GERMAN FACTS

Tokio Hotel ist eine deutsche Band aus dem Raum Magdeburg. Mit bisher je vier Nummer-eins-Singles in Deutschland und Österreich sowie über sechs Millionen[1] verkauften Tonträgern (Stand 2009) gehört sie im deutschsprachigen Raum zu den kommerziell erfolgreichsten Bands der letzten Jahre. Die Plattenfirma Universal Music vermarktet die Band seit 2007 in weiten Teilen Europas, seit 2008 auch in Nord- und Südamerika. Anfang Oktober 2009 wurde mit dem dritten Studio-Album „Humanoid“ erstmals ein Album der Band weltweit zur gleichen Zeit veröffentlicht.

Gründung

Die eineiigen Zwillinge Bill und Tom Kaulitz (* 1. September 1989 in Leipzig) machen seit ihrer Kindheit zusammen Musik. Musikalisch gefördert wurden sie dabei durch ihren Stiefvater, der selbst als Musiker in Magdeburg aktiv ist. Bei einem Auftritt 2001 in ihrer Heimatstadt Magdeburg unter ihrem Duettnamen Black Questionmark trafen sie Gustav Schäfer (* 8. September 1988) und Georg Listing (* 31. März 1987 in Halle), mit denen sie im Folgenden regelmäßig im Raum Magdeburg auftraten. Aufgrund einer positiven Zeitungskritik über Toms „teuflischen Gitarrensound“ nannte sich das Quartett in Devilish um.

Bill Kaulitz nahm im Alter von 13 Jahren beim Kinder-Star-Search teil. Nach einem weiteren lokalen Auftritt wurde die Band 2003 vom Musikproduzenten Peter Hoffmann im Gröninger Bad im Magdeburger Stadtteil Salbke entdeckt.[2] Sony BMG Music Entertainment nahm Devilish schließlich unter Vertrag. Hoffmann holte David Jost und Pat Benzner mit ins Produzenten- und Autorenteam und ließ die Bandmitglieder Gesangs- und Instrumentalunterricht nehmen. Kurz vor Veröffentlichung der ersten Platte kündigte Sony jedoch den Vertrag. 2005 nahm die Universal Music Group die Band unter Vertrag, die sich ab diesem Zeitpunkt Tokio Hotel nannte.

Debütalbum

Das Video zu ihrer Debütsingle Durch den Monsun wurde ab Juli 2005 im Fernsehen ausgestrahlt und bescherte der Band in kurzer Zeit viele überwiegend jugendliche, weibliche Fans. Die Single erschien am 15. August 2005 und erreichte Platz 1 der Charts in Deutschland und Österreich. Auch das Ende September 2005 veröffentlichte Debütalbum Schrei stieg in beiden Ländern an die Spitze der Charts. Das Album hat sich weltweit über 1,5 Millionen Mal verkauft.

Zweites Album

Am 23. Februar 2007 erschien das zweite Album Zimmer 483, am 26. Januar bereits die erste Singleauskopplung Übers Ende der Welt. An deiner Seite (Ich bin da) war die dritte Singleauskopplung. Im Jahr 2007 gab es von März bis November eine große Europa-Tournee, deren letztes Konzert am 4. November in Essen stattfand.

Drittes Album

Die deutsche und englische Fassung des dritten Albums Humanoid wurde am 2. Oktober 2009 weltweit gleichzeitig veröffentlicht. Ein Monat zuvor erschien die erste Single des Albums Automatisch/Automatic. Die zweite Auskopplung World behind my Wall erschien am 29. März 2010. Das Album erreichte in mehreren Ländern Gold-Status, unter anderem auch in Taiwan. Am 22. Februar startete die Welcome to Humanoid City Europatournee durch 18 Länder. Die eigens für diese Show angefertigte Bühne wurde von Misty Buckley und ihrem Team, die bereits die Kulissen für den Film Das fünfte Element erschufen, geplant. Bills Bühnenoutfits wurden von den Designern Dean & Dan Caten von Dsquared² entworfen. Die Humanoid City Live DVD und CD wurden am 12. April im Mediolanum Forum in Mailand aufgezeichnet und erschienen am 16. Juli 2010. Das Musikvideo zu Dark Side of the Sun ist ein Livemitschnitt, wurde jedoch nicht als Single veröffentlicht.

