Seasons & episodes
4 seasons · 26 episodes
Episode 01
U2
In each episode of "NUMBER ONE!", music expert Markus Kavka presents a different pop or rock icon of our time—from Marius Müller-Westernhagen and U2 to Depeche Mode or Bon Jovi. The music documentary focuses not only on the artists' greatest hits but also on their lives away from the spotlight. Through personal conversations, Markus Kavka uncovers the stars' remaining secrets, both big and small.
Episode 02
Bon Jovi
On his journey through the USA, Markus Kavka meets the man who discovered Bon Jovi, learns what the band feels embarrassed about today, and uncovers the connection between Jon Bon Jovi and the small, beeping robot R2-D2 from *Star Wars*. But when Markus and Jon Bon Jovi finally meet in London, the sexy frontman nearly cuts the interview short. *Number One!* celebrates Bon Jovi’s greatest hits and takes you on a journey through more than two decades of rock ’n’ roll!
Episode 03
Depeche Mode
Achieving global fame without even striving for it—could this be the secret to Depeche Mode’s success? In the third episode of "NUMBER ONE!", multi-talented musician Martin Gore reveals to Markus Kavka that he never actually set out to become a star. Markus Kavka retraces the milestones of this unique career, meeting key friends, fans, and associates who share intimate, behind-the-scenes stories. Along the way, we uncover fascinating details—from a dark family secret in songwriter Martin Gore’s past and wild party days in Berlin, to the death and resurrection of charismatic frontman Dave Gahan.
Episode 04
Bee Gees
Over the course of their 50-year career, the Bee Gees experienced it all: rise to fame and breakups, divorces and deaths, triumphs and tragedies. Time and again, they delivered global hits—from "Words," "Night Fever," and "How Deep Is Your Love" to "You Win Again"—ensuring that every generation has its own Bee Gees anthem. Markus Kavka travels to locations including Manchester, where their singing career first began, and Miami, where he sits down for an interview with Barry and Robin Gibb at the legendary Criteria Studios.
Episode 05
Westernhagen
For many, the music of Marius Müller-Westernhagen is the soundtrack to their lives. Hits such as “Freiheit,” “Sexy,” and “Dicke” rank among the classics of German rock. But did you know that Westernhagen was also a successful actor? Host Markus Kavka takes us on a journey through the milestones of an incomparable career. *NUMBER ONE!* celebrates Marius Müller-Westernhagen’s greatest hits and showcases more than three decades of rock music “Made in Germany”!
Episode 06
Metallica
Over the course of a career spanning nearly 30 years, the Californian band has sold more than 100 million albums, with their latest release, "Death Magnetic," propelling them to the top of the charts for the fifth time. Hits such as "Nothing Else Matters" and "Enter Sandman" rank among the classics of rock music. Metallica’s success story has been marked by drug addiction and personal tragedies. Markus Kavka meets the band in Copenhagen to hear their own, deeply personal story…
Episode 07
Phil Collins
Drummer, singer, songwriter, producer, and actor—and a "number one" in every respect: Phil Collins. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has sold a quarter of a billion albums. The price for this success? A turbulent private life. His three marriages are the stuff of legend—as are his divorces. Phil Collins: a superstar torn between an obsessive drive to work and his family obligations. The stories behind the songs, the man behind the star—discover it all in "NUMBER ONE!"
Episode 08
Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams is back! Ahead of his spontaneous comeback concert in Berlin, the megastar opens his heart to Markus Kavka in an intimate interview. And there is plenty to talk about: from his humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent, northern England, to his spectacular rise with Take That, his struggles with drug excess and depression, and why he is a different person today. *NUMBER ONE!* takes a journey back in time through the life of the greatest entertainer of his generation!
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