Frank Z., singer of the legendary German punk band Abwärts, is dead. Z., actually Frank Ziegert, died of prostate cancer on January 17, 2024 at the age of 66.
The group confirmed his death with a posting on their social media channels. “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we have to bring you the news that Frank Z. died yesterday,” the post says. “We mourn the loss of an extraordinary artist, musician and friend,” it continues. The caption says: “Thank you Frank! Thanks for the great concerts! Thanks for the great music! That will all remain!”
A few days ago, the band informed their fans about Ziegert’s poor health via social media. “It is with a heavy heart that we have to bring you sad news today. Frank Z. suffers from prostate cancer, a disease that has existed for many years and has unfortunately now reached a hardcore stage. His health is currently not good,” it said.
Well-known colleagues mourn: “For me he was one of the greatest”
Die Toten Hosen commemorated their colleague with a posting on their social networks. “He was a unique character and gifted songwriter who also made a lasting impression on us. That’s why we covered and recorded three of his songs: ‘I see the ships sailing down the river’, ‘Sunday at the Zoo’ and ‘Computer State’. Franko, thank you for the time with you, see you,” it says.
Tocotronic bassist Jan Müller also pays tribute to his colleague. “I mourn Frank Z and can hardly believe he died so early. Last year I saw him live one last time with his band Abwärts. For me he was one of the greatest. Not just because of the ‘computer state’, but because of everything,” writes Müller in a post. “His art was underestimated by many because he ignored trends and did his own thing. I’m glad to have gotten to know him at least a little over the last few years and I think I can say: He was a rough-shell, soft-core type of person. That sounds cliché, but that’s how I experienced it. I will miss new songs from Abwärts and their concerts. Rest easy Frank!”
“Yesterday Frank Z., singer, guitarist and songwriter from #Abwärts went on his last journey. Wherever you go now, we miss you Frank!” is what the punk band Slime’s channels say.
Legendary punk musician
Ziegert founded the band in Hamburg in 1979. Ziegert, who had worked as a typesetter, had founded another band a year before the band was founded – the group Big Muff, which soon disbanded. Downwards are classified as punk, but due to their stylistic diversity they always sounded different from their contemporaries.
The band broke up in 1984 and reunited several times. Their most important albums include “Amok Koma” from 1980 and “Der Westen ist Einsam”, released in 1982, which Jan Müller recorded in one Appreciation described as a “dark masterpiece”. Since the last reunion in 2004, Die-Ärzte member Rodrigo González played bass with Abwärts.