Beatsteaks

Beatsteaks are a German alternative rock and punk rock band from Berlin, formed in 1995. Renowned for their high-energy performances and a distinctive sound that merges raw punk fervor with melodic alt-rock hooks, they have risen to become one of Germany’s most prominent punk exports, often mentioned alongside Die Toten Hosen and Die Ärzte. Their live shows feature intense crowd interaction, underscoring the group’s reputation as a must-see act in the punk and alternative scenes.

History

Beatsteaks began in 1995, formed by Peter Baumann, Stefan Hircher, Alexander Rosswaag, and Bernd Kurtzke. Not long after, Arnim Teutoburg-Weiß joined as frontman and second guitarist. By 1996, the band performed an early set opening for the Sex Pistols in Berlin—marking their tenth show. In 1997, they recorded the debut album 48/49, referencing the number of their rehearsal space. With the shift to English lyrics on subsequent albums, they captured broader audiences. Drummer Thomas Götz signed on in 1999, and tours followed alongside Bad Religion, Die Ärzte, and Die Toten Hosen.

Their third album, Living Targets, arrived in 2002 with singles “Let Me In” and “Summer.” In 2003, they received an unexpected name-check in Die Ärzte’s “Unrockbar,” expanding the Beatsteaks’ profile. By 2004, the group’s major breakthrough came with Smack Smash, powered by the single “I Don’t Care as Long as You Sing,” which earned them an MTV Europe Music Award. They continued building momentum, releasing .limbo messiah in 2007, and triumphing as “Best Live Act” at multiple award shows.

The 2011 album Boombox and its singles “Milk & Honey,” “Cheap Comments,” and “Automatic” cemented their mainstream success. After a 2013 live CD/DVD (Muffensausen), they unveiled Beatsteaks (2014), whose singles “DNA,” “Gentleman of the Year,” and “Make a Wish” again affirmed their alt-rock credentials. In 2015, they held two massive anniversary concerts at Berlin’s Wuhlheide, marking 20 years of relentless touring and recording.

Band Members

• Arnim Teutoburg-Weiß – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (1995–present)
• Bernd Kurtzke – Lead Guitar, Vocals (1995–present)
• Peter Baumann – Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals (1995–present)
• Thomas Götz – Drums, Percussion (1998–present)
• Torsten Scholz – Bass Guitar (2000–present)

Former members:

• Alexander Rosswaag – Bass Guitar (1995–2000)
• Stefan Hircher – Drums, Percussion (1995–1998)

Discography

• 48/49 (1997)
• Launched (2000)
• Living Targets (2002)
• Smack Smash (2004)
• .limbo messiah (2007)
• Boombox (2011)
• Beatsteaks (2014)
• Yours (2017)
• PLEASE (2024)