Thomas Monster Schoppe celebrates 80 years: a life for music!

Thomas Monster Schoppe celebrates 80 years: a life for music!

A very special day for the rock history of the GDR: Thomas "Monster" Schoppe celebrates his 80th birthday on June 28, 2025. He was born on June 28, 1944 in Eisleben, the singer and guitarist of the legendary Klaus Renft Combo grew up in Leipzig from 1948. At the beginning of his musical career, he started an apprenticeship as a precision mechanic in 1967 and joined the Axel Kühn quintet as a singer and guitarist in the same year. Already in 1970 he found his place at the Klaus Renft Combo and shaped the band with hits like "after the battle", "when I was a bird" and "goose", which are still known today and left their traces in the GDR music history. This information about his impressive career comes from mdr .

The Klaus Renft Combo experienced its high in the 1970s and became one of the most popular rock bands in the GDR. Her music dealt with folk songs, blues and rocking ballads, which were celebrated on the radio and on the GDR television. However, the success story ended in 1975 when the band was banned due to political differences and the increasing politicization of their texts. In 1976 Schoppe signed a protest resolution against the expatriation of songwriter Wolf Biermann, a brave step in a controversial political climate. Today he is the last still active member of the band, which collapsed again after the turn in 1990. His passion for the music remains unbroken, while the current band members, including guitarist Gisbert Piatkowski and ex-Puhdys bassist Peter Rashym, make their contribution to the musical heritage.

a life full of music and challenges

Schoppe is not only known for his musical skills, but also for his life story, which was characterized by challenges. After the death of his mother, he grew up in a children's home, which probably shaped him strongly. These experiences flowed into his creative works and give his music a special depth. In his later life he moved to West Berlin in 1978 to finally go on tour with the Klaus Renft Combo after reunification. His artist name "Monster" manages from a song of the same name by the band Steppenwolf, which was important for his musical career. According to wikipedia , Schoppe lives in Zeulenroda today, where he is still active.

When asked what he wants for his milestone birthday, Schoppe replies: a life partner. Despite his successes and the many people who admire him, personal happiness still seems to be important to him. This shows once again that there is also a person behind the rock star with normal wishes and needs.

a legacy, that remains

The Klaus Renft Combo left a variety of hits and records that achieved great popularity in the 1970s, including "the apple dream", "encouragement" and "between love and anger". Their first LP was released in 1973 and made the band known far beyond the borders of the GDR. Despite their ban, the musicians remained true to their passion, and many of them found ways to remain creative even after the turn. After reunification, the band came together for a reunion tour and re-lit up the enthusiasm for their music. These developments are also on DDR-Museum documented.

While Thomas "Monster" Schoppe enters the 80s today, his music remains an important part of German cultural history and inspires generations of musicians and fans. With this in mind, it is worth looking back on his journey after 80 years and keeping the sounds of an unforgettable era alive.