Matthias Reim

Matthias Reim is a German singer-songwriter and guitarist known for blending rock instrumentation with the sentimental themes of Schlager music. Born in Korbach, he achieved international recognition in 1990 when his single Verdammt, ich lieb' dich topped charts across Europe. The track remains one of the best-selling singles in German history.

His career spans over three decades with consistent album releases and touring. In 2013, he surprised the industry by returning to number one on the German charts with Unendlich, proving his enduring appeal. As of 2026, Reim continues to perform live shows and release new material while maintaining a significant presence in the German-speaking entertainment market. [edit]

Matthias Reim grew up in a working-class family in Korbach, a town in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district of Hesse. Music was a constant presence in his childhood home, sparking an early interest that would define his future. He taught himself to play the guitar during his teenage years, drawing inspiration from American rock and roll and traditional German folk melodies. This unique combination of influences would later become the hallmark of his sound.

Before finding solo success, Reim moved to Hamburg, the hub of the German music industry, to pursue professional opportunities. He spent several years working as a session musician and songwriter for other artists. During this apprenticeship phase, he honed his craft by writing hits for prominent German acts and performing in local bands. This period allowed him to refine his ability to create catchy hooks and dramatic narratives. By the late 1980s, he had built a reputation as a skilled songwriter, setting the stage for his own recording career. [edit]

The breakthrough arrived in 1990 with the release of Verdammt, ich lieb' dich. The song spent 16 consecutive weeks at number one on the German Singles Chart and reached the top ten in Austria and Switzerland. It was certified multi-platinum and became a defining hit of the era. His self-titled debut album followed in 1991, featuring the massive hit and establishing him as a major star.

Reim continued to dominate the charts throughout the 1990s with albums like Junge Leute (1993) and Liebe ist (1994). He toured extensively across Europe, performing in large arenas and festivals. Despite shifting musical trends in the 2000s, he maintained a loyal fanbase with regular releases such as Ganz oder gar nicht (2002) and Der Weg (2005).

A rare comeback occurred in 2013 when Unendlich returned him to the number one spot 23 years after his first hit. This resurgence demonstrated his lasting relevance and captivated a new generation of listeners alongside his original fans. In recent years, he has released albums like Flashback and continues to headline major festivals including Tollwood München and AlpenFlair. His ability to blend rock energy with romantic lyrics has kept him relevant for over thirty years. [edit]

Reim projects a rugged, authentic image often described as a 'man of the people.' He contrasts with some polished Schlager peers by favoring a rock-and-roll aesthetic, frequently seen in leather jackets and casual stage wear. His public persona is serious yet passionate, characterized by emotional delivery and a focus on romantic themes. Media portrayals often highlight his longevity and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes without losing his core identity. [edit]

iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated Matthias Reim as of September 2026, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings or Top 1,000 lists. His fame remains concentrated within the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) where he is considered a household name.

While there is no widely recognized official fandom name like those seen in pop culture, his audience refers to themselves simply as 'Reim-Fans.' The fanbase is mature, consisting largely of adults who grew up with his 1990s hits. Fan culture centers on supporting ticket sales and physical album purchases rather than viral social media campaigns. Concerts are known for intense sing-alongs of anthems like Verdammt, ich lieb' dich and Unendlich, creating a communal atmosphere that feels more like a gathering than a standard performance. [edit]

Reim contributed to the soundtrack of the cult classic German film Manta - Der Film in 1991, appearing alongside David Hasselhoff. Before his solo fame, he wrote songs for other artists, though specific titles are often uncredited in general summaries. His hit Verdammt, ich lieb' dich has been translated into multiple languages including Russian, Polish, and French, showcasing its pan-European reach. Fans often refer to his concerts as communal gatherings due to the high-energy sing-alongs of his classics. Reim is sometimes confused with British actor Matthew Rhys due to the similarity in names, but they are distinct figures in their respective industries. [edit]

Matthias Reim married Christin Stark in 1993. The couple met prior to his rise to superstardom during his early days in the Hamburg music scene. They have remained a private unit for over three decades, rarely discussing personal details in the media. Sources do not explicitly confirm if they have children together; Reim has kept family details largely out of the spotlight. In September 2026, news broke that Reim sold his villa on Lake Constance and his yacht after owning them for 13 years, suggesting a shift in lifestyle rather than marital issues. [edit]

Christin Stark, David Hasselhoff, Tollwood München, AlpenFlair Festival[edit]

Matthias Reim has maintained a long-term relationship with Christin Stark since the early 1990s. The couple met in Hamburg during Reim's pre-fame years when he was working as a session musician. They married in 1993, shortly after his initial chart success with Verdammt, ich lieb' dich. Their marriage has lasted over three decades, surviving the peak pressures of his fame in the nineties.

The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, rarely discussing details in the media. There have been no publicized separations or divorces. As of 2026, Reim remains married to Christin Stark. Recent news regarding the sale of his boat and villa referred to asset liquidation and lifestyle changes, not marital dissolution. No children have been publicly confirmed, though Reim has chosen to keep family matters out of the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Matthias Reim's net worth at approximately $18 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his extensive catalog of hits, ongoing touring revenue, and real estate holdings. His primary wealth stems from royalties generated by Verdammt, ich lieb' dich and Unendlich, which remain staples on radio and streaming platforms.

Touring has consistently provided a significant income stream, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe where his popularity remains high. Historically, a substantial portion of his assets included a luxury villa on Lake Constance and a yacht. In September 2026, Reim announced the sale of these properties after 13 years of ownership. This move appears to be a strategic liquidation of illiquid assets rather than a sign of financial distress. Revenue also comes from merchandise sales and licensing deals for his music in various media formats. [edit]

Matthias Reim has received numerous accolades within the German entertainment industry, reflecting his dominance in the Schlager genre. He won the Echo Award for Best National Pop/Rock Male Artist in the 1990s. He has been honored with multiple Goldene Stimmgabel awards for Best Schlager Artist. Additionally, he received a Bambi Award for his contribution to German music culture and various lifetime achievement awards from radio stations and music associations in the 2010s and 2020s. [edit]