Ludwig Von 88
Ludwig von 88 is a French punk rock and alternative rock band, predominantly thriving in the 1980s and 1990s, gaining recognition within the French underground scene. As of 2019, the band has not introduced new material, yet it hasn’t formally disbanded. Their musical style, reminiscent of influential French punks Bérurier Noir (both initially signed with the Bondage Records indie rock label), encompasses two-fingered and distorted guitar chords, a drum machine posing as a drummer, and a versatile ability to venture into reggae or medieval music (as seen in “Messire Quentin”). Over the course of their career, the band’s lyrics transitioned from nonsensical and often juvenile humor to more serious and occasionally socially and politically themed content.
Line-ups
The band underwent various line-up changes, with the most renowned lineup from the late ’80s featuring:
- Karim Berrouka on vocals
- Nobru (real name Bruno Garcia, currently known as Sergent Garcia) on guitars
- Laurent and later Charlu on bass
- Jean-Mi on programming
Past members include Olaf, Gondrax (François Gondry, bass player), and Laurent Manet.
Discography
Albums
- Houlala (1986)
- Houlala II “la mission” (1987)
- Ce jour heureux est plein d’allégresse (1990)
- Tout pour le trash (1992)
- 17 plombs pour péter les tubes (1994)
- Prophètes et Nains de jardin (1996)
- Houlala III “l’heureux tour” live (1998)
- La révolution n’est pas un dîner de gala (2001)
- 20 chansons optimistes pour en finir avec le futur (2019)
Singles, 45 rpm, EP
- “Live?” (1985)
- “Les trois petits keupons” (1987)
- “Louison Bobet for ever” (1987)
- “Guerrier Balubas” (1988)
- “Sprint” (1988)
- “Sardellen Filet” (1989)
- “L.S.D. for Ethiopie (We Are The World)” (1990)
- “New Orleans” (1991)
- “In the Ghettos” (1993)
- “TAMERANTONG” (1993)
- “Hiroshima (50 ans d’inconscience)” (1995)
- “Le crépuscule des fourbes” (1996)
- “La sacrée grole” (1997)
- “Ludwig von 88”, live (1997)
- “St-Valentin” (1998)
Compilation Albums
- De l’âge du trash à l’âge du zen (2004)
- De l’âge de la crête à l’âge du bronze (2004)