Deichkind confirms the death of co-founder Malte Pittner after a long illness. From “Remmidemmi” to “Bon Voyage” – his musical legacy.
Malte Pittner died on December 15, 2025 at the age of 47. As a co-founder of Deichkind, he shaped the band’s sound until his departure in 2005 and was responsible for some of the Hamburg hip-hop formation’s biggest hits.
Collaboration on the first three albums
As Deichkind’s musician and lyricist, he made a decisive contribution to the group’s success – until private disputes led to a breakup in 2005. Between 1997 and 2005 he played a key role in the first two albums PLEASE PULL THROUGH and 5 MINUTES MUTTI. He was also involved in the third album UPRISING IN CLARAFFENLAND, which was released in 2006.
He was responsible for these hits
During his eight-year creative phase at Deichkind, according to the Swiss Hit Parade, he was the sole composer responsible for a total of seven songs. Even years after their release, his involvement with Deichkind resonates – some of his tracks are still among the band’s most successful and most listened to songs.
The seven songs at a glance:
- “Bon Voyage (feat. Nina)” – PLEASE MOVE THROUGH (2000)
- “Evergreens” – PLEASE PULL ON (2000)
- “Come on!” – PLEASE MOVE THROUGH (2000)
- “Limit” – 5 MINUTES LEFT MOTHER (2002)
- “Horse in the Stable” – 5 MORE MINUTES MOM (2002)
- “Remmidemmi (Yippie Yippie Yeah)” – UPRISING IN COOKIE LAND (2006)
- “ESDB” – UPRISING IN THE LAND OF CAMPAIGN (2006)
On Spotify, the party anthem “Remmidemmi (Yippie Yippie Yeah)” still reaches number 4 almost 20 years and 30 million streams later. “Bon Voyage (feat. Nina)” comes in at number 6 with 20 million plays, while “Limit” comes in at number 10 with 10 million plays.
Editorial recommendations
Listen to the hit “Remmidemmi (Yippie Yippie Yeah)” again here:
From hip hop to country
Pittner shaped the band’s style in the early years, which was a mixture of hip hop and electropunk. After his departure, he continued his musical career in new territory: from autumn 2009 he played guitar and sang with the country band Texas Lightning. Meanwhile, his former band Deichkind continued to develop their sound – influences from electroclash and electronic are now also part of their trademark.
In addition to his work as a musician, Pittner also worked in advertising.
Farewell and cause of death
Deichkind paid tribute to him in a detailed statement on Instagram and asked for consideration for family and friends in view of the sad news. In their statement, the band announced that Malte Pittner had withdrawn from the public several years ago and had now succumbed to the consequences of his “long illness”. His former band members kept the illness under wraps.