Rio Reiser

The Profile

Rio Reiser (born Ralph Christian Möbius, 9 January 1950 – 20 August 1996) was a German singer-songwriter, frontman of Ton Steine Scherben (1970–1985) and a solo artist (notably Rio I, 1986). A key figure in the Neue Deutsche Welle, he is best known for the single "König Von Deutschland".

Frontman of Ton Steine Scherben (1970–1985); solo career including the 1986 hit "König Von Deutschland". Publicly known as openly gay and politically engaged. According to contemporary accounts and reviews, he faced a boycott by some radio stations in 1990 for his public support of the SED. Died in 1996 at age 46; reviews state death was due to circulatory complications related to hepatitis C.

Rio Reiser (Ralph Christian Möbius) was a leading figure of the Neue Deutsche Welle and frontman of Ton Steine Scherben. His solo hit "König Von Deutschland" (from Rio I, 1986) remains his best-known song. He mixed rock, pop, reggae, punk and many ballads across a 26-year career (1970–1996). The reviews praise his songwriting, melodic gifts and political commitment.