I met Alena in 2022 through a mutual friend. At that time, I was going through a difficult phase in my life. I had been abused and was struggling with depression. At that very party, I shared my experiences with Alena. She talked to me, listened attentively, and conveyed to me – in a very empathetic and positive way – how to deal with certain situations in life. She was incredibly caring, compassionate, and open.
Till is a very sensitive, versatile, and creative person – one of the most caring men I’ve ever met. He’s the kind of person you can go through fire and water with, without fear.
I remember several situations where someone fell asleep at a party or didn’t feel well – and Till was always the first to notice and help. I learned empathy from him. The ability to care about others, about people, about the world. The most important thing I learned from him is this: to be yourself – and not to be afraid. Not of people, not of life.
He has a great sense of humor, but he never crosses personal boundaries or the limits of decency. I remember our talks about literature, music, and love. He is someone you can talk to about anything – and he will listen, give advice, calm you down. He is someone who never judges – on the contrary, he shares part of his strength with you. Because he can.
I would even say that Till often does more for others than for himself.
He has a lovely tradition – he always lets everyone in the group play a song they love. Sometimes he would ask, “What song moves you to tears?” He is genuinely interested in people – in their souls. He is someone who never remains indifferent.
That meeting divided my life into a “before” and “after.” And my life has never been the same since.
In August 2022, I traveled with a friend to Belgium for the final two concerts. We stood in the Row Zero and were later invited by Alena to the afterparty.
The impressions from the concert and the party were overwhelming – a very friendly atmosphere filled with joy, freedom, and rock’n’roll! The people I met that evening – we are all still friends to this day. At the afterparty, I spoke with many people, including the band members. Some even brought their children. Everyone was open, warm, and radiant – it was hard to imagine a safer or more pleasant environment.
Our last meetings with Till, Alena, and the group of friends became a kind of personal revelation for me. We talked about fears, about our inner “prisons” that won’t let us go. I told them about my own experience – about the violence, the media coverage, and how my best friend essentially betrayed me during that time. That was the most painful part.
Alena and Till spoke with me about this – almost like loving parents. Alena asked, “Why is this still holding you back? Why are you making this choice?”
Till, in a fatherly way, was even more upset than I was and said, “You are a wonderful person! People should earn the right to be your friend. Don’t ever let yourself be hurt – never. Don’t ever – do you understand? – let anyone take advantage of your moments of vulnerability or kindness. Always stay true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to walk your own path, to be a pioneer of new ideas and trends. Even if the whole world is against you – always listen to yourself and your heart.”
As I write this, tears are welling up in my eyes. Just like back then – in those very moments.
I’ve changed. Yes, really changed.
My heart was burning.
I was reborn.
Thanks to these people, I am free today.
And I will never forgive Alena and Till for making me fall in love with life this deeply. ;))
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