Tocotronic: With humor against fascism – a unique comeback!

Tocotronic: With humor against fascism – a unique comeback!

Tocotronic, the legendary band with Dirk von Lowtzow, Jan Müller and Arne Zank, presents their new album “Golden Years”, which deals with the themes of hope, transience and isolation. According to von Lowtzow, the album reflects both intimate experiences and a dialogue on the ever-changing present. The band, which is rooted in pop culture and has existed for three decades and has had a significant impact on the German music scene, dedicates this album to the spirit of the times. With a focus on the current political situation, Tocotronic writes their protest song “Because they know what they are doing,” which bluntly addresses the AfD’s growing following. “These people are dangerous,” says von Lowtzow, summing up the worrying developments that gained importance in 2023, when AfD polls were over 20 percent. In this song the band warns about the dangers of radicalism.

Musical and lyrical expression

On “Golden Years” the band brings, as usual, a mixture of rock and ballads, enriched with nostalgic sounds and surprising musical moments. Titles like “Death is just a dream” and “Stay Alive” evoke powerful thoughts about loneliness and the fleeting nature of life. Particular emphasis is placed on the idea that the music not only reflects personal experiences, but also takes up cultural references and social developments. In this sense, the song “Hope” is particularly noteworthy because it formulates a clear message against isolation and hopes for a new beginning. The chorus calls on you to raise your voice so as not to sink into silence.

Additionally, the band will perform at the Vienna Konzerthaus on March 22nd, which comes just one day after von Lowtzow's 54th birthday. In anticipation of the concert, it is suggested that the frontman still has a lot of rock 'n' roll in his blood despite his age - a testament to the unbroken energy and passion that Tocotronic radiates even after decades on stage. The question remains how the band plans to deal with vexing societal challenges while continuing to write songs that inspire thought and action.

For more information about Tocotronic's current songs and themes, see the detailed explanations in the analysis vienna.at and the concise text excerpts from genius.com extremely insightful.