He has been an important figure in German leftist circles since the 1970s, with his songs covering such themes as socialist, communist resistance to oppression in Europe and other places like Latin America, as well as peace (anti-war) songs.

He now rarely sings the workers' songs and socialist hymns that used to be a large part of his repertoire.

He also performed translated works from Carl Michael Bellman on the album Liebe, Schnaps & Tod.

In the 1970s, Hannes Wader became one of the stars of the political left through his provocative songs.

[1] He has published numerous albums and appeared in open-air concerts and clubs until 2017.