Internationaler Erfolg

Als eine von wenigen deutschsprachigen Bands ist Tokio Hotel mittlerweile auch international erfolgreich und konnte unter anderem in vielen Ländern Europas, so z. B. in Frankreich sowie in Nord- und Südamerika eine Fan-Basis aufbauen. In den Vereinigten Staaten erreichte das Album Scream Platz 39 der offiziellen Billboard-Charts, in Kanada kam es sogar auf Platz 6.

In Frankreich wurde im Herbst 2006 das Debütalbum veröffentlicht. Es erreichte in der ersten Woche Platz 19. Damit ist Tokio Hotel die erste deutsche Band, der mit einem Debütalbum der Direkteinstieg in die französischen Top 20 gelang. Durch den Monsun erreichte in Frankreich Platz 8. Am 13. Februar 2007 bekamen die Mitglieder der Band in Frankreich die Goldene Schallplatte für Schrei überreicht.

2007 konnten Tokio Hotel mit ihrem Song Monsoon Platz 1 der israelischen Airplaycharts erreichen. Nachdem ca. 5.000 israelische Fans in einer Petition darum baten, dass die Band in Israel auftritt, gab die Band am 6. Oktober 2007 ein Konzert in Tel Aviv. Rund 3.000 Zuschauer zählte das Konzert.

2008 steuerten Tokio Hotel mit By Your Side einen Titel zum Soundtrack des Hollywood-Films Prom Night bei.

Bei der Mailänder Modewoche 2010 lief Bill Kaulitz für das Modelabel Dsquared2 über den Laufsteg.

2010 nahm die Band zusammen mit Kerli den Song Strange für den Soundtrack von Alice im Wunderland auf.

Warum Tokio Hotel?

Tokio, da die 4 noch nie selber in Tokio waren und so auch die Lust auf mehr ist, da Tokio ebenfalls eine sehr große, pulsierende und aufregende Stadt ist. Außerdem mörgen Bill & Co. auch Großstädte. Hotel, da Bill & Co. fast ihr ganzes Leben in Hotels verbringen, es ist so zu sagen ihr “Zuhause”. Sie reisen von Termin zu Termin und verbringen dementsprechend auch sehr viel Zeit dort. Der Band Name sollte die ganze Band auch etwas wieder spiegeln und somit auch Persönlich und von ihnen ausgewählt sein. Sie wollten keinen Namen der ihnen einfach so zu gesteckt wird. Er sollte etwas besonderes sein.

The four guys started playing together in 2001 before they were signed to Universal in May, 2005 and changed their name to Tokio Hotel. Their first hit, “Durch Den Monsun” was released on August 15, 2005 and hit #1 the same month. Since then, Tokio Hotel have sold over three and a half million records & DVDs in Germany alone, making them the country’s most successful band. They have also gone gold and/or platinum in Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Poland, Belgium and Russia.

Their first live tour, the Schrei Tour was the most successful debut live tour EVER to grace German stages. In 2007, their successful Zimmer 483 tour traveled to twelve European countries with a sold-out final stop in Essen Germany.

Tokio Hotel also had a great surprise in 2007 – their popularity and success in Israel! “Monsoon” was Israel’s radio hit of the year. They were all over the news, on the covers on magazines, something no other German band has ever achieved. After a massive fan action by fans, the Israeli embassy contacted them to tell them how the fans would love to have a concert in their country. The fans dream was fulfilled in October, 2007.

Making more history, Tokio Hotel became the first German band to be nominated for two International awards at the MTV European Awards, where they won the Best Inter-Act Award. Their amazing performance of “Monsoon”, complete with rain was rated by many as the best performance of the evening. Check out that performance on the MTV site!

Recently, the band announced their 2008 “1000 Hotels” tour. Venues were selling out in less than 8 hours, with one concert in France selling out 17,500 seats in 50 minutes and then selling an added second show in 5 hours!

More Facts from the US Page

No one in the world is more prepared to bask in the glow of American rock stardom than the members of Tokio Hotel. Humanoid is only their second U.S. release, the follow up to 2008′s Scream, but to millions of fans across the globe, they’re already icons.

“Things are just starting for us in the US,” says Bill Kaulitz, the band’s front man, the leader of a worldwide army of black leather- and eyeliner-clad devotees. “What we’ve already experienced has been just great, and we’re looking forward to it starting again.”

The biggest act to come out of Germany in 20 years, Tokio Hotel has gone 10x platinum, scored four No. 1 singles and sold out arenas and stadiums across Europe. They scored a Best New Artist VMA from MTV in 2008.

