> there's something about Heinz
Heinz Winckler says he first realised he could perform when he was eleven. He started playing the piano, but gave it up years later when he discovered the guitar. He was a member of the Student Church Band, and boasts drums, harmonica and bass among his musical talents. Heinz chaired the Christian Society at school, and doesn't feel he was really up on popularity. "Never saw myself as such," he recalls, "And I was never extremely popular in the normal sense."
During the Pop Idols competition, most of the tracks Heinz chose to sing were more rock than pop, but when it comes to his own musical preferences he doesn't like to make a distinction. "My taste has never been pure rock or pop," he explains, "I've always liked a pop/rock sound - and I'm going to stick with that." Many felt that Heinz's choice of songs never really showcased his voice, but his performance of the pop ballad Soledad (originally a Westlife track) was a turning point.
Heinz agrees to a degree but says, "I prefer to look at it as that it showed I can do different styles." Among his personal tastes, Heinz apparently also enjoys a good "langarm" when he goes out dancing. A surprising boy our Heinz is.
Since becoming the Idols champion Heinz has no doubt had many memorable moments. "There have been so many!" he enthuses, "Obviously the moment when I won, then I'd say seeing my face on a CD single and then actually hearing it on the radio!" However, he says he's not in it for the fame… well kinda... "For me the aim has been to have a big audience," he explains, "Fame goes with that, but it's not my main focus."
So how is Heinz dealing with the limelight? "I love seeing people's reactions when they recognise me," Heinz explains, "It's very flattering when someone asks for an autograph or photo." And the Idol has received some interesting objects to autograph.
In fact by all accounts he was genuinely shocked that
"a girl once put her g-string in front of me and asked me to sign it", "I've also signed bra's and breasts." Newfound fame means mixing in entirely new circles, and for Heinz these of course include the circles of teenaged girls. "I've been invited to about ten matric farewells!" he says, but didn't commit as to how many offers he's accepted. And what about being mobbed by fans eager to throw themselves at the rising star? "I have received attention, not so much throwing," Heinz replies, "All they usually want is an autograph and a hug - I have no problem with that."
He's quick to point out rather sensibly that, "I don't however give out my cell number." And any obsessive fans? "A few," he answers curtly.
Heinz does mention that the Idols experience has opened his eyes to people he had never encountered. "For the first time I've been exposed to social interaction with people from different races and cultures from me," he explains, "I've learnt a lot from that."
And while, (unfortunately for most gay fans), it's now become obvious that Heinz is not gay, he's clearly also been made aware of his gay fans. Coming from a somewhat protected Christian background, this could be the first time in his life that he's been faced with the reality of being an open object of lust among gay men. It can all get a little confusing. In fact he seems a little cagey about discussing his gay fans. "I prefer not to divide my fans into categories," he says ambiguously, "I appreciate any support from any person."
When asked about his UK counterpart Will Young, and the possible negative impact of his coming out on his career, Heinz doesn't see this as an issue. "If it didn't impact it negatively in the short term, I'm pretty sure that it wont do so in the long term."
He comments firmly though that,
"sexuality should make no difference."
On the subject of his own personal relationships, once again Heinz isn't saying much. When asked whether his fame will affect a long-term relationship he says, "Probably in a big way - can't be naïve about that. It will be hard to keep it private."
As he breaks into the local music arena, Heinz has ambitions to include his own material in his repertoire. "I have already written some songs and would love to put some of my own songs on my first album," he says. And in his spare time, the Stellenbosch student enjoys swimming, jogging and body boarding. This Idol is vehemently against smoking, and finds it a most unattractive habit for girls. The first thing he does every morning is put on music, and the last thing he does every night is say a prayer.
It's clear that Heinz is good, clean boy who is determined not to set a foot wrong. The classic approach of the pop idol is to be all things to all men (so to speak) and to commit to nothing. But the bland allure of the Pop Idol quickly fades; to be replaced as it must, by the next best thing. What Heinz needs to make the transition from pop star to a longer-lasting musical artist (if he is so inclined), is experience, character and perhaps a little attitude. A keen sense of humour and ironic awareness of the absurdity of fame is also recommended. This may well come with time, but Heinz should remember that milk only stay fresh so long.
To round things off, then, a final question for the nation's choice.
Who was the last person to see you naked? "None of your business," comes the reply. Well… At least we asked.
south african idol 2002
http://www.mambaonline.com/feature/feature_heinz.html
Music at the moment: Once in a Lifetime-Heinz Winckler
