Wizo
WIZO (German pronunciation: [ˈviːzo]) is a German punk rock band from Sindelfingen, that formed in 1985. WIZO's music is characterized by a combination of humorous and political lyrics with a fast, melodic punk rock sound. They are considered to be part of the German movement known as Fun-Punk (also punk pathetique or 'pret-punk'). Their lyrics are written in German, and Axel Kurth has spoken about how German lyrics are important so that the music and lyrics go together. They have named three bands as important influences: Normahl, Hass, and The Exploited. Axel Kurth has spoken out about how difficult it is for musicians to make a living with streaming services.
WIZO | |
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WIZO in Berlin, 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Genres | Punk rock, hardcore punk, anarchopunk |
| Years active | 1985–2005; 2009–present |
| Labels | Hulk Räckorz, Fat Wreck Chords |
| Members | Axel Kurth Ralf Dietel Alex Stinson |
| Past members | Jochen Bix (1985–1990) Jörn Genserowski (1985–2005) Ralf "Ratz" Plapp (1987–1990) Karlheinz "Charly" Zaske (1990–1996) Ingo Hahn (1996–2000) Thomas Guhl (1998–2015) Thorsten Schwämmle (2009–2013) |
| Website | wizo |
The band espouses left-wing politics and describes themselves as "against Nazis, racists, sexists, and other assholes!" They have also said that the most important themes for them are equality for women, queer people, and other marginalized groups. Axel Kurth has stated "We are all Antifa. Everyone, who does not like it when people are treated differently on the basis of some obscure characteristics, is in my opinion an anti-fascist."