This band probably doesn't need much introduction: Die Ärzte are known throughout the country like a colourful dog. Famous and (especially in their early days) infamous for punk-rock sing-along anthems with humorous and not infrequently provocative lyrics, the "Best Band in the World" has been celebrating one success after another since the 1980s. Songs like "Zu spät", "Westerland", "2000 Mädchen", "Unrockbar", "Ein Schwein namens Männer", "Schrei nach Liebe" or "Junge" are real classics that send thousands of enthusiastic Die Ärzte disciples into ecstasy live.
It all begins in Berlin in 1980 with the fateful meeting of Dirk Felsenheimer, aka Bela B, and Jan Vetter, better known as Farin Urlaub. The birth of Die Ärzte can be dated to 1982. Farin strapped on his guitar, Bela took over the drums and Hans "Sahnie" Runge played the four-string. In this traditional punk band line-up Die Ärzte play their first concerts and finally, after two EPs, release their debut album "Debil" (re-released in 2005 under the title "Devil"). In the years that followed, the Berliners regularly delighted their growing fan community with new output. In 1986 they parted company with Sahnie, whereupon Hagen Liebing alias The Incredible Hagen took over the vacant position.
In 1987 two albums fell victim to the Federal Review Board for Media Harmful to Young People: "Die Ärzte" landed on the index because of the title "Geschwisterliebe", "Debil" subsequently because of the songs "Claudia hat 'nen Schäferhund" and "Schlaflied". A setback for the band? Quite the opposite! What is forbidden is twice as much fun, as is well known, and so the indexing causes a real hype. The trio plays to sold-out crowds and places in the Top 10 with "Das ist nicht die ganze Wahrheit" (This is not the whole truth). The fans don't know the whole truth at this point: Die Ärzte call it a day - they give their last concert in 1988. With the live album "Nach uns die Sintflut" the "Best Band in the World" says goodbye - at least for the time being.
Comeback and triumph
Happily, Bela B and Farin Urlaub just can't do without each other. In 1993 they bring Rodrigo Gonzáles on board as bassist and dare a new start. "Die Bestie in Menschengestalt" (The Beast in Human Form) and the anti-Nazi song "Schrei nach Liebe" (Cry for Love) on it ensure that it becomes a virtually brilliant success. "Hurray", Die Ärzte are back - and this time they stay ("Bitte bitte") forever. Thanks to albums like "Planet Punk", "13", "Runter mit den Spendierhosen, Unsichtbarer!", "Jazz ist anders", "auch" and the unplugged darling "Rock 'n' Roll Realschule", the Berliners are more successful than ever. In the form of their 14th studio album "Hell", they deliver another stroke of genius in 2020. On tracks like "Ich, am Strand", "Achtung Bielefeld", "True Romance" or "Morgens pauken" they once again present themselves in top form.
Of course you can also experience Farin, Bela and Rod in top form on tour. At their live shows, which usually break the two-hour mark, the boys transform every arena and every open-air site into a huge "monster party". In addition to the grandiose round of hits, it is above all the numerous funny announcements and improvisations that are responsible for the exorbitant entertainment value of a Die Ärzte concert. Singing, dancing, jumping, laughing - anyone who wants to spend a really awesome evening should get a ticket for Die Ärzte.
