Experience culture. Poetry Slam in Hamburg

Fischer-Z

2026 marks a major anniversary for Fischer-Z: the band was founded by John Watts 50 years ago. »I can hardly believe it’s been 50 years. It’s been an incredible journey with ups and downs, but I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone – and I’m ready! Here’s to many more years of new music, concerts and art.« To celebrate this milestone in style, Watts and the band will embark on a major worldwide anniversary tour in spring and autumn 2026.

Fischer-Z was formed in 1976 at Brunel University, together with Watts’ friend and keyboardist Steve Skolnik. John’s political songwriting and unbridled energy led United Artists to sign the band in 1978, alongside contemporaries such as The Stranglers and Buzzcocks. Their debut album, Word Salad, was released in 1979 and immediately became a post-punk hit. This was followed in 1980 by »So Long«, the band’s most successful single and one of the first music videos ever to be played on MTV – Fischer-Z’s breakthrough on major stages worldwide. 1981 saw the release of their most successful album to date, »Red Skies Over Paradise«, featuring the singles »Marliese« and »Berlin«.

To date, Watts has released 23 albums, sold two million records and played more than 3,000 concerts throughout Europe, the USA and Canada. Peter Gabriel, Steve Cropper and the horn section of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, among others, have contributed to his recordings. Fischer-Z shared the stage with James Brown in East Berlin in front of 167,000 people, toured with The Police and Dire Straits, and performed with Bob Marley on his last European tour. In recent years, Watts has also made a name for himself as a multimedia artist, poet and playwright, creating a diverse, independent body of work characterised by energy, warmth and humanity.

PERFORMERS

Fischer-Z band

PROGRAM

50 Anniversary Tour

Fischer-Z

2026 marks a major anniversary for Fischer-Z: the band was founded by John Watts 50 years ago. »I can hardly believe it’s been 50 years. It’s been an incredible journey with ups and downs, but I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone – and I’m ready! Here’s to many more years of new music, concerts and art.« To celebrate this milestone in style, Watts and the band will embark on a major worldwide anniversary tour in spring and autumn 2026.

Fischer-Z was formed in 1976 at Brunel University, together with Watts’ friend and keyboardist Steve Skolnik. John’s political songwriting and unbridled energy led United Artists to sign the band in 1978, alongside contemporaries such as The Stranglers and Buzzcocks. Their debut album, Word Salad, was released in 1979 and immediately became a post-punk hit. This was followed in 1980 by »So Long«, the band’s most successful single and one of the first music videos ever to be played on MTV – Fischer-Z’s breakthrough on major stages worldwide. 1981 saw the release of their most successful album to date, »Red Skies Over Paradise«, featuring the singles »Marliese« and »Berlin«.

To date, Watts has released 23 albums, sold two million records and played more than 3,000 concerts throughout Europe, the USA and Canada. Peter Gabriel, Steve Cropper and the horn section of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, among others, have contributed to his recordings. Fischer-Z shared the stage with James Brown in East Berlin in front of 167,000 people, toured with The Police and Dire Straits, and performed with Bob Marley on his last European tour. In recent years, Watts has also made a name for himself as a multimedia artist, poet and playwright, creating a diverse, independent body of work characterised by energy, warmth and humanity.

PERFORMERS

Fischer-Z band

PROGRAM

50 Anniversary Tour

Fischmarkt am Donnerstag

Between the Große Elbstraße and the Altonaer Fischmarkt there are all kinds of culinary delights to be discovered on Thursdays too. Local residents and guests can buy fresh and delicious food here.

Fischmarkt Hamburg

The fish market in Hamburg is legendary and almost a must for every visitor to Hamburg: Since 1703, pretty much everything that isn't nailed down has been traded here.

Every Sunday morning the fish market attracts visitors to the Elbe. Everyone will find what they are looking for, as almost everything is sold here: from lush fruit baskets, fresh fish or plastic bags full of sausages to porcelain, textiles and entire jungles of green plants.

Flairdrum

The »Flairdrum« is a really cool DIY instrument – literally a »bottle-air drum«. You take recycled PET bottles and inflate them through a valve until they’re firm enough to serve as a resonating chamber. Participants build their own bottle instrument and then, of course, try it out extensively. Together, they create a wonderful Caribbean sound.

Please note:

This workshop is aimed at children aged 6 to 12.

Adults may not participate in this workshop.

Flairdrum

The »Flairdrum« is a really cool DIY instrument – literally a »bottle-air drum«. You take recycled PET bottles and inflate them through a valve until they’re firm enough to serve as a resonating chamber. Participants build their own bottle instrument and then, of course, try it out extensively. Together, they create a wonderful Caribbean sound.

Please note:

This workshop is aimed at children aged 6 to 12.

Adults may not participate in this workshop.