Ludwig von 88

Ludwig von 88 is a French punk rock and alternative rock band mostly active in the 1980s and 1990s, celebrated in the French underground scene. In 2019, the band released their first album in a decade, and have continued to remain active, releasing a further four albums in 2023 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Their music is quite similar to that of influent French punks Bérurier Noir (both bands were initially signed with the Bondage Records indie rock label): two-fingered and distorted guitar chords and drum machine as a drummer but can also imitate reggae or medieval music ("Messire Quentin"). Their lyrics evolved along their career from nonsensical and often juvenile humour to something more serious and sometimes social and political.

The band had different line-ups, among which the most famous from the late 80’s featured Karim Berrouka on vocals, Nobru (real name Bruno Garcia, his new pseudonym is Sergent Garcia) on guitars, Laurent and then Charlu on bass, and Jean-Mi on programming. Past members include Olaf, Gondrax (François Gondry, bass player) and Laurent Manet.

Albums

 * Houlala 1986
 * Houlala II "la mission" 1987
 * Ce jour heureux est plein d'allégresse 1990
 * Tout pour le trash 1992
 * 17 plombs pour péter les tubes 1994
 * Prophètes et Nains de jardin 1996
 * Houlala III "l'heureux tour" live, 1998
 * La révolution n'est pas un dîner de gala 2001
 * 20 chansons optimistes pour en finir avec le futur 2019
 * L'hiver des crêtes 2023
 * Le printemps du pogo 2023
 * L'été du no future 2023
 * L'automne de l'anarchie (Quarante ans de punk approximatif - Saison 4) 2024

Singles, 45 rpm, EP

 * "Live?" 1985
 * "Les trois petits keupons" 1987
 * "Louison Bobet for ever" 1987
 * "Guerrier Balubas" 1988
 * "Sprint" 1988
 * "Sardellen Filet" 1989
 * "L.S.D. for Ethiopie (We Are The World)" 1990
 * "New Orleans" 1991
 * "In the Ghettos" 1993
 * "TAMERANTONG" 1993
 * "Hiroshima (50 ans d'inconscience)" 1995
 * "Le crépuscule des fourbes" 1996
 * "La sacrée grole" 1997
 * "Ludwig von 88", live 1997
 * "St-Valentin" 1998

Compilation albums

 * De l'âge du trash à l'âge du zen 2004
 * De l'âge de la crête à l'âge du bronze 2004