2026 marks a major anniversary for Fischer-Z: the band was founded by John Watts 50 years ago. »I can hardly believe it’s been 50 years. It’s been an incredible journey with ups and downs, but I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone – and I’m ready! Here’s to many more years of new music, concerts and art.« To celebrate this milestone in style, Watts and the band will embark on a major worldwide anniversary tour in spring and autumn 2026.
Fischer-Z was formed in 1976 at Brunel University, together with Watts’ friend and keyboardist Steve Skolnik. John’s political songwriting and unbridled energy led United Artists to sign the band in 1978, alongside contemporaries such as The Stranglers and Buzzcocks. Their debut album, Word Salad, was released in 1979 and immediately became a post-punk hit. This was followed in 1980 by »So Long«, the band’s most successful single and one of the first music videos ever to be played on MTV – Fischer-Z’s breakthrough on major stages worldwide. 1981 saw the release of their most successful album to date, »Red Skies Over Paradise«, featuring the singles »Marliese« and »Berlin«.
To date, Watts has released 23 albums, sold two million records and played more than 3,000 concerts throughout Europe, the USA and Canada. Peter Gabriel, Steve Cropper and the horn section of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, among others, have contributed to his recordings. Fischer-Z shared the stage with James Brown in East Berlin in front of 167,000 people, toured with The Police and Dire Straits, and performed with Bob Marley on his last European tour. In recent years, Watts has also made a name for himself as a multimedia artist, poet and playwright, creating a diverse, independent body of work characterised by energy, warmth and humanity.
PERFORMERS
Fischer-Z band
PROGRAM
50 Anniversary Tour
