In the early 1980s, when the punk movement was gaining momentum in Germany, a band emerged in the tranquil town of Künzelsau/Braunsbach that was to shake up the scene with its unique blend of punk and Oi! Boots & Braces.
The first steps
The formation of Boots & Braces in 1983 marked the beginning of a musical journey that would soon capture the hearts of fans. After the release of their first EP, the way was paved for their debut album. Inspired by the burgeoning punk movement and the raw sounds of the Oi! sound, they forged their own musical identity. Four years after their formation, Boots & Braces released their first EP “Aufrecht gehen” in 1987. This milestone marked the beginning of a musical journey that would soon make the band an integral part of the German Oi! scene. The EP was a first taste of Boots & Braces’ unmistakable sound – an explosive mix of punky guitar riffs and the characteristic Oi! rhythms. The fans were electrified, and the way was clear for the debut album.
After the first rehearsals, bassist Alfred joined the band, but had to leave again in 1984 when the brothers Florian and Matt Walz moved. They found a replacement in Alex and played gigs in Germany and France.In 1986, the line-up was expanded to include singer Ralf, with whom the first single “Aufrecht gehen” was self-released.
“Wahnsinn” – a milestone in the Swabian Oi! scene
With the release of “Aufrecht gehen”, Boots & Braces had attracted the attention of the scene.Expectations for their first full album were high, and the band delivered.In December 1987, Boots & Braces recorded their first album “Wahnsinn”, which was released in spring 1988 on Herbert Egoldt’s Rock-O-Rama Records label in Cologne.A move that plunged the band into controversy, but also increased their popularity in the scene.After the release, Alex left the band and they found a new guitarist in 16-year-old Martin.“Wahnsinn” captivates with a unique mix of punk and Oi! and brought a new dynamic to the band’s history, catapulting the Swabian crew onto the stereo systems of the scene.Boots & Braces have not only created a musical monument with “Wahnsinn”, but have also shown that the Swabian band is a force to be reckoned with.
The record is a veritable firework of energetic riffs and fast-paced rhythms that captivate the listener from the first to the last second. For fans of the era, this album is an absolute must and promises an entertaining listening experience that celebrates the pure energy and incomparable sound of Boots & Braces. For fans who experienced the Oi! punk scene of the second half of the 1980s, “Wahnsinn” by Boots & Braces is an absolute must. This album is not only a testimony to the times, but also an entertaining listening experience.
The way to the top
After the success of their debut, the band’s career took off.Their second album was released on “Metal Enterprises”, the label of Böhse Onkelz producer Ingo Nowotny at the time, and cemented their reputation as one of the busiest Oi! bands in the country.In 1990, the band switched to the Hessian label and released their second album “Party Piraten”.This was followed by gigs in front of large audiences, such as in Budapest in front of around 1000 people.After a tour, the line-up was expanded to include the second guitarist Dani.In 1992, the third album “Die andere Seite” was released on Nowotnys Noize, a sub-label of Metal Enterprises.
The anniversary CD “Schön war die Zeit” followed in 1993 with six new songs. When the singer unexpectedly left the band in 1994, Matt Walz took over the vocals again.
In 1995, however, he emigrated to Ireland with his family, which made live performances more difficult. Nevertheless, they toured Germany, neighboring countries and the USA.
The end of an era
In 1997, the CD “11 Pints of Oi!” was released, the last on Metal Enterprises before the label filed for bankruptcy. Further tours followed, but in 2003 the EP “Made in Kü’au” on DSS Records was the band’s last release to date.Boots & Braces have shaped the Oi! punk scene in Germany with their music and their passion.Despite numerous line-up changes and obstacles, they have fought their way to the top and have become a legend.
Discography (excerpts)
Aufrecht gehen, 7″ Vinyl, FARM, 1987
Live 10.09.1988, MC, Clockwork Tapes, 1987
Wahnsinn, LP, Rock-O-Rama, 1988
Wahnsinn, CD, Rock-O-Rama, 1991
Party Piraten, LP und CD, Metal Enterprises, 1990
Die andere Seite, LP und CD, Nowotny’s Noise, 1992
Schön war die Zeit, Picture EP und CD, Metal Enterprises, 1993
Live, CD, Metal Enterprises, 1995
Over America, 7″ Vinyl, GMM, 1997
Viele Jahre, VHS, Eigenproduktion, 1997
11 Pints of Oi!, CD, Metal Enterprises, 1999
Line Up:
Ralf, Voice
Florian, Drums
Matt, Guitar + Voice
Alfred, Bass (until 1984)
Alex, Bass
Martin, Guitar (from 1989)