Udo Lindenberg becomes honorary citizen of hometown Gronau
July 27, 2016
"The prodigal son has returned," Udo Lindenburg mumbled into the microphone Tuesday at the ceremony in Gronau to toast to his honorary citizenship.
Gronau may not have been the ideal place for a budding young star in the 80s, but Lindenberg has never lost his connection to his native village. A bronze statue in his likeness was erected there in May.
The rock musician - whose career has spanned nearly five decades - turned 70 on May 17, but the small town in Germany's Münsterland region has extended the celebration of his big birthday.
Some 400 guests turned up at the rock'n'pop museum located at the Udo-Lindenberg-Square in Gronau to honor the star. His special prize was toasted with Advocaat, a Dutch brand of eggnog and Udo Lindenberg's favorite drink.
Click through the gallery above for a look back at Lindenberg's unparalleled career.
kbm/ss (with dpa)