Ludwig von 88

Infobox musical artist
Name = Ludwig von 88


Img_capt = Front cover of the debut album
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Origin = Paris
Genre = Punk rock, alternative rock
Years_active = 1983–2001
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URL = [http://ludwigvon88.free.fr/ ludwigvon88.free.fr]
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Ludwig von 88 is a French punk rock and alternative rock band mostly active in the 1980’s and the 1990’s and which gained an important success in the underground scene of its country. The band hasn’t released any new material since 2001, but hasn’t officially disbanded and is supposed to be still active. Their music is quite similar to that of influent French punks Bérurier Noir: two-fingered and distorted guitar chords and drum machine as a drummer. Their lyrics evolved along their career from nonsensical and often juvenile humour to something more serious and sometimes social and political.

The band had different line-ups, among which the most famous from the late 80’s featured Karim Berrouka on vocals, Nobru (real name Bruno Garcia) on guitars, Laurent and then Charlu on bass, and Jean-Mi on programming.

They made their reputation through endless and delirious shows performed by disguised musicians. Among most famous stage clothing: cycling jerseys, diving suits, Mexican ponchos and various funny headgears.

Some of their songs are satires on stars like Louison Bobet, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Maria Callas, Jacques Chirac, Jodie Foster or deal with more serious topics like war ("Libannais raides", "Hiroshima"), drugs ("Le Manège enchanté", "Kaliman") or misery ("LSD for Ethiopie", "In the Ghettos") always with irony.

Discography

Albums

* « Houlala » (1986)
* « Houlala II "la mission" » (1987)
* « Ce jour heureux est plein d'allégresse » (1990)
* « Tout pour le trash » (1992)
* « 17 plombs pour péter les tubes » (1994)
* « Prophètes et Nains de jardin » (1996)
* « Houlala III "l'heureux tour" » (live, 1998)
* « La révolution n'est pas un dîner de gala » (2001)

ingles, 45 rpm, EP

* « Live ? » (1985)
* « Les trois petits keupons » (1987)
* « Louison Bobet for ever » (1987)
* « Guerrier Balubas » (1988)
* « Sprint » (1988)
* « Sardellen Filet » (1989)
* « L.S.D. for Ethiopie (We Are The World) » (1990)
* « New Orleans » (1991)
* « In the Ghettos » (1993)
* « TAMERANTONG » (1993)
* « Hiroshima (50 ans d'inconscience) » (1995)
* « Le crépuscule des fourbes » (1996)
* « La sacrée grole » (1997)
* « Ludwig von 88 "live" » (1997)
* « St-Valentin » (1998)

Compilation albums

* « De l'âge du trash à l'âge du zen » (2004)
* « De l'âge de la crête à l'âge du bonze » (2004)

External links

* [http://ludwigvon88.free.fr Site officiel]