Their rocket to success launched in 2001 when Bill and his twin brother Tom — the band’s hip-hop-tinged, dreadlocked guitarist — formed the band along with bassist Georg Listing, now 22, and drummer Gustav Schafer, now 21. They started at age 10 performing for small crowds around their hometown, Magdeburg, a salt-mining village that was formerly part of East Germany.

Growing up in one of the most dismal parts of Germany, Bill and Tom were different from their classmates, almost alien. They were the underdogs. The twins knew that they had to break out of there.

Tom had started fooling around with a guitar at age 7 and at 13 together with an already spiky-haired Bill, they caught the attention of some of Europe’s best-known producers (including Humanoid producer David Jost) and solidified their heartfelt pop-rock formula.

Originally called Devlish, they changed their name before releasing their first German-language record, Schrei (Scream in English). By 2005, they embarked on what would be the most successful debut tour of Germany by a new artist. In 2007, they released their second German record, Zimmer 483 (Room 483 in English), and were selling out monster European arena shows in minutes.

Like wildfire, the band gained the attention of an entire generation. In France, the group’s popularity exploded. They went from playing small club gigs for 500 to performing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for a crowd of 500,000 screaming fans phonetically belting out the words to Tokio Hotel’s German hits. Soon after they made a history by becoming the first German band to score a #1 hit on the Israeli radio charts.

In 2008, after a grueling 43 shows, Bill endured surgery for cysts on his vocal cords but was back on the road performing around the world within two months, shortly after Scream was released for the first time in the U.S. in 2008.

Humanoid is packed with much of the same emotion that has connected with multitudes of young fans. And in this age of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, the record is full of opportunities for audience participation.

The first single, “Automatic” is a metallic anthem with layered, buzzing guitars, stomping percussion, and a falsetto chorus made to be belted out by a stadium full of people. “World Behind My Wall” redefines the power ballad with depth, introspection, musical confidence and an irresistible sing-along chorus.

While recording this time around, though, the band was in its most experimental phase to date. They tracked songs in Hamburg, Miami, and L.A. “Bill drove us all crazy, constantly coming in with things, even though the old songs weren’t finished yet,” says Tom, who’s fond of frequently ribbing his brother. “Apart from that, we just didn’t limit ourselves, and we used new instruments.”

There are more electronic sounds on Humanoid. The first single “Automatic” explores the relationships between every day emotions and every day conveniences.

“How many things happen automatically every day?” Bill asks. “The door opens and closes automatically, shifting gears in a car; a camera lens — all of those are always positive things, but when the mechanical quality of the automatic meets human things like love, then suddenly it becomes extremely negative. Love has to be spontaneous and genuine, never automatic and cold.Ӏ That’s the theme that moves people.

Along with the new sounds, new subjects, new live show, and even Bill’s new style, longtime fans will still find the constant connection to Tokio Hotel’s raw honesty and emotion.

“We love our fans because they are the loudest of all and do such crazy things,” Bill says. “They always support us, no matter what has happened, and a lot has happened.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the boys? What are their birthdays?

Bill and Tom were born September 1, 1989. They turned 19 in September 2008. wolfie was born September 8, 1988. He turned 19 on September 2007. Georg was born March 31, 1987. He turned 21 in March 2008.

Are Bill and Tom really identical?

Yes, Bill and Tom are actually identical twins. As Bill once said: without clothes, they’d look completely the same! …Assuming the hair and make-up were the same as well.

Do Bill and Tom have any other siblings?

Nope. Mama Kaulitz only gave birth once and she struck gold the first time.

Who is David Jost?

David Jost is Tokio Hotel’s producer. He assists the band with the creation of their music, and is instrumental in the instruction of songwriting and instrument playing. Perhaps more importantly, he was given the job of caretaker for the boys, which will continue to be a very important job as long as Bill and Tom are still underage. He accompanies the band to all concerts and events, overseeing their every move, and can often be found lurking in the background of photos.

Who is Saki?

Saki is Tokio Hotel’s busiest and most recognizable bodyguard. Also seen in many pictures, particularly those taken by fans, he keeps tabs on the boys, guarding and protecting them. As he also accompanies the boys to most events, you would be most likely to find him keeping the group out of the way of fans’ sharp claws.

Who is Andreas?

Andrea is notorious for being Bill and Tom’s best childhood friend. Put into the public eye by Bill and Tom themselves during various interviews, he has reached a level of celebrity status of his own, occasionally attending red carpet events with the boys. He also runs the official German Fan-club, and is often watching over the forum.

What’s the difference between the albums Schrei and Schrei [So Laut du Kannst]?

Schrei was the original debut CD launched by Tokio Hotel in late 2005. It consisted of 12 songs, entirely sung in Bill’s highest vocal register. In mid-2006, Schrei was re-released as Schrei [So Laut du Kannst] – it included a version of Rette Mich recorded in Bill’s new voice, as well as three bonus songs (Beichte, Schwarz, Thema #1.) Der Letzte Tag was eventually also re-recorded for the video, but was only released on the CD for the single itself.

Did Tokio Hotel write the song “Sex”?

No, no, no. Never has, probably never will. This song was recorded by a German artist named Lukas Hilbert, but was labeled by someone as Tokio Hotel on various peer-to-peer programs.

Other than those on the Scream album, what songs have been translated (and recorded) in English so far?

So far, the only songs that we know of that have translated into English include Schwarz (Black) and Wo sind eure Hände (Raise your Hands). Black was released as a B-side on the single for Monsoon. A recorded version of Raise your Hands has not been officially released yet, nor an official version of 1000 Seas (1000 Meere).

When will they be in [replace country here]?

Tokio Hotel tour very frequently with few breaks, and they are always expanding to new countries. Just because they haven’t visited yet doesn’t mean they never will, so don’t lose hope!

Do they have sex and how often?

We don’t know, you don’t know – no one knows except for them, and that’s the way it ought to be.

Do they have girlfriends?

The record states that they do not. If they did, and wanted people to know, they would make it public. However, ANY and ALL reports of supposed girlfriends should immediately be considered fake. They’re all rumors and should not be believed OR passed on. We promise, Bill is not dating your friend, or your friend’s internet-friend from Germany, or your mother’s cousin’s dentist’s babysitter. So don’t worry. EDIT: Georg and Gustav have girlfriends form germany. Tom dates a girl named Ria.

Omg! Is this Tom? — http://i7.tinypic.com/4q850y1.jpg

Nope. We verified with Andreas himself.

Is this Simone Kaulitz? — Click here

No, this is not Bill and Tom’s mother. It’s Susan Atwell, a German TV presenter. That picture was also NOT taken at the twins’ 18th Birthday party either. The ice bar provides jackets for the guests, thus why she has the same one on as the rest of the guests that were at Bill and Tom’s birthday party.

Did Bill really cry when he was performing in Prague?

Some claim that he did cry during the performance of Vergessene Kinder, but he most likely didn’t. There were pictures that surfaced shortly afterward that were not photoshopped in which it appeared that he was crying, but this was most likely caused by sweat, as tear ducts are not in the outer corner of the eye (as the picture would suggest). So… probably not.

Did Tokio Hotel write the song “Ich Liebe Dich”?

Nope!

Do Bill and Tom smoke?

There’s no way to say if they smoke on a regular basis, but both boys have been photographed with both lit cigarettes and cigarette cases in their hands.

Do the boys speak English?

wolfie has a very good grasp on the English language. Georg is also really good. Tom and Bill are not as advanced in English as the other two, but they’re learning. You’ll find that when English is spoken to them in a calm, quiet environment, and at a moderate pace, they can understand it very well. The main problem is that they can’t really speak it back that well. But they try.

Can Bill or Tom draw decently?

Tom has often stated that his favorite class in school was art and that he considers himself to be a talented drawer. Bill has also expressed an interest in art and fashion design and seems to have some talent in drawing as well.

Oh where oh where do I send gifts/letters to the band?

Tokio Hotel c/o Universal Music Stralauer Allee 1 10245 Berlin

Did Bill sing ‘Monsun o koete’? In what language is it?

Yes, Bill did sing it. And it’s in Japanese.

Why Tokio Hotel?

Tokio, because the 4 boys were never in Tokio but would like to go there once. Also because it’s a huge, pulsating and exciting city. Plus Bill & Co. love huge cities. Hotel because Bill & Co. spend their whole life in hotels, it’s sort of their “home”. They travel from termin to termin and spend lots of time there. The band name should also reflect the whole band, that’s why they’ve choosen it by their own. They didn’t want a weird name from someone else. It needed to be a special one.