Monokel enjoys cult status, particularly in eastern Germany, and became a symbol of identity for an entire generation of non-conformists.
Alongside Engerling and Kerth, Monokel is one of the longest-serving blues bands from the former GDR. In difficult, oppressive times, their concerts felt like a breath of fresh air to many – a beacon for the non-conformists, a call to embrace life.
From 1976 to 1989, the band was effectively on a 13-year non-stop tour: weekend after weekend, they drew thousands of fans to village halls, concert halls and open-air stages. Here, a spirit of resistance and a zest for life were celebrated – loud, direct and unmistakable.
Band founder Jörg “Speiche” Schütze, who shaped Monokel for decades, passed away in 2020. His spirit, his attitude and his music remain inextricably linked to the history of this band – and will also be palpable this evening.
In 2026, Monokel will celebrate this extraordinary chapter in music history with a grand anniversary concert at Berlin’s Kesselhaus. Musicians and companions from five decades of the Monokel universe will take to the stage together – a unique, cross-generational line-up brimming with energy and a joy of playing.
Songs such as “Der Kindertraum”, “Das Lumpenlied”, “Spannersau”, “Bye Bye Lübben City”, “Oma Krüger”, “Schwarze Marie”, “Und ich schrei, weil ich lebe”, “Nie wie Vater” and “Rettungsboot” have long been evergreens – powerful, timeless and more relevant than ever.
50 years of Monokel.
One evening.