Carlo Bonnie from Kerkrade protected André Rieu from Europe to Japan, but lost his relationship and house De Limburger, July 8, 2024, by Sjak Planthof. Photo credits: Jean-Pierre Geusens. Translation Ineke, edited by Diana D. Le Kerkrade resident Carlo Bonnie, who has lived in Maastricht since 2015, was personal security guard for world star André Rieu for three years. It cost him his relationship and his house. “I put everything aside for my passion.” At the kick-off of André Rieu's concerts in Maastricht this summer, Carlo Bonnie poses for a photo on the Vrijthof outside the fences. The ninjutsu teacher apologizes for his black eye suffered during a training session. The Kerkrade resident, who has lived in Maastricht since 2015, does not have a ticket. “I've seen and heard it so many times. I can dream his concerts.” Bonnie (54) came into contact with Rieu in 2001 through his dojo (room for the practice of Japanese martial arts) on the Molenberg in Heerlen. “Officers from the neighboring police academy trained with me. Because I was taking bodyguard training, they tipped me off: there was someone looking for a security guard.” It is at the time that Rieu's star is rising. “He became more famous and increasingly a public figure. We clicked immediately. We talked about everything except security. You start sharing your lives with each other.” Bonnie then belongs to a team of security guards everywhere Rieu goes, seven days a week. “The first year I worked sixteen-hour days. When Rieu went for a walk with the dog, the area was first checked. I think this area is one of the best secured parts of the Netherlands.” Bonnie travels the world with Rieu. “Europe, America, Japan. On tours, film recordings, and countless interviews. Rieu is a hard worker, as a bodyguard you live along with his rhythm of long days, you put everything aside.” Wrong note The Maastricht violinist makes him appreciate the genre more and more. “I never listened to classical music before that. After some time, I heard every, rare, wrong note. And André is a perfectionist, so he polishes that. He knows his craft. He really takes you along.” The intensive years take their toll. “Long days and little sleep. Away from home a lot, in and out of planes. My relationship ended and I lost my house. Teaching was no longer an option for a while.” After three years, Bonnie quits. The boy from Kerkrade had to 'kick the habit'. “You are seen everywhere, it gives you a certain status. Sleeping in the most expensive hotels, meeting famous people, that flatters your ego.” Streetwalking zone After his years with Rieu, the martial arts teacher works in day and night care in Eindhoven (town). “From addiction to success to drug addicts.” He says goodbye to the shelter after six years, after which he becomes a security guard in a streetwalking zone in Parkstad (area). “That was emotionally difficult. I helped those ladies as much as I could. When I said goodbye, I received a warm letter from them. I cherish that. Dalai Lama In between, the man who follows Buddhism, accompanies visits by the Dalai Lama to the Netherlands and Belgium. “An unofficial head of state. As a coordinator, I sat at the table with security services.” His last job for the leader of Tibet in exile dates back five years. Then he changes course. He can work as a supervisor at TenneT, operator of the national high-voltage grid. “A nine-to-five job for the first time. Very nice. Now I can train again in the evening whenever I want.” He would like to set up a dojo in his current home in Heugemerveld. “Because it still itches.” Since his departure as Rieu's security guard, contact has diminished. “He did say that I could always call if he could help with anything. That's typical André. He takes good care of the people around him.”