Rio Reiser, born Ralph Christian Möbius on January 9, 1950, in Berlin, Germany, was a prolific singer-songwriter and a figurehead of German rock music, known for his distinctive voice and poignant songs that often reflected political and personal themes. His journey in music began with the band Ton Steine Scherben, which he co-founded in 1970. The group became one of the first and most influential bands of the German rock scene, merging rock with leftist political activism and the spirit of the 1968 student movement. Their raw energy and relentless critique of societal issues earned them a near-cult following.

After Ton Steine Scherben disbanded in 1985, Reiser embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, "Rio I," set the tone for his subsequent work, featuring a mix of rock, pop, and ballads, and showcasing his ability to speak to the heart and conscience of his listeners. With his keen sense for melody and lyrical depth, he scored hits like "König von Deutschland" and "Junimond," cementing his legendary status in German music history. Tragically, Rio Reiser's life was cut short when he passed away on August 20, 1996. His enduring legacy is reflected in the timeless quality of his music and the continued relevance of his work, including posthumous releases such as "Es war, als hätt der Himmel die Erde still geküsst" and "Blinder Passagier," which continue to introduce new generations to his artistry.

Genres

German Pop

German Rock

Liedermacher

Neue Deutsche Welle

Ostrock

Related Artists

Udo Lindenberg

Herbert Grönemeyer

Ton Steine Scherben

Die Toten Hosen

Peter Maffay

Reinhard Mey

Element Of Crime

Heinz Rudolf Kunze

BAP

Rammstein

Hannes Wader

Georg Danzer

Latest Release

Es war, als hätt der Himmel die Erde still geküsst. (Gedichte aus fünf Jahrhunderten, in denen der Mond erscheint)

Rio Reiser

Album - 115 Tracks - Released September 17, 2021