“Behind The Passion” – The Story of Thomann

From a small village store to a global stage: The story of Musikhaus Thomann is truly one of a kind—and one that deserves to be told. “Behind The Passion”, our documentary celebrating 70 years of Thomann, offers a rare and intimate look behind the scenes, sharing the heartfelt and often challenging journey of the man who built this family business into what it is today.

What started 70 years ago as a tiny music shop in the picturesque village of Treppendorf has grown into one of the world’s largest retailers for instruments and music gear. In 1954, Hans Thomann Sr. followed his heart and took the leap into self-employment. Years later, his son, Hans Thomann Jr., with incredible courage, vision, and unwavering passion, carried that dream forward and shaped “Thomann” into the global success it is today.

But the journey hasn’t always been easy. Hans Thomann speaks openly about the sacrifices, the challenges, and the setbacks along the way — the price you pay to inspire thousands of people every single day with and for the love of music.

“Behind The Passion” is the most ambitious film project in Thomann’s history. Over the course of several months, a dedicated ten-person crew followed Hans Thomann to capture every aspect of his life—his daily routines, his thoughts, and the incredible story behind it all.

From the office and the store to the logistics center, the Thomann workshops, or a family lunch at the t.kitchen restaurant—and even in private moments with his wife Gabriele—Hans Thomann opens up like never before, sharing a deeply personal and intimate glimpse into his world.

The result is a heartfelt, authentic, and deeply personal journey through the decades. Woven together with memories from former competitors, longtime companions, and suppliers, alongside honest reflections from employees, professional musicians, local residents, and family members working in the company, it has become a cinematic piece full of emotion.

And at the heart of it all is music. Music that inspires, uplifts, and drives so many of the people in Hans’ life—whether it’s the artists performing on grand stages or the employees who gather after work to make music together.

“Behind The Passion” is also a journey through time. For the flashbacks to Hans’ childhood, the original shop from the late 1950s and early 1970s was meticulously recreated in a film studio, complete with vintage instruments from the era, capturing every last detail.

But the documentary doesn’t just look back—it also looks ahead. Hans’ greatest challenge lies in preserving the DNA and spirit of Thomann while guiding the company successfully into the future. At the same time, his thoughts often turn to the fact that retirement is drawing closer with each passing day.

“Behind The Passion”

An original Thomann documentary

Available from December 6, 2024, exclusively on YouTube “Thomann Music”.