Karat: A Musical Journey Through Time
Genesis and Ascent in the GDR
Karat emerged from the ashes of a bygone era, the German Democratic Republic (GDR). On February 22, 1975, at the Otto Buchwitz Cultural House in Heidenau near Dresden, the band took its first steps on the musical stage. Henning Protzmann (bass), Ulrich Pexa (guitar), Konrad Burkert (drums), Ulrich "Ed" Swillms (keyboards), Hans-Joachim Neumann, and the charismatic Herbert Dreilich (vocals) came together to ignite a musical fire that would burn brightly for decades to come.
Their early repertoire included original compositions such as "Leute welch ein Tag" (People, What a Day), which quickly gained airplay on GDR radio stations. In 1976, the band’s star rose at the 3rd Interpreters’ Competition of Entertainment in Karl-Marx-Stadt, where they secured a silver medal. Their debut LP arrived in 1978, propelling Karat into the upper echelons of East German rock.
"Über sieben Brücken musst du gehn" and International Acclaim
A twist of fate came in the form of a GDR television film, "Über sieben Brücken musst du gehn" (Over Seven Bridges You Must Go), which premiered in 1978. Swillms, the band’s resident musical mastermind, composed the title song of the same name. The haunting ballad became an instant sensation, winning Karat the Grand Prix at the International Schlager Festival in Dresden.
The single soared to number two on the GDR year-end hit parade, trailing only another Karat ballad, "König der Welt" (King of the World). The song’s appeal extended beyond the Iron Curtain, capturing the attention of West German rock icon Peter Maffay. Enthralled by its melody, Maffay recorded a cover version that became a hit in the West.
Karat’s musical prowess and cross-border appeal earned them a unique distinction: in 1979, they became the first GDR band to release records simultaneously in the East and West. Their albums and singles sold millions, generating substantial foreign currency for the socialist state. As Claudius Dreilich, the band’s current vocalist, notes, "80 percent of the revenue from our records and concerts in the West flowed into the GDR’s state coffers."
Commercial Success and Recognition in West Germany
The 1982 album "Der blaue Planet" (The Blue Planet) cemented Karat’s status as one of the most popular rock bands in East Germany. The single "Jede Stunde / Falscher Glanz" (Every Hour / False Shine) topped the charts in West Germany, propelling Karat onto the esteemed stage of Dieter Thomas Heck’s ZDF Hit Parade, where they secured a second-place finish with "Jede Stunde." The band’s performances on the popular entertainment show "Wetten, dass..?" further solidified their reputation as "the diamond among the pop groups of the GDR," as proclaimed by host Frank Elstner.
Post-Reunification Challenges and Reinvention
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a seismic shift for Karat. Like many East German bands, they faced a decline in popularity as fans flocked to Western music. However, Karat’s resilience and enduring appeal paved the way for a gradual resurgence.
Yet, in October 1997, tragedy struck when Herbert Dreilich suffered a stroke during a concert. After battling back to recover, Dreilich’s time on stage was cut short when he was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2004. He passed away at the age of 62, leaving a void in the band’s heart.
Adding to the band’s tribulations, Dreilich’s widow barred them from using the Karat name. In 1998, Dreilich had secured the rights to the trademark, forcing the band to adopt the moniker "K…!." However, in 2007, a court ruled in favor of Karat, restoring their original name.
Claudius Dreilich Takes the Mantle
In the wake of his father’s illness, Claudius Dreilich received a fateful call from the band, asking him to step in as lead vocalist. Despite pursuing a different career path, having trained as a hotel and retail manager, Dreilich found himself drawn to his musical roots.
After months of deliberation, he decided to embrace the opportunity. "I grew up with Karat and loved their music," he recalls. "On the other hand, I had a stable job and financial security."
Encouraged by the band’s drummer, who reminded him that he would always be part of Karat, Claudius Dreilich resolved to "at least try." His voice, strikingly similar to his father’s, resonated with the band’s legacy and ensured its continuity.
Navigating Change and Maintaining Legacy
Karat has weathered two different political systems, two vocalists, and two band names, adapting to each new chapter with unwavering determination. The lineup has undergone several changes over the years, most recently in January 2023, when Michael Schwandt and Christian Liebig departed. The current iteration of Karat features original member Bernd Römer (guitar), alongside Martin Becker (keyboards), Daniel Bätge (bass), and Heiko Jung (drums).
Golden Anniversary and New Horizons
As Karat celebrates its 50th anniversary, the band embarks on a celebratory journey that includes a new album and an extensive tour. Titled "Hohe Himmel" (High Heavens), the album showcases the enduring lyrical poetry and metaphorical depth that have defined Karat’s sound throughout the decades.
"Our new songs focus on the human experience, embracing both the light and shadow within us," explains Dreilich. "We continue to employ metaphors and hints of irony, while maintaining a touch of lyrical beauty."
Karat’s legacy as one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from East Germany remains firmly intact. Their songs, particularly the timeless "Über sieben Brücken musst du gehn," have become deeply ingrained in the German musical landscape, transcending generations and cultural boundaries. As they enter their sixth decade as a band, Karat continues to captivate audiences with their unwavering musicality and the indomitable spirit that has guided them through countless challenges and triumphs.
