The Bläck Fööss were founded on 15 August 1970. Since then, they have been an integral part of Cologne's cultural scene and are as much a part of Cologne as the cathedral.
The band has 52 years behind it, with between 200 and 250 performances a year. In the meantime, 44 albums and more than 450 songs are the proud record of this half century of musical creativity. The band's contribution to the preservation of the Cologne language is generally recognised and many songs from their huge repertoire have long since become evergreens. Some even have the status of folk songs and are firmly part of the Cologne song repertoire.
In 2022, the band celebrated its 50+2 year anniversary in front of more than 20,000 spectators with three sold-out concerts on Roncalliplatz in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral. At the New Year's Eve concert 22/23 in the Lanxessarena, Bömmel and Erry left the band after 52 years, Gus drummed until the end of the 23rd carnival season and then handed over his drumsticks to Alex Vesper after 29 years as drummer of the Bläck Fööss. Since March 2023, the Fööss have been travelling with the following line-up
Mirko Bäumer: Vocals
Christoph Granderath: guitar, banjo, mandolin, vocals
Pit Hupperten: vocals, guitar
Hanz Thodam: bass, vocals
Andreas Wegener: keyboards, accordion, vocals
Alex Vesper: drums, vocals
The Bläck Fööss were founded on 15 August 1970. Since then, they have been an integral part of Cologne's cultural scene and are as much a part of Cologne as the cathedral.
Contact and directions
Walzwerkstraße 22
57537 Wissen
