Ton Steine Scherben were one of the first and most influential German-language rock bands, founded in West Berlin in 1970 by singer Rio Reiser, guitarist R.P.S. Lanrue, bassist Kai Sichtermann and drummer Wolfgang Seidel. Their raw, politically charged songs made them the musical voice of the West German new left, squatting movement and counterculture. After disbanding in 1985 and the death of Rio Reiser in 1996, surviving members have kept the legacy alive through reunion concerts and new recordings.
On 18 July 2025, 'Live at Rockpalast 1982' was released on 2 CDs and DVD, simultaneously with the opening of an exhibition about the band in Wilhelmshaven.
On the occasion of the exhibition in Wilhelmshaven, Ton Steine Scherben gave a concert on 19 July 2025 in the Pumpwerk, in memory of Rio Reiser and R.P.S. Lanrue.
The live album 'Staub und Strasse' by Kai & Funky (Ton Steine Scherben) with singer Birte Volta was released in March 2025 on CD and LP via Glitterhouse Records.
Co-founder and guitarist R.P.S. Lanrue died on 14 July 2024 at the age of 74 from cancer.
A traveling photo exhibition about Ton Steine Scherben was on display in Wilhelmshaven from 19 July to 23 November 2025.
