"Twenty years journey of "Through the Monsoon":"
In August 2005, a German pop-rock anthem was born. Tokio Hotel's debut single "Durch den Monsun" (Through the Monsoon) was released, quickly becoming a defining anthem in the German pop-rock scene.
The band, composed of four school friends from Magdeburg, had yet to adopt their now-famous name. Their unusual look and the star potential of frontman Bill, caught the eye of music expert Alex Gernandt (59), deputy editor-in-chief and talent scout of "Bravo" at the time. This led to a double page spread about the band in the magazine's July issue.
The publication was an unusual move, but it was the spark that ignited a flood of letters and calls, and the band quickly gained a large fan base, especially among young girls. Music manager Peter Hoffmann (71) had discovered young Bill through the Sat.1 casting show "Star Search" in 2003. He later took the band under his wing, coached them, and wrote with them the rock song that would change their lives.
"Durch den Monsun" resonated widely with a generation of fans, not only through its commercial success but also for its emotional depth and dramatic energy. The song stayed at number one for five weeks from the end of August 2005. Its lyrics are well-known, and people sing along to the entire chorus, even at the Ballermann in Mallorca.
The song was part of their debut album "Schrei," which sold over 500,000 copies and secured top-five chart positions, helping establish Tokio Hotel as one of the most influential German pop-rock bands of the 2000s. "Durch den Monsun" marked the arrival of Bill Kaulitz’s distinctive voice and the band’s emotionally charged style to millions of listeners.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Tokio Hotel performed a special concert in Berlin, reflecting on the song's enduring legacy and its role in shaping their career and the German pop music scene. This milestone highlighted how "Durch den Monsun" remained a touchstone for fans and the band alike, symbolizing the beginning of a prolific and influential musical journey.
In recent years, the Kaulitz twins, now 35 years old, have been back in the spotlight through their podcast "Kaulitz Hills" and the Netflix docu-series "Kaulitz & Kaulitz." Bill, a member of Tokio Hotel, expressed last year that he is glad they have this song, as many artists may not feel the same about their biggest hit. The band will give a big anniversary concert at the Berlin Parkbühne Wuhlheide this Friday, exactly 20 years after the release of "Through the Monsoon."
DJ Domy Berger explains that the song is played every day and at any time. The married life of Tom and Heidi Klum often makes headlines in the tabloids, but the enduring popularity of "Through the Monsoon" shows that Tokio Hotel's impact on German pop music is undeniable. Co-author Peter Hoffmann states that the song is timeless, and it seems that for many fans, it always will be.
Celebrities like Bill Kaulitz and his band, Tokio Hotel, have left an indelible mark on pop-culture, particularly in the realm of music and entertainment. The band's rise to fame can be traced back to their debut single "Durch den Monsun," a track that continues to resonate with fans and remains a touchstone in pop music history.
