Ludwig von 88
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980s |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Punk rock and alternative rock music albums and singles |
Ludwig von 88 stands as a notable French band within the punk rock and alternative rock genres, gaining recognition throughout the 1980s and 1990s particularly in the French underground music circuit. After a ten-year hiatus, they issued a new album in 2019 and have sustained their momentum by releasing four additional albums in 2023, celebrating four decades of their career. Their musical approach closely parallels that of the influential French punk group Bérurier Noir, with both bands originally affiliated with the Bondage Records indie rock label. Their sound is characterized by distorted guitar riffs combined with drum machine beats, while occasionally integrating styles such as reggae and even medieval music, exemplified in tracks like "Messire Quentin." Over time, their lyrics transitioned from playful, youthful humor to addressing more profound social and political issues.
During the late 1980s, the most recognized ensemble featured Karim Berrouka on vocals, Nobru (Bruno Garcia, who later adopted the name Sergent Garcia) handling guitar duties, Laurent followed by Charlu playing bass, and Jean-Mi responsible for programming. Among former members are Olaf, Gondrax (François Gondry on bass), and Laurent Manet.
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)
- 20 chansons optimistes pour en finir avec le futur (2019)
- L'hiver des crêtes (2023)
- Le printemps du pogo (2023)
- L'été du no future (2023)
- L'automne de l'anarchie (Quarante ans de punk approximatif - Saison 4) (2024)
Singles, 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 bronze (2004)