Hamburg is a city deeply rooted in musical history, notably because the streets of St Pauli hosted some of The Beatles' earliest performances. However, over the last two decades, it has also emerged as a hub for future talent thanks to the Reeperbahn Festival, an eclectic four-day event showcasing Europe’s most promising new artists. A lot has changed in the last twenty years (remember when TikTok was merely the sound a clock made?), but this year's special anniversary event proves that live music is still paramount, and Reeperbahn remains one of its brightest highlights.
Kicking off on Wednesday, DIY takes over the iconic Molotow Club, now comfortably situated in its spacious yet charmingly gritty new location, for an energetic opening night stage takeover where intensity and excitement are key. The Isle of Wight duo The Pill shines early on, blending playful banter (“This is our first time playing on the Reeperbahn… and I doubt it will be our last”) with bratty, call-and-response chanting and a style reminiscent of Elastica, all while delivering sharp lyrical insights on topics like online grooming, superficial beauty, and Leo DiCaprio's questionable dating choices.
Next up is the Australian jazz-funk group Surprise Chef, whose entrancing instrumental soundscapes are as captivating as a snake-charmer's melody. If Los Bitchos embody the party vibe, these Australians represent the relaxed aftermath; they even creatively use a couple of empty Buckfast bottles for percussion. Speaking of creativity, the unique, cave-like structure of Prinzenbar is the ideal venue for the enigmatic newcomers Silver Gore, whose modern alt-pop sounds thrive among the intricate architecture. They effortlessly blend ethereal experimentation a la Jockstrap ('Dogs In Heaven') with catchy indie influences ('All The Good Men'), showcasing a performance that truly lives up to their early acclaim.
While they are the latest in a series of impressive guitar bands from Ireland, Florence Road certainly stands out. Echoing the vibrant energy of early Wolf Alice and the empowering spirit of Olivia Rodrigo, this County Wicklow quartet fuses youthful enthusiasm with serious songwriting talent. When lead singer Lily Aron engages the audience with a powerful chorus of “la la la las” during the '90s-inspired anthem ‘Break The Girl’, it feels as if they are commanding a much larger stage.
Headlining DIY’s Molotow celebration on this night are Getdown Services, a duo of talented comedians whose music and humor carry a distinctly British flavor, leaving one to wonder how that might resonate with a German audience at midnight on a weekday. The answer is that it resonates exceptionally well. Undaunted by the industry figures in attendance (“shut the fuck up, or leave”), they encourage the packed room to cast aside skepticism and embrace silliness, sincerity, and an infectious spirit of fun.
Meanwhile, just outside the vibrant red walls of Hamburg’s indie hub, Reeperbahn 2025 offers an equally vibrant experience. Whether enjoying the frenetic dance-punk of Berlin’s Trustfundbabes at the intimate Pooca Bar, getting lost in the reverb-rich performances of Palestinian poet Rasha Nahas at the hidden gem HÄKKEN, or soaking in the jangly garage rock from Viennese band Gardens at the Festival Village’s open-air stage, attendees are guaranteed standout performances at every turn.
Drawing one of the largest crowds of the week are Black Country duo Big Special, who contrast the neon lights of Grosse Freiheit 36 with deeper tones. While their approachable stage banter and dynamic shifts evoke memories of SOFT PLAY, Joe Hicklin merges punk aesthetics with heartfelt poetry, his vocals reminiscent of Ian Curtis’ haunting beauty. Yet the set is anything but somber; over 50 minutes, the duo captivates, demonstrating wit and engagement, seamlessly transitioning from playful drum pad antics (with Cal Moloney operating the sound effects with the glee of a child playing with a DJ setup) to sharp social critiques.
By Friday, Reeperbahn is not just bustling with festival-goers and party lovers—it also attracts genuine music legends, including Susie Quatro and Laurie Anderson, who have come to Hamburg to judge the prestigious Anchor International Music Awards. This annual event honors breakthrough talent worldwide. Among the most intriguing performers at the festival is the Ukrainian project Carpetman, a deserving nominee (just watch his Eurovision 2024 performance!). However, it’s Mei Semones, an American-Japanese guitar virtuoso blending jazz, pop, and prog-rock to mesmerizing effect, who ultimately claims this year’s award.
It seems fitting to conclude Reeperbahn 2025 where it began, returning to Molotow, where Swedish Afro-grunge artist Boko Yout exemplifies the festival's essence—energy, diversity, and the unexpected. Dressed in a Scout uniform, he fully embodies star quality; a blend of punk spirit and pop diva flair, he draws inspiration from his Swedish peers Viagra Boys to deliver a performance that leaves everything on
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Boko Yout, Big Special, Florence Road, and others shine at the extravagant German showcase.