Alf Poier

Early Life and Education

Alf Poier is an Austrian comedian, singer, and artist, born on 22 February 1967 in Judenburg, Styria, Austria. He grew up in the Styrian region and completed his schooling in Judenburg. In his early twenties, Poier pursued music studies. He learned to play drums at a conservatory in Graz and played in various local rock and funk bands. During this time he also developed an interest in painting and art, experimenting with abstract and Dadaist styles. This creative streak later influenced his comedy.

Comedy Career and Awards

Poier began his stand-up comedy and cabaret career in 1995, quickly gaining attention for his absurd and offbeat humor. His first comedy show, titled “Himmel, Arsch & Gartenzwerg” (translated as “Heaven, Ass and Garden Gnome”), used an experimental approach with bizarre props to entertain audiences. His eccentric, Dadaist style, featuring whimsical drawings and surreal objects, made his performances distinctive. Audiences loved his quirky “anti-art” comedy, and Poier soon became a notable figure on the Austrian cabaret scene.

By the late 1990s, Alf Poier was achieving wider acclaim. His second stage program, “Zen”, premiered in 1999 and earned him major comedy awards. He won the Salzburger Stier in 1998 and the German Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2000. He also received the German Cabaret Prize and the Prix Pantheon for his innovative performances. Poier’s success led to frequent television appearances. He guested on popular Austrian and German TV shows, and even had a short-lived TV series “Alf’s Welt” (“Alf’s World”) in 2008.

Eurovision Song Contest and Musical Career

Besides comedy, Alf Poier is also a singer and songwriter who often blends music with humor. In 2003, he gained international fame as Austria’s Eurovision Song Contest entrant. He represented Austria at Eurovision 2003 with his self-written song “Weil der Mensch zählt”, a satirical pop tune. His stage act for the contest featured comical cardboard animal figures and parodied pop music extravagance. The entertaining performance charmed many viewers. Poier achieved 6th place in the Eurovision final out of 26 entries. After the contest, he jokingly claimed that his “low” placing was an outrage and poked fun at Europe’s musical taste.

Following his Eurovision success, Poier continued his musical comedy career. He released several albums and singles, including the comedy music album Himmel, Arsch & Gartenzwerg in 1996. In 2005, he tried to return to Eurovision with a song titled “Good Old Europe Is Dying”. The song sparked controversy for its lyrics, and he finished second in Austria’s 2005 national selection. Nonetheless, he continued releasing humorous songs and performing live with his band in the following years.

Art, Writing, and Other Projects

Outside of comedy and music, Alf Poier is active as a visual artist. He often incorporates his own quirky drawings and painted props into his acts. During a break in 2014, Poier focused on painting and held art exhibitions. In 2015, a retrospective of his artwork was held at the Bank Austria Kunstforum in Vienna, and he published an art book called 123 Meisterwerke (“123 Masterpieces”) highlighting his creative work. Poier also wrote a book titled Mein K(r)ampf, published in 2005, which showcased his darkly comic style in print. After recovering, he returned to the stage in 2016 with new material and continued performing into the late 2010s.

Personal Life and Legacy

Alf Poier is married to Katharina Sumann and has two children, though he keeps his family life private. He remains a well-known figure in Austrian entertainment. In 2017, he was honored with a star on the Walk of Stars in Vienna’s Prater for his contributions to music and comedy.

Now in his fifties, Poier continues to perform in his unique style. His career spans from small cabaret venues to the Eurovision stage, making him a versatile Austrian entertainer known for daring to be different.