Konzert Kasalla

Concert with the Cologne cult band

The ideas that two guys come up with at a kitchen table at 2 a.m. after a long party aren’t always that great. But what former “Peilomat” guitarist and songwriter Flo Peil and singer Bastian Campmann were planning back then actually came to fruition: Kasalla.

Together with old and new bandmates Ena Schwiers, Sebi Wagner, and Nils Plum, they headed into the rehearsal room with the plan to combine the music they love with lyrics in their local dialect. Now, 10 years later, that wild idea has really come of age.

The dialect: the common thread that holds everything together. And this common thread works even in musically unfamiliar, unexpected territory.

In 2020, following their show at the Kölner Arena, the band’s next, biggest, and ultimate adventure was set to take place: a concert at the RheinEnergieStadion. Over 37,000 tickets had already been sold—then a virus got in the way. Fortunately, however, an alternative date was found for after the hiatus: On June 17, 2022, they celebrated their 10th anniversary in the FC’s sold-out soccer stadium—and they did so with their new studio album, which was released just in time for the band’s biggest concert and once again entered the Top 10 of the album charts: “Rudeldiere.”

The songs on “RUDELDIERE” are the result of even more intensive work than on previous albums. “We had plenty of time over these past few months to select songs, refine the music and lyrics, and incorporate all our ideas,” says bassist Sebi Wagner, describing the creative process. In addition to the title track—which, in an ’80s-style vibe, explores the search for the pack, the horde, or the crew—KASALLA’s new album once again offers the unbridled diversity of its predecessors. “It’s still important to us to use the Cologne dialect as an anchor and not be afraid to experiment musically. ‘

’ But we always sound like Kasalla,” says keyboardist Rene Schwiers. Press Release: February 2022 Small, melancholic moments and memories like “BUNTER HUNGK” alternate with the hopeful rock anthem “LEUCHTRAKETE” or the powerful, uplifting track “MIDDEN EM STURM.” Also on the menu are “POMMES & CHAMPAGNER,” a pop-infused tribute to differences, and the folky declaration of love “DER RESS VUN DINGEM LEVVE.” As the explosive opener proclaims loud and clear: With their new album, the five-piece band is and remains “IMMER NOCH KASALLA” even after their forced hiatus.

A special collaboration also came to fruition and celebrated its live premiere at the stadium concert: German rap legend EKO FRESH is featured on the song “JRÖNE PAPAJEIE.” A song about diversity—not only, but especially in Cologne.

This “Rudel met K” still has plenty in store!

Tickets for the event are available in advance at all Ticket-Regional sales locations, e.g., at the Tourist Information Office, Römermauer 6, Bitburg, Tel.: 06561-94340

Doors open: 7:00 p.m.