Wolfsheim (band)

Wolfsheim

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1987
Founder	Markus Reinhardt, Pompejo Ricciardi
Defunct	2008
Headquarters	Hamburg , Germany
Products	Synthpop music

Wolfsheim () was a synthpop duo originating from Hamburg, Germany, consisting of Markus Reinhardt and Peter Heppner. Although the group never formally dissolved, they have remained inactive since 2005 due to legal disputes that barred either member from continuing Wolfsheim independently. Their musical approach is influenced by 1980s New Romanticism and new wave genres, often categorized under synthpop or darkwave. Notable singles include "The Sparrows and the Nightingales" (1991), "Once in a Lifetime" (1998), and "Kein Zurück" (2003). Their lyrics are characterized by a blend of melancholic tones and modernist themes.

History

Established in 1987 by Markus Reinhardt alongside Pompejo Ricciardi, the band took its name from Meyer Wolfsheim, a figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Oliver Reinhardt, Markus’s brother, joined early on but later departed. Following Ricciardi’s exit, Peter Heppner became part of the group, forming the core duo with Markus handling the music and Peter responsible for vocals and lyrics. Their initial demo, Ken Manage (1988), led to performances in various Hamburg clubs.

After releasing a second demo titled Any But Pretty (1989), Wolfsheim secured a deal with the indie label Strange Ways Records. Their debut single "The Sparrows and the Nightingales" (1991) achieved underground acclaim despite minimal promotional efforts. The first album No Happy View (1992) performed well on the charts, succeeded by Popkiller (1993), which entered the German Media Control Charts at a lower rank. The 1995 compilation 55578 featured singles and previously unreleased songs; its special edition included live recordings from the Strange Ways Festival. Dreaming Apes (1996) reached number 91 on the charts and preceded their inaugural tour in May 1996. A live album titled Hamburg Rom Wolfsheim followed in 1997.

Both members engaged in separate projects: Reinhardt created Nefkom and Neustart, releasing albums under Strange Ways; Heppner collaborated with Joachim Witt on "Die Flut" (1998), which peaked at No. 2 on German charts and earned platinum certification. This success elevated Wolfsheim’s visibility; their 1999 album Spectators climbed to No. 2 in Germany and was distributed in the US by Metropolis Records starting in 2001. It received gold certification in 2004. Singles such as "Once in a Lifetime", "It's Hurting for the First Time", and "Künstliche Welten" garnered significant attention. The band performed at major German festivals as well as their first international appearance at Belgium's Eurorock Festival.

Beginning in 1999, Reinhardt focused on Care Company, releasing In the Flow (2001) through Motor Music/Universal Music Group. Meanwhile, Heppner collaborated with various artists including Schiller (band), contributing to European chart successes like "Dream of You" and "Leben... I Feel You," along with collaborations involving Goethes Erben and DJ Paul van Dyk.

In April 2002, Wolfsheim unveiled the live DVD Kompendium, which contained concert footage, interviews, and music videos. Their 2003 album Casting Shadows topped German charts and achieved platinum status. The lead single "Kein Zurück" entered the Media Control Charts at No. 5, peaked at No. 4, stayed for ten weeks, and was certified gold. In 2004, they earned an ECHO for Best Alternative Domestic Band. This was followed by a sold-out German tour and their sole US tour in early 2004.

Discography

Studio Albums

• 1992: No Happy View
• 1993: Popkiller
• 1995: 55578
• 1996: Dreaming Apes
• 1999: Spectators
• 2003: Casting Shadows

Live Recordings

• 1997: Hamburg Rom Wolfsheim

Demo Releases

• 1988: Ken Manage
• 1989: Any But Pretty

Singles

• 1991: "The Sparrows and The Nightingales"
• 1992: "It's Not Too Late (Don't Sorrow)"
• 1992: "Thunderheart"
• 1993: "Now I Fall"
• 1994: "Elias"
• 1995: "Closer Still"
• 1996: "A New Starsystem Has Been Explored"
• 1998: "Once in a Lifetime"
• 1998: "It's Hurting for the First Time"
• 1999: "Künstliche Welten"
• 1999: "Sleep Somehow" (vinyl exclusive)
• 2003: "Kein Zurück"
• 2003: "Find You're Gone"
• 2004: "Blind 2004"

DVD Releases

• 2002: Kompendium

Awards

• 2004 ECHO Award for Best German Alternative Band

External links

• Official Renard website