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Hans Otto Mertens, longtime manager of Otto Waalkes, dies at 81
Hans Otto Mertens, 81, died on 24 July 2026 in a Hamburg hospital. Mertens was the longtime friend, manager and discoverer of German comedian Otto Waalkes, a relationship that began in the early 1970s when he helped launch Waalkes’ stage career and later co‑founded the Rüssl Records label that released the comedian’s first successful records. Waalkes said publicly, “I have him to thank for everything,” expressing deep grief at the loss. Prior to his death, Mertens appeared in April 2026 at the opening of Udo Lindenberg’s “Udoversum” exhibition in Hamburg, where Waalkes was also a guest.
Mertens’ early support included arranging a concert at the Audimax in Hamburg, financing the first Otto record, and negotiating with record companies after the self‑produced release sold thousands of copies. His contributions are credited with turning Waalkes into one of Germany’s most enduring entertainers.
Entities
Hamburg · Hans Otto Mertens · Otto Waalkes · Rüssl Records · Udo Lindenberg
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mertens helped finance and produce Otto Waalkes’s first record, which sold increasing numbers from 100 to 10,000 copies. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hans Otto Mertens died on 24 July 2026 in a Hamburg hospital. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hans Otto Mertens appeared publicly at the opening of Udo Lindenberg’s “Udoversum” exhibition in Hamburg in April 2026. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hans Otto Mertens was 81 years old at the time of his death. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hans Otto Mertens was the longtime manager and discoverer of comedian Otto Waalkes. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Otto Waalkes said, “I have him to thank for everything,” about Hans Otto Mertens. www.focus.de · www.bunte.de