Munich-based Spider Murphy Gang have been around for decades. Four of them, to be specific! And while you likely won’t find any deep songs pondering the philosophical, what you will find is fun. The band’s rock’n’roll sound is, however, perfect for us German language learners: it’s clear, it’s direct and it’s memorable. While the band do put a bit of a Bavarian spin on things, it’s nothing too difficult. So put your dance shoes on for this month’s German language music recommendation and practice your German language skills with the Spider Murphy Gang!
About the Spider Murphy Gang
Spider Murphy Gang was founded 40 years ago by Günther Sigl (lead vocals, bass), Barny Murphy (guitar), Franz Trojan (drums), and Michael Busse (keys). The band have made an impact with their fun, upbeat ’50s inspired sound. They really don’t make any secret of their influences. The group’s name is a reference to Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.”
By 1979 the group had gotten their first record contract. They quickly released their first two albums. The next two years saw them release Rock’n’Roll Schuah (Bavarian for Rock’n’Roll Shoes) and Dolce Vita. The latter album contains hits like “Skandal im Sperrbezirk” and “Schickeria.” To this day “Skandal im Sperrbezirk” is the band’s trademark song. Both the track and the album went to the top of the German and Austrian record charts.
Since then the band have released a number of albums including 1982’s Tutti Frutti and several live albums. Tutti Frutti produced several popular singles such as “Wo bist du?” and “Ich schau’ dich an.”
Believe it or not but you’ll likely already recognize a few of the Spider Murphy Gang’s songs. The band have recorded German — OK, Bavarian — takes on some classic rock’n’roll songs. For example, the Chuck Berry classic “School Days” becomes “Schuitog (Schooldays).”
Spider Murphy Gang Today
These days, the band’s lineup looks a little different than the founding quartet. Trojan and Busse are no longer in the group but Sigl and Murphy are joined by Ludwig Seuss (keys, accordion), Willie Duncan (guitar, lap steel, bass, mandolin), Andreas Keller (drums), Otto Staniloi (brass) and Dieter Radig (percussion, vocals).
Even after all these years, the Spider Murphy Gang are making rock look easy with fun, energetic songs that are perfect for German language learners! But the Spider Murphy Gang are still rocking! The band are celebrating the big 4-0 with a handful of shows in their native Munich in October. If you’re looking for a party in the weeks after Oktoberfest, I’m guessing those shows are a good place to look!
Looking for another Ohrwurm to help you learn German? Check out previously featured musicians and bands!
Photograph © Dieter Bichl. This post contains affiliate links.
