Drum Sheet – Die Toten Hosen – Hier Kommt Alex

“Hier Kommt Alex” by Die Toten Hosen is a punk rock anthem released in 1988 as part of their concept album Ein kleines bisschen Horrorschau. The song was inspired by Anthony Burgess’s novel A Clockwork Orange and Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, depicting a dystopian future filled with violence and rebellion. With its intense energy and driving rhythm, “Hier Kommt Alex” became one of the band’s most iconic tracks, known for its powerful drumming that sets the tone for the entire song.

The composition of “Hier Kommt Alex” began with the band’s desire to capture the dark themes of A Clockwork Orange. Campino, the band’s lead vocalist, wrote the lyrics to portray the disillusionment and rebellious nature of the main character, Alex. Musically, the band sought to combine their punk roots with a more melodic and anthemic sound. