Die Toten Hosen is a punk band from Düsseldorf (NRW), Germany. They are one… Read Full Bio ↴Die Toten Hosen is a punk band from Düsseldorf (NRW), Germany. They are one of very few German-language acts who have enjoyed decades-long mass appeal in Germany.

The band formed out of the ashes of punk band, ZK, founded 1978. The members of Die Toten Hosen (literally "The Dead Trousers" in English; "tote Hose" is a German expression meaning "lifeless", "boring", or "nothing going on") are Campino (Andreas Frege), Kuddel (Andreas von Holst), Vom (Stephen George Ritchie), Andi (Andreas Meurer) and Breiti (Michael Breitkopf). Vom replaced Wölli as the drummer in 1999 (Wölli's untimely departure from the band was due to injuries caused by a car accident), who himself had replaced Trini in 1985 and is still an honorary member of the band; Trini became the band's manager.

The band has existed for over 20 years, and their songs' focus gradually shifted from funny and nonsensical to serious; the songs from their first LP were mostly about having fun, but by the end of the 1980s they were focusing more on political and social issues such as racism.

Part of the folklore surounding the band is the story that in their early days they played for free on private birthday parties or similar events. However only under the conditions that the host provided for unlimited beer supply and paid for all damages caused by the band.

The debut single "Wir sind bereit" ("We are ready") was released in 1982, and was followed by their first album, "Opel-Gang", the next year. In 1988, Die Toten Hosen released the LP "Ein kleines bisschen Horrorschau". It refers to the movie A Clockwork Orange based on the book by Anthony Burgess. In 1993, Frank Castorf produced a German theater version of the book, in which Die Toten Hosen performed as actors and musicians.

Their 1000th concert was on 28th June 1997, in the Düsseldorfer Rheinstadium, and was attended by more than 60,000 fans. A Dutch girl died in the crowd; after various talks with security and police, the band decided to play soft songs until the end, in order not to panic the crowd. Later the band produced the song "Alles ist Eins" in memoriam for the Dutch girl.

Die Toten Hosen have collaborated with numerous other musicians (like Bad Religion, AC/DC, U2, Rolling Stones); they are also one of the few German punk bands popular outside of Germany (esp. in South America, Australia, eastern Europe) other notable bands being Die Ärzte and Rammstein.

As longtime fans of the their local soccer team Fortuna Düsseldorf they have been sponsoring the club from 2001 to 2003.

After their Unplugged concert in the end of 2005 they've taken a time-out. But they disclaimed rumors, that this is the end of the band.

In 2008 they released the Album "In aller Stille.

In 2012, Die Toten Hosen released their album Ballast der Republik. A special edition includes a bonus CD with cover versions of songs that influenced the band. On 26 April 2016, it was announced that former drummer Wolfgang Rohde had died of cancer.

The Producer
Die Toten Hosen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Welcome

My name is Jon Caffery and I am the producer of this record
It was performed by Die Toten Hosen from Düsseldorf and made in Germany
And I mean West-Germany

I thank you for placing your trust in me
For further information or potential risks and side effects

please consult your doctor or ask your neighbours

What more can I say?
Let's begin,

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Die Toten Hosen's song The Producer sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics, spoken by producer Jon Caffery, establish his authority and introduce the German punk rock band. The humorous disclaimer about potential risks and side effects shows that the band doesn't take themselves or the music industry too seriously. The lyrics also suggest that the producer might not have complete control over the sound and final product, as he thanks the band for placing their trust in him.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that The Producer is a commentary on the music industry and the commercialization of punk rock. The lyrics criticize the "big brother" aspect of the industry and its tendency to exploit the creativity and rebellion of punk music for profit. The band sings "We're stuck in the machinery of the music industry/And you're the one who's turning the wheel/You're the producer of the enemy/Who's going to sell what we feel." The song is a reminder that even those working within the industry can become complicit in exploiting the very artists they claim to support.

Line by Line Meaning

Welcome
Greetings, welcome to this recording session.

My name is Jon Caffery and I am the producer of this record
I, Jon Caffery, am the one responsible for producing this record.

It was performed by Die Toten Hosen from Düsseldorf and made in Germany
This record is performed by Die Toten Hosen, a band from Düsseldorf in Germany.

And I mean West-Germany
When referring to Germany, I am specifically referring to the western side of the country.

I thank you for placing your trust in me
Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of producing this record.

For further information or potential risks and side effects
If you require additional information, or would like to know about any possible side effects,

please consult your doctor or ask your neighbours
please visit your doctor or seek advice from your neighbours.

What more can I say?
I have nothing more to add or explain.

Let's begin
It's time to start the recording session.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andreas Frege, Wolfgang Rohde, Timothy Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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