Ton Steine Scherben () was one of the first and most influential German language rock bands of the 1970s and early 1980s. Well known for the highly political and emotional lyrics of vocalist Rio Reiser,

History

Formed in 1970 by vocalist and guitarist Rio Reiser (his legal name was Ralph Christian Möbius), guitarist R. P. S. Lanrue (legally named Ralph Peter Steitz), Kai Sichtermann on bass guitar, and drummer Wolfgang Seidel when the members were all around 20 years of age. They are nowadays considered to have been one of the first genuine German-language rock bands;

Members

Founding members

  • Rio Reiser -- vocals, guitar (1970–1985, † 1996)
  • R. P. S. Lanrue -- lead guitar (1970–1985, † 2024)
  • Kai Sichtermann -- bass guitar (1970–1985, except 1974–1975)
  • Wolfgang Seidel -- drums (1970–1971)

Last line-up

  • Rio Reiser -- vocals (1970–1985)
  • R. P. S. Lanrue -- guitar (1970–1985)
  • Kai Sichtermann -- bass guitar (1970–1985, except 1974–1975)
  • Funky K. Götzner -- drums (1974–1985)
  • Martin Paul -- keyboards (1981–1985)
  • Dirk Schlömer -- guitar (1983–1985)

Session & live members

  • Kai Sichtermann -- bass guitar
  • Funky K. Götzner -- drums, percussions
  • Nicolo Rovera -- vocals, guitar
  • Ella Josephine Ebsen -- vocals, guitar
  • Maxime S.P. -- drums, percussions
  • Lukas McNally -- keyboards, vocals
  • Simon Barchewitz -- saxophone
  • Elfie-Esther Steitz -- vocals, chorus

Former members

  • Nikel Pallat -- vocals, saxophone, management (1970–1978)
  • Jörg Schlotterer -- organising, flute (1971–1978; † 2025)
  • Sven Jordan -- drums (1971)
  • Olaf Lietzau -- drums (1972)
  • Angela Olbrich -- chorus, percussions (1972–1981, except 1976–1977)
  • Captain Hynding -- drums, guitar (1972; † 2018)
  • Helmut Stöger -- drums (1973)
  • Werner "Gino" Götz -- bass guitar (1974–1975)
  • -- percussions, chorus (1974–1982; † 2004)
  • Hannes Eyber -- inspiration, lyrics, producer (1981–1985)
  • Martin Paul -- keyboard, (1981–1985)
  • Marius del Mestre -- choir/chorus, guitar (1981–1982)
  • Dirk Schlömer -- guitar (1983–1985)

Discography

  • 1971 - Warum geht es mir so dreckig?
  • 1972 - Keine Macht für Niemand
  • 1975 - Wenn die Nacht am tiefsten…
  • 1980 - IV
  • 1981 - Auswahl I
  • 1983 - Scherben
  • 1984 - In Berlin (live)
  • 1985 - Live I

The following albums were issued after the band ceased recording:

  • 1996 - Live II
  • 2006 - Live III

See also

References

  • Official homepage
  • RioLyrics All lyrics from Ton Steine Scherben and a comprehensive literature archive about the band
  • Ton Steine Scherben on the Music-Map