ex
ex: The Pioneering Force of German Alternative Rock
ex is a German alternative rock band known for their intense, guitar-driven sound and energetic live performances. Formed in the early 1990s, the group achieved significant commercial success in their home country, with their 1996 album "Too Bad Jim" reaching the Top 20 of the German charts and achieving gold certification.
Early career
The band was formed in 1993 in the city of Hamburg. The founding members, vocalist/guitarist Jürgen Plangger and bassist Thomas Kürstner, were joined by drummer Matthias Sitzmann, solidifying a lineup focused on a raw, power-trio format. Their early sound was rooted in grunge and punk, leading to their first record deal and the release of their debut album, "Gonzo," in 1994.
Breakthrough
ex's major breakthrough arrived in 1996 with their sophomore album, "Too Bad Jim." Released on the label Rough Trade Germany, the album's lead single gained heavy rotation on music television channels like VIVA. This exposure propelled the album to number 18 on the German albums chart, a success that was later certified gold for sales exceeding 250,000 copies.
Key tracks
Like A Rose — This anthemic single from "Too Bad Jim" became the band's signature song and a staple on German rock radio.
By My Side — Another key track from their breakthrough album, it showcased their ability to blend melodic hooks with powerful guitar riffs.
She — A driving, punk-inflected song that highlighted the band's relentless energy and became a fan favorite in their live set.
Superstar — This track from their 1998 follow-up album "Dosis" demonstrated the band's evolving, slightly more refined alternative rock sound.
The success of "Too Bad Jim" established ex as a major act in the German rock scene. They followed it with the album "Dosis" in 1998, which also charted successfully. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, the band maintained a consistent output, releasing albums like "20th Century Spirit" (2001) and collaborating with other artists, while continuing to tour extensively across Germany and Europe.
Fans of ex's gritty, melodic German rock often appreciate the work of similar domestic acts. Die Toten Hosen share a similar punk energy and massive live presence. Die Ärzte offer a comparable blend of punk attitude with catchy, intelligent songwriting. Beatsteaks deliver the same brand of energetic, guitar-based alternative rock that dominated German airwaves in the late 90s.
The music of ex remains in regular rotation on a variety of rock-focused radio stations. Their hits are staples on classic alternative rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations dedicated to guitar music. Online rock radio streams frequently feature ex in playlists celebrating the peak of the 1990s German rock movement.
Listeners can discover the powerful discography of ex, from "Like A Rose" to their later work, on the rock radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the stations available on onairium.com to hear the band's influential German alternative rock sound.