Die Bockwurschtbude is a really good german punkband. Precisely before the year 2022 broke up they answered a lot of questions from me.

MiMo: Mikro Mostrich (voc, git)
AA: Andie Agave (bs, back voc)
RR: Riggø Rübe  (solo git, back voc)
MiMa: Mieschka Mayonaise (dr, back voc)

Please tell me a little history of the group, members and what you do when you don´t play music, what do you work and which ages are you in?

MiMo: Hi, I'm Mikro, 43 years old and I play the rhythm guitar and scream the lead vocals. I've been with Mieschka since the beginning. We gave our first concerts in the laundry room in the neighborhood and in the school, where we also had our rehearsal room. Originally, I once learned painting. After my community service in a workshop for the disabled in 2002, I stayed there and retrained as a group leader. I am still working there and will probably continue to do so until I retire.

MiMa: Hi, I'm Mieschka. I play drums at the BOCKWURSCHTBUDE and have been since the beginning. I'm in my mid 40's so along with Mikro I belong to the younger faction although we are both founding members. We seem to like older gentlemen.

AA: Hello, I am Andie and joined BOCKWURSCHTBUDE in autumn 2021. I still perform and record with my other project FLIEHENDE STÜRME (formerly CHAOS Z) as lead singer and guitarist.  Still, I have had the idea to join another punk band as bass-player for years. After I got to know the other guys of the band at a party and we enjoyed some drinks together we quickly became friends. As I heard some of the material of the new album I thought ´This is brilliant - absolutely amazing´. Then they told me that they were in need for a new bass-player and.... - the rest is history and I am really happy to be part of DIE BOCKWURSCHTBUDE now.

RR: Hello I've been Riggø in the band since 2015 and I play guitar. So I'm about seven years old. I am also interested in photography and work in the handicapped aid.

Have it been the same members all the time, or have it been many lineup changes? Please tell me a little about every member? Earlier bands?

MiMo: We started out as a pair, until a supposed bass player from our circle of acquaintances found each other. The turn brought a second guitarist. That went well for a few years. We had many ups and downs before breaking up with them. Then we were three with another bass player, but as Mieschka already mentioned, the current constellation of band members is probably the most suitable and we are all satisfied.

MiMa: As already mentioned, Mikro and I are the founding members. The two of us started in 1995 from what was left of the band DIE KUNSTBLUMEN. There have been a few line-up changes over the years. However, we are very satisfied with the current constellation.

Die BOCKWURSCHTBUDE  is the name, where did it came from and you wasn´t afraid that some other group would be named so? And what the fuck does it mean?

AA: In Portuguese you could say “Barraca de salsicha tipo Bockwurscht”.

MiMo: What does the name mean? Fun, get hungry and full...? I do not know it either. We wanted to stand out as youngsters and just never got away from the name. Haha. I was never afraid, who should call themselves like us? There used to be a Hip-Hop band in Berlin that probably had the same name. Only for hip hop the name sucks, so they don't exist anymore.

MiMa: Haha. It really would have been a big coincidence if there had already been a band with that name. That was just the nineties funpunk time. Translated, that means roughly something like sausage-takeaway.

You call you record for Sippenhaft….What does that mean?

MiMa: Well, what's the best way to explain that? In German, you can read that with a bit of ambiguity. On the one hand, it is a term - also coined during the National Socialist era - where someone from the family, for example, is liable or convicted for the actions of a relative. On the other hand, you can also act together as a clan or group. Both perspectives can also be perfectly transferred to the present day. However, it is difficult to explain and not so easy to translate into English. But I think it stands as a separate term like "kindergarten" or "poltergeist" or "doppelganger".

Is it important to give out the record as physical releases do you think? Would it feel like you have released a record if you only release it digital?

RR: I think it's important to release things on a physical record. There is a huge difference between simply listening to music on Youtube or Spotify and consciously listening to a record. One is consumption, the other a ritual :).

MiMa: Definitely for me personally. Some in the band see it differently. But even when we started the band, it was my dream to release something on vinyl. Holding something properly in your hand and reading the texts in the booklet. But no one needs CDs. I gave away my entire collection.

MiMo: It's always nice to have something in hand. It's just more real than just streaming the music.

AA: I am also a big fan of vinyl records and loved the idea right away to release it as a package with vinyl LP and additional CD.

Do you play any covers when you play live? If you do, which then?

MiMa: We have a two cover versions in the our liveset. We've been playing one of them for years and it also has the most plays on Spotify. Haha. We've only recently started playing the other one, since our new bassist Andie Agave joined the band. It's a track from one of his earlier bands.

AA: Yep, the song “Duell der Letzten” by CHAOS Z.  It is fun to change instruments on stage when we play it.

Please tell me a little about following songs:

a) Arschlecken,

b) Dieser Weg,

c) Scheisslied

MiMa: Actually, we don't really want to explain our lyrics. They are also printed in the booklet. But we're happy to send them to anyone who's interested in the record and may have only heard it on a streaming service. If necessary also in English translation thanks to some translator on the Internet. Haha. They are mostly of a personal nature or describe things that we have noticed or disturbed us in everyday life. Most of this time comes from Riggø. But Mikro and I also contributed lyrics. And I'm sure Andie will also contribute something to the next recordings.

Is it important to get out your opinions in your music, and is it a good way to get out frustration too? Politics?

AA: AA: Wasn't that the main idea of getting started with a punk band?

MiMo: The lyrics are mostly created from the gut and one's own feelings. It is of course important to send the message to the listeners. But everyone can also interpret and understand the texts for themselves. That's what they're for.

MiMa: It may sound a bit trite, but everything you do is political. It doesn't matter whether you don't eat meat or cross the street when it's red. This is also reflected in our lyrics. Is it important? No idea. You just can't avoid it.

RR: As Mieschka already says, everything is somehow political. Mainly, however, our lyrics are results of observations and grievances that we observe and perceive. Talking about these things definitely helps to reduce frustration.

Do you think that your lyrics can have effect on other people who listens to them…any example on it? Have you changed anyones mind?

MiMa: I honestly don't know. Of course, with our releases and also with our live concerts, we move in a certain bubble, where most people tick in a similar way. You can't and don't need to convert anyone there. But I do believe that anyone who reads our texts and seriously considers them will certainly get some food for thought and maybe see certain things in a different light.

AA: Some people keep telling "I feel exactly the same way" after they listened to the songs and the lyrics.

RR: I don't think it's about converting people. We only tell our view of things. If someone finds themselves in it, that's of course all the nicer.

MiMo: It's nice when our music resonates with people. If not, that's okay too.

How is it to play this sort of music in Germany and which type of bands are you having concerts with? Which is the most peculiar band you have been playing together with?

MiMo: I found the band contests at the beginning of our existence most unusual. It was compared and rated with a wide variety of genres. That's very strange, because you haven't moved in your own scene.

MiMa: But we once won second place because a friend of ours was on the jury. Haha. This enabled us to play another concert outside of our city. You had to see if you could get to concerts somehow. Actually, we mostly play in Saxony. Or East Germany,  for that matter. The most unusual band we've played with? I'd have to look it up in our list, but I can't think of any that spontaneously.

AA: Wasn't it with FLIEHENDE STÜRME in the far west of Germany? Hahahaha!

MiMa: Now that you say it...

How would you describe your music in three words for people that haven´t heard you? Do you call it punk or streetpunk or maybe Oi!?

MiMa: Geman Language Punkrock

MiMo: Just DeutschPunk

RR: brute OI power hahahaha. Nah, just German punk.

I like beer and also make beer... If Die BOCKWURSCHTBUDE do a beer , what would it be named and which sort of beer would it be? Or maybe you´re straightedge?

MiMo: I think we would be a tart pilsner in a green bottle:D

MiMa: Nooo! That would be something like Beck's. I hate Beck's. Beer used to be just beer for me. Except wheat beer. That was still not my thing. I work in a brewpub myself, but more in the administrative area. I got to know a lot about beer (types). Andie also comes from southern Germany, where you have a completely different view of beer. I myself prefer a so-called HELLES, unfiltered beer. We used to mix liquor with candies and let people drink it at concerts. All from one bottle. That's no longer possible with COVID…

AA: I am a fan of Lager.....

RR: We should have our own beer?!

MiMa: No, making your own beer has gone out of fashion again. Making gin is now en vogue. And probably more profitable.

And how is it to live in Germany now? Racists, Ukraina-war, covid?

RR: Society is already very broken. That was certainly the case before, but the last few years have made it really visible. Racism and nationalistic ideas are still an issue, as is black and white or camp thinking.

MiMa: Oh dear, these are really hard times. And I don't think we've reached the end of the road yet. This society is divided in so many ways. In Germany it is the AFD that is driving a wedge between people. With you in Sweden it is the Sverigedemokraterna. You can see that all over Europe, if not all over the world. It's really bad. Also in private in the families. You have to oppose this and try to find solutions to approach again.

MiMo: All these stories are very unnerving. But no world is perfect.

Which is your own favoritesong among your own songs? And which song is the people choice?

AA: Plenty of great songs but I would also name “Arschlecken” as one of my all-time favorites.

RR: It's not that easy to single out a song. I like the energy that radiates from the whole album.

MiMa: Oh, there really isn't one. I actually like listening to and playing all the songs from the current album. I can't and don't really want to highlight any of them. But if you put that gun to my chest, it's probably “Arschlecken”. If all goes well, a video will appear in the spring.

MiMo: My favorite of the new songs is “Kollateralschaden”. It's just right all around. Great lyrics, Riggø. The fan base's most requested title so far has been “Oi!kalyptusbonbon”, which we're now moving away from. We're just sick of him.

MiMa: Yes, but it is part of our vita. So, for better or for worse, we have to play it every now and then. "Der Schnorrerpar(c)k bei Leipzig" is also a song that is often requested. But we don't (can't) play it anymore. Haha.

What´s the biggest difference when you plays live nowadays if you compare when you first started to play in a band?

MiMo: I think that the stage fright is not as high as it was in the early years due to the growing confidence in the instruments. Concerts are still fun.

MiMa: Yes, we can handle our instruments better. Haha. And we're probably more sober.

AA: Seriously? You thought we were sober on stage?

RR: Since I don't like beer, I'm always sober!

MiMa: That sounds so convincing, you should become a politician, Riggø!

And have you opinion about punk changed through the years? What do punk mean to you, only a musicstyle or a lifestyle?

MiMa: In any case, both are included. However, this expresses itself differently for everyone, especially for us within the band. And of course punk has changed. Like everything in life. Of course, there are also the purists and the punk rock police who don't want any change and have made it their task to meticulously follow the "punk rock rules" and point them out to others. Mostly out of the drive not to lose one's own privileges and to give oneself support.

AA: It is a way of life that doesn't follow the main rules of society.

RR: A way for me to express myself. Overall, the two gentlemen have summed it up well.

MiMo: For me, punk rock is a way of life that has accompanied me since my youth. Like a hobby that you can't let go of.

What do you know about Sweden? What is typical Swedish? And what is typical german?

RR: RR: Sweden is definitely on my imaginary travel list. So far I only know the country from some reports or crime series. Incredible scenery.

MiMa: Oh my, I hope I don't come across as ignorant... IKEA? Kotbullar? Glöck? No, definitely often good music. Typical German? Phew, I don't know that either. There are many regional differences… And because of punctuality, sense of order and so on… - That's all gone with today's youth anyway. Haha. No, I think that a lot of things have really become so global that you can no longer say exactly. Maybe that's also a reason why right-wing populist parties are currently enjoying such success throughout Europe. But not everything was better before!

MiMo: In an expression of great astonishment we often say: “Alter Schwede”. Haha. But yes, wide landscapes, moody Scandinavian weather and of course our furnishings from the mentioned company… Oh yeah and DIE ÄRZTE, a pretty well known band here in Germany have a song called "Jag älskar Sverige!".

MiMa: It's pretty funny and has nothing to do with Sweden at all. Still, he comes to mind.

Have you ever been here? Any good bands from Sweden that you like?

MiMa: Once with my parents in the early 1990s in the last century. I don't really remember much about it. We then took a ferry to Finland. There was a casino on this one where I played roulette and even won something. Haha. Apart from that, I already mentioned that good music comes from Sweden. At the moment bands like THE BABOON SHOW or PERKELE are popular in Germany and also in my country. But I also like the early MANDO DIAO and of course ABBA.

MiMo: Once on vacation from Denmark to Sweden over the Øresund Bridge, very nice (and expensive toll) but then back over the same bridge with engine damage. Haha. Bands of course, THE BABOON SHOW.

Your audience when you play live, which type of people comes, age?

MiMo: Very mixed, from old to young. But all drunk.

MiMa: I know what you're getting at. Punk is an outdated youth culture. This is also reflected in our audience. But surprisingly, younger people often come to our concerts again and mostly they like us too. We probably now belong to the category: "Classics from the 90s".

What´s the best of playing live?

MiMa: Travel, of course. Be on the move. Getting to know other people and places. Even if there is often not enough time to experience it all more intensively. Taste local beers and play mini golf!

MiMo: Seeing and hearing people's feedback. A good stage sound is very important to me, so that I can really immerse myself in our music.

RR: Spending time with the guys, meeting new people and becoming aware of one or the other new band.

Please tell me a funny thing which have happened during a livegig with your band?

MiMa: Oh, there are so many stories that are probably only funny to us. Outsiders are bound to ask themselves: What kind of crazy guys are these... Haha.

MiMo: At an open air event, it started to rain heavily. The power of the PA system went out. As a result, we only had electricity and volume on stage. All the fans came up to us to save themselves from the rain and we had a mega party with everyone up there.

Is there any good bands in Germany today? New bands which is good? Old bands which is still good?

RR: Recently we played with the guys from SHELL SHOCKED from Berlin. They blew my mind.

MiMo: I'm still enthusiastic about my role models, such as DRITTE WAHL, CHEFDENKER or DIE ÄRZTE with their satirical, funny lyrics. New bands are always exciting. Above all, I sometimes have the feeling that they approach punk in a more professional way. As Riggø already said...SHELL SHOCKED...

MiMa: Oh, each of us certainly sees it differently. I personally listen to a lot of different stuff. I can currently recommend PASCOW from Saarland. They're bringing out a new record in January. CHEFDENKER is also highly recommended, or the "Saxony connection" with THE MELMACS, THE PISSED ONES, STRG-Z and the PINOREKS. They all played together at a concert recently and I wasn't there. Unbelievable! But I could continue the list forever.

AA: EA 80 and DRITTE WAHL are old bands that are still good.

Which is the record that you always must have in the tourbus?

Mi Mo: Desired music is always streamed on the tour bus. Each inmate is allowed to make a wish. And there all genres are represented, from Schlager to Techno to Punk to Goth music.

MiMa: But the driver is in control and is the one who has his thumb on the music system and either raises or lowers it. Haha.  But in any case everything HELGE SCHNEIDER. Or MAIK LEHMANN.

RR: Very good, Mieschka. Now we just need a tour bus hahahah.

Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify and those type of things to listen to music? Is there any good record shop in your hometown?

MiMa: Unfortunately, I buy far too many records. I probably won't be able to hear them all anymore. And I don't have room for it either. But it's such an incredibly nice feeling to hold a new record from a great band that you've discovered for yourself. I live in Berlin myself and there are still one or the other record shop there. The rest of the band lives in Frankfurt (Oder). Unfortunately, as far as I know, there aren't any more. But since everything is often only pressed in small editions anyway and distributed via the Internet, I often order my records directly from the artists themselves. Most of the time I also try to get the digital version of it so that the music can be put on my phone play and listen on the go. On the other hand, I don’t use Spotify or other streaming services at all.

RR: Although I'm not a collector, I buy the records whenever possible. I've already said something about the ritual, but it's also about supporting the respective band.

MiMo: I am not a collector, I stream or only have treasures in the original version. My money is more important for other things. Haha.

Which was your first record, the latest you bought and the most expensive you have bought?

MiMo: I think my first record was DIETER HALLERVORDEN – “Punker Maria”. Great shit. My last records have always been my own.

RR: The first record was a single by THE CURE - Close to me, released on AMIGA. The last one:  Repeater Songs from FUGAZI. I really wanted it on vinyl.

MiMa: First record: THE PUHDYS – Das Buch, 1984 in Erfurt. Genre: Ostrock! Most Expensive: Oh my, I think I've spent too much money on Discogs & eBay quite a few times to get the odd classic on vinyl that I missed buying when it was fresh. Be it because I didn't have any money, CDs were currently in vogue or I didn't know the band yet. Unfortunately, there was often a much cheaper re-release afterwards. Haha.

Do you care about reviews? Which is the most peculiar you ever had, with this band or any other band you have been to?

MiMa: Oh, I really like reading reviews. It's all about promotion. I used to take part in a fanzine myself and also had a small radio show. This site was also about getting free records and getting to shows for free. But that also made a lot possible for me. So I interviewed some interesting bands, gained experience in the music business and made contacts that we still benefit from today.

MiMo: Reviews reflect what listeners feel about consumption. Yes, I think they are important.

RR: For me it's definitely interesting how other people react to our music.

If you could choose five bands from the past and the history and nowadays and both dead and living bands to have a concert together with your band. Which five have you been chosen?

MiMa: RAMONES, DOVER, THE BEATLES, PUHDYS and INKA BAUSE

AA: Joy Division, The Cure, Killing Joke, The Ruts, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Discharge, Crass, The Damned, .... - ups, already more than 5.

RR: Ok, we'll do these twelve first and see how it goes hahahaha.

MiMo: I don't know why, but somehow it doesn't matter to me.

And if you been paid for do a cover-record with four songs. Which four songs have you done then?

MiMo: I think we would be a bad cover band. We better keep our hands off it.

MiMa: Oh, that's not on our agenda right now. Our live time is often limited and we have enough good songs of our own, which we can't all get down. We already did a cover picture 7". Thank goodness the edition of 100 copies wasn't that big. It's not particularly good. We still have a few copies of it.

AA: I agree with Mieschka. We are not a band to play too many cover versions but love to perform our own material.

Futureplans for the band? And for yourself?

MiMo: Rock the following concerts in a relaxed manner, let new songs bubble and spend a lot of good time together.

MiMa: Oh, we would like to sell our record first. Hopefully in January we'll make another new video and next year we'll hopefully play some nice concerts. Inquiries for this are always welcome.

Wisdomword?

MiMa: Solomon the Wise speaks - Loud farts don't stink. But those who hiss so quietly and escape the ass with cunning, these stink terribly!

MiMo: MIKE LEHMANN once said: "The fart in the context of its appearance is warm". Gunnar from the band DRITTE WAHL once said: Life is beautiful, but people are bad". Both very wise words :)

Anything more to add to the interview?

MiMa: Thank you for your interest and the interesting questions. I think we were even able to learn something new from each other this time. That doesn't happen often. Maybe we'll see each other at a concert. Invite us to Sweden. We also bring cheap(er) beer.

MiMo: Skoll, cheers and thanks!

AA: Cheers Prostman

RR: Thanks for your interest.