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Idols, superstars, rock gods and ravers...

August 15, 2003
https://p.dw.com/p/3y9w
Image: Markus Bösch

Not content with Searching for a Superstar and voting for Pop Idol’s, Germany had a busy start to 2003 in terms of music with breakthroughs, break-ups and comebacks. The winds of change blew towards Berlin as the music industry upped sticks and moved while fighting court cases and fretting for its future. However, the enthusiasm of the fans continued regardless throughout the summer months with Rock am Ring, the Love Parade and Popkomm all raising the temperature to sticky in this record breaking summer heat.

The German summer has rocked and Deutsche Welle has been there in the ebb and flow of the crowd and the seriousness of the press conference as the music industry celebrated and deliberated in equal measure. Here’s our guide to the ups and downs of pop in Germany this year.

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Reports & Analysis

Sing it Loud, Proud and in German

The German government and the music industry are in favor of a quota for German language songs on public radio in an attempt to revive the popularity of mother tongue artists and boost the creative economy.
August 13, 2003

Politics Goes Pop in Cologne

As the 15th Popkomm music conference attempted to maintain the pace set by the euphoric opening address, politicians mingled with industry experts and artists to discuss ways to improve the music business.
August 15, 2003

Popkomm Opens with Pledge of Governmental Support

The world's largest music conference kicked off on Thursday with the announcement of the establishment of a regulated Internet exchange and a renewed commitment to the promotion of German music.
August 14, 2003

The Love Parade is Dead, Long live the Love Parade

Berlin's annual homage to the techno music scene is not what it used to be. But more than 500,000 danced at the 15th Love Parade Saturday and cleanup crews had enough work.
July 13, 2003

An Interview with Oasis' Noel Gallagher

Back after a hotel brawl forced them to cancel dates last December, British band Oasis rolled into Germany for a string of gigs this week. Noel Gallagher talks to DW-WORLD about music and 'stupid little boys in bars.'
March 18, 2003

Berlin’s Music Magnet Attracts Popkomm

The decision to move the world’s biggest music trade fair from its home in Cologne to Berlin is just the latest in a series of media and entertainment relocations to the German capital from around the country.
July 18, 2003

Having a "Conscious Party"

British sound system Asian Dub Foundation, known for their searing dub, hip-hop and jungle beats and unapologetic anti-racist politics performed in Berlin on Saturday. DW-WORLD caught up with bassist and founder Dr. Das.
April 28, 2003

Cracking Down on Bootlegs

Making pirate copies of CDs and DVDs just became illegal in Germany. New legislation protects artists and industry from lost profits, but it may also shoot them in the foot.
August 4, 2003

Kraftwerk is Back

For almost two decades, the legendary German electronic formation Kraftwerk was silent. Now, the pioneers of electronica have returned with a new album top Germany's charts.
August 7, 2003

Germany Finds its "Superstar"

The "German Robbie Williams" wins Germany's version of the ultra-successful British and US superstar competition, "Pop Idol." Almost 13 million viewers voted for 19-year-old Alex Klaws.
March 11, 2003

Pop Music Academy Opens its Doors

Yearning for your five minutes of fame? Fancy studying pop music? The Pop Academy opens next week in Baden-Württemberg.
April 18, 2003