Ahead of the big LIPSIA concert in Grünau: an exclusive photo gallery from the KARUSSELL anniversary tour

This band is as old as the Grünau new-build estate: half a century. And in some ways, it’s a bit like the Leipzig neighbourhood itself. After all, the word ‘Neubau’ (new build) clearly evokes the idea of staying young. The rock band Karussell is going through much the same as the residential neighbourhood – rejuvenating itself, bridging generations and constantly reinventing itself.

The group was founded in 1976 by Wolf-Rüdiger Raschke, initially as an amateur band. The early line-up included Reinhard ‘Oschek’ Huth, Claus Winter, Lutz Kirsten and Bernd Schumacher; Peter ‘Cäsar’ Gläser and Jochen Hohl joined later that same year. The pair had previously played with the Klaus Renft Combo, which had been banned in 1975. Consequently, Karussell not only brought together two legends of the rock rebellion, but also featured some of the most popular songs from their repertoire.

The combination of melodic rock with poetic, and at times socially critical, lyrics became their trademark. Tracks such as ‘Ehrlich will ich bleiben’, ‘Das einzige Leben’ and ‘Wie ein Fischlein unterm Eis’ made the group famous in the GDR. The songs struck a particular chord with non-conformist young people.

In 1979, Karussell turned professional and released their first LP, ‘Entweder oder’. This was followed by appearances on radio and television, as well as tours through, amongst others, the Soviet Union, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, France, Cuba and Uruguay.

The departure of Peter “Cäsar” Gläser in 1983 marked a turning point for the band. In the mid-1980s, Dirk Michaelis joined the band. It was with him that the song most strongly associated with Karussell to this day was created: ‘Als ich fortging’. An initial demo recording was made in 1985 at the Karussell Studio in Naunhof, and in 1987 the song appeared on the album ‘Café Anonym’. The music was composed by Dirk Michaelis, with lyrics by Gisela Steineckert.

The song, which was not originally conceived as a political piece, took on a whole new meaning towards the end of the GDR and became, in the ears of many, an anthem of reunification. Following the political upheaval, the musicians’ shared history also came to an end, at least for the time being. The band disbanded in 1991. In 1993, Wolf-Rüdiger Raschke produced the album “Sonnenfeuer” with a completely new line-up; after its release, things went quiet again at Karussell.

In 2007, the idea of reviving the band arose from the original whim that father Wolf-Rüdiger and son Joe Raschke would occasionally perform old Karussell numbers in private circles. And with Reinhard “Oschek” Huth and Jan Kirsten, two former bandmates also returned to the revived project. Three new albums have been released since 2011. In their anniversary year, Karussell played more than 60 concerts.

For anyone who hasn’t been able to attend so far, there’s a chance to see the band live on Saturday at 6.30 pm. At the house and courtyard party organised by the LIPSIA housing co-operative (near Brünner Straße 12). And admission is free! You can take a look at the full programme for the big Grünau birthday party in the gallery below.

To get you in the mood for the concert evening, Karussell’s ‘good soul’, Angela Raschke, is giving LZ readers an exclusive peek into the photo folder on her mobile, which she used to capture her lads throughout the year.

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What’s on at the LIPSIA Festival

As Grünau celebrates its 50th anniversary, the 25th ‘Haus & Hof’ Festival organised by the LIPSIA housing cooperative will feature a look back at the neighbourhood’s history, alongside music, socialising and unusual competitions. Around the large marquee, much of the action therefore centres on the neighbourhood between Brünner Straße and Kulkwitzer See. Local clubs, organisations and institutions from the region will be introducing themselves and showcasing what has shaped Grünau

for decades and what drives it today.

An overview of this is provided by the ‘50 Metres of Grünau’, where numerous local organisations and partners will be showcasing what they have to offer. Things get a bit more hands-on at the ‘Grünau-Lipsiade’: Visitors can take part in the rubber wellington boot throwing or excavator competitions themselves, immersing themselves in Grünau’s early history in a playful way. The neighbourhood café, which is being transformed into a 1970s youth club for the festival, also promises a journey through time.

The rapper duo Dk.dando, amongst others, will be there to demonstrate that Grünau – just like the anniversary band Karussell – has not remained stuck in the past culturally. Those who prefer to get creative themselves can have a go at a graffiti wall. The ‘25-metre coffee table’ also offers an opportunity to celebrate together. There, LIPSIA invites its members and guests to enjoy coffee and birthday cake. Musically, much of the festivities will take place in the marquee. Alongside numerous local clubs, the creators of the well-known and recent Grünau film, as well as the ‘LIPSIA advertising faces’ from past decades, are expected to attend.

The stage will also feature artists from Grünau, such as Elvis impersonator Roman Petermann and the ‘Jugendbrass’ orchestra. Frank Vonthal will perform the song ‘50 Years of Grünau’ together with the Grünau Women’s Choir. Anyone wishing to delve deeper into Grünau’s history will also have the chance to do so. An exhibition is dedicated to the history and stories of the neighbourhood, whilst the ‘Lipsia Travelling Cinema’ sheds light on the neighbourhood’s past and future through images and films.

At various display stands, contemporary witnesses also recount the origins of Grünau. The 25th Haus & Hof-Fest thus combines the district’s milestone anniversary with a programme that draws on memories of the early years as well as life in Grünau today – and is designed to appeal not only to long-standing and new residents, but to people of all generations in Leipzig.

The full festival programme, including all key times, is available ONLINE HERE to print out

and pop in your pocket.