Karat celebrates 50 years: Claudius Dreilich talks about band history!

Karat celebrates 50 years: Claudius Dreilich talks about band history!

Claudius Dreilich, the 54-year-old singer of the rock band Karat, is known for his versatile musical interests that range from classical to punk. In a recent interview, he said that he loved to put on records at home and often visit punk concerts. His band, Karat, was founded in the GDR and celebrated its 50th anniversary on February 22, 2024. Dreilich has been a member of the band for 20 years and took over the microphone after the death of his father Herbert, who died of cancer in 2004.

Three of Karat's best known hits are "The Blue Planet", "You have to go about seven bridges" and the newly announced album "Hohe Heaven", which is released on the occasion of the anniversary. From the anniversary, the band takes the fans on a long tour that begins on February 22, 2024. To recover from the upcoming tour stress, enjoy three walks, reads, hear radio plays and podcasts.

childhood and system change

in the podcast "Chef's matter! Maker in conversation", published on February 16, 2025, also spoke about his childhood in the GDR. This was characterized by challenges, for example by harassment of his teachers due to western jeans. After leaving the west, he had to get used to a new reality, including the abundance of the supermarket shelves. At the beginning he felt overwhelmed and didn't dare to go shopping alone. The transition from the GDR to the West was a slow but formative process for him.

The band history of Karat itself is deeply rooted in the changes in the GDR muscles. The foundation of the GDR in 1949 led to the development of its own music culture, which was often exposed to strong political influences. Walter Ulbricht, the first Chairman of the State Council, was a strict critic of Western music, which was a big challenge for many rock bands in the 1960s.

freedom of art and music culture

In the following decades, the music culture of the GDR experienced various ups and downs. During the time of Erich Honecker, young bands were encouraged, but under the strictest control. Critical texts were often undesirable. It was only in the 1980s that some bands were able to make their content more freely, which enabled Karat as one of the outstanding groups to develop and celebrate success.

The musical identity of Karat is part of an extensive story that shows how rock and pop music survived in the GDR despite adverse circumstances. When the future of the band talks three, he emphasizes the challenges that are connected to continue success and yet to preserve the roots of music.

In this sense, Claudius not only reflects the past, but also brings his hopes and visions for the future of Karat into the conversations, while the band is preparing for its important anniversary.

For further details and insights into the discussion about Karat and Claudius Dreilich, you can do the full reports on Radio gütersloh , Schlager Radio , and What was when read.