Die Goldenen Zitronen


Die Goldenen Zitronen are a punk rock band from Hamburg, Germany formed in 1984. They are considered a forerunner to the "Hamburger Schule" and are noted for their anti-establishment stance. Formed by Schorsch Kamerun, Ale Sexfeind, Ted Gaier, and Aldo Moro, the band have released thirteen albums to date. Of the original line-up only Kamerun and Gaier remain, who both developed a number of side-projects.

History

Initially they combined hard rock with 1970s-era punk and lyrics that were both angry, yet comedic and pop-like. The band rejected the traditional music industry, seeing themselves as a symbol of artistic independence not wanting to "serve the structures of rock" Of the founding members, only Schorsch Kamerun and Ted Gaier remain. The new members are Thomas Wenzel under the pseudonym Julius Block, keyboarder and drummer Mense Reents, and Enno Paluca.
In 1986 Die Goldenen Zitronen courted initial attention with their single "Am Tag als Thomas Anders starb". Their subsequent release, "Für Immer Punk," was a cult hit in the German punk scene, inspiring comparisons with bands such as Abwärts, Die Toten Hosen and Die Ärzte.
The band developed their style further with 1990s Fuck You, in which they mock popular rock groups and protest against the tedium of daily life.
1994's Das Bisschen Totschlag saw a major musical transition, in which Zitronen mixed their usual power-rock style with elements of garage-trash, electro-beat, hip-hop and noise-pop. This trend of experimentation continued with 1996's Economy Class which was influenced by improvisational jazz.
With 1998's Dead School Hamburg, the band further altered their style, pursuing a greater emphasis on electronic instrumentation. Their album Schafott zum Fahrstuhl, takes a more avant-garde direction. Of the founding members, only Schorsch Kamerun and Ted Gaier remain. The new members are Thomas Wenzel under the pseudonym Julius Block, keyboarder and drummer Mense Reents, and Enno Paluca.
Die Goldenen Zitronen have had a diverse number of collaborators, ranging from the poet Franz Josef Degenhardt to new acts such as Chicks on Speed or Peaches.

Discography

Albums


Singles