Ton Steine Scherben

Ton Steine Scherben (German pronunciation: [ˈtoːn ˈʃtaɪnə ˈʃɛːɐ̯bən]) was one of the first and most influential German language rock bands of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Well-known for the highly political and emotional lyrics of vocalist Rio Reiser, they became a musical mouthpiece of new left movements, such as the squatting movement, during that time in Germany and their hometown of West Berlin in particular. Today, after the band's demise in 1985, and the death of Rio Reiser in 1996, Ton Steine Scherben have retained a cult following and popularity in the related scenes. Recently, some of the remaining members have given reunion concerts.
The band itself started in 1970, when the music ensemble of the theatre group recorded a single of a popular music piece from their repertoire "Macht kaputt, was Euch kaputt macht! (opens in a new tab)". After long discussions, the suggestion of >Rio Reiser, "Ton Steine Scherben" was chosen. Somehow, this name was a bit sounding like the name of a German union organisation, "IG Bau-Steine-Erden".