Extrabreit

Extrabreit formed in 1978 and became one of the defining bands of the Neue Deutsche Welle, the early-1980s movement that merged punk energy with German-language pop and a new cultural self-confidence. Insisting on German lyrics at a time when this was rare in punk helped attract early attention. Cartoonist Kai Schlasse, later known as Kai Havaii, became singer despite no prior vocal experience. The band’s breakthrough came in 1981 when “Polizisten” was banned in Bavaria, amplifying its success. Guitarist Carlos Karges later joined Nena. Despite repeated breakups, Extrabreit continued releasing albums into the 2000s.