaret scene as a whole.

Current Projects 2024–2026 – Tour, TV, Podcast

The years 2024 to 2026 will focus on the current program, regular episodes of "schlachthof" on BR television, and a continuous podcast production. Altinger also curates stage evenings and emphasizes his presence in the live calendar with "ALTINGERS BRETTL." His schedules document a high frequency of tours that allow his audience to engage closely with new texts and musical sketches. This constant work on material, form, and sound ensures the sustainability of his music career in cabaret.

Conclusion – Why Michael Altinger Should Be Experienced Live Now

Because Altinger understands and translates the present: he brings significant themes—politics, media, identity—into the close proximity of everyday life. He composes evenings that entertain and enlighten, balancing mockery and sympathy. Those who experience his cabaret live receive more than just strong jokes: they encounter a carefully constructed dramaturgy, musically led and presented with a clear stance. This is precisely what makes him so compelling—and each new tour an event not to be missed.

Official Channels of Michael Altinger:

  • Instagram: No official profile found
  • Facebook: No official profile found
  • YouTube: No official profile found
  • Spotify: No official profile found
  • TikTok: No official profile found

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