Ludwig von 88
Ludwig von 88 is a french punk rock and alternative rock band who was active in the 1980’s and the 1990’s and which gained an important success in the underground scene of its country. The band didn’t release any new material since 2001, but didn’t officially disband and is supposed to be still active. The music is quite similar to influent French punks Bérurier Noir’s by playing two-fingered and distorted guitar chords and using a drum machine as a drummer. The lyrics evolved along its career from nonsensical and often juvenile humour to something more serious and sometimes social and political.
The band had different line-ups, among which the most famous from the late 80’s featured Karim Berrouka on vocals, Nobru (real name Bruno Garcia) on guitars, Laurent and then Charlu on bass, and Jean-Mi on programming.
They made their reputation through endless and delirious shows performed by disguised musicians. Among most famous stage clothing: cycling jerseys, diving suits, Mexican ponchos and various ridiculous caps.
Most famous songs are satires on stars like Louison Bobet, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Maria Callas, Jacques Chirac, Jodie Foster or deal with more serious topics like war (Libannais raides, Hiroshima), drugs (Le Manège enchanté, Kaliman) or misery (LSD for Ethiopie, In the Ghettos) always with irony.
The band’s name is subject to polemic as to its origin and its german sounding.
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)
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 bonze » (2004)