What happened to East German Rock?

The development of the scene after 1990

Bands such as the Puhdys, Karat and Silly were stars in the GDR and also toured internationally. After reunification, however, the scene was on the brink of collapse. Many bands initially disbanded, the audience went to the bands from the West – and surprisingly returned a little later. What happened to GDR rock after 1990? Historian Tom Koltermann explores this question in his book »Rock im Osten«. He sheds light on the period of upheaval using numerous sources and interviews. Tina Powileit, who talks about the past and present of East German rock, will be a guest at the book launch: The drummer from the GDR rock band Mona Lise still plays with Die Seilschaft today. From 1992 to 1998, the band accompanied the East German singer-songwriter Gerhard Gundermann.

Lecture and discussion:

Dr. Tom Koltermann, Historian, Potsdam
Tina Powileit, Musician, Berlin

Moderation:

Dr. Liza Soutschek, Research Assistant DDR Museum

COOPERATION WITH THE LEIBNIZ CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY HISTORICAL RESEARCH POTSDAM E.V. (ZZF)

Admission is free of charge.

17 September 2025, 6 pm

Conference room DDR Museum
Sankt Wolfgang-Str. 2
10178 Berlin

Here you can see the location.

The event will take place in German.