Originally an actor, Joachim Witt became - along with the likes of Nena and Falco - a leading figure in the powerful Neue Deutsche Welle (new wave) movement which became a powerful force in German rock music through the 1980s.

Born in Hamburg in 1949, he studied theatre under Hildburg Freese and during a two-year period performing at the Thalia Theatre in the mid-1970s, he began his music career, releasing two songs under the pseudonym Julian. They weren't successful but they led to him becoming guitarist and singer with the psychedelic band Duesenberg, going on to release three albums with them - 'Duesenberg' (1977), 'Duesenberg 2' (1978) and 'Strangers' (1979).

It was after releasing his first solo album 'Silberblick' in 1981 that he became one of Germany's biggest stars as a result of the hit single 'Goldener Reiter', which put him at the epicentre of the German new wave movement. Subsequent albums 'Edelweiß' (1982), 'Marchenblau' (1983) and 'Moonlight Nights' (1985) failed to replicate the success of his first solo album, though he did have further hits with 'Kosmetik' and 'Tri Tra Trullala'.

As the fad for industrial music faded, Witt's career diminished, but he did make a significant comeback in the late 1990s, largely as a result of the popularity of industrial heavy metal band Rammstein, who shone a light back on the artists who had influenced them. Witt subsequently had another big hit, duetting with Wolfsheim singer Peter Heppner on 'Die Flut' and his album 'Bayreuth 1' had a big impact, mixing his love of Wagnerian drama with strident guitars. It was not without controversy, however, as the album came under close scrutiny for espousing perceived right wing ideology, though Witt himself furiously rejected the allegations, declaring himself "left wing cosmopolitan".

He went on to release more albums and collaborate with a string of artists from varying musical genres, including electro-pop band Purwien, while also becoming a highly regarded producer who enjoyed further success re-mixing for Sara Noxx. Continuing to be an active artist himself determined to push the boundaries of music he released the albums 'Neumond' in 2014, 'Ich' in 2015 and 'Thron' in 2016.

Joachim Witt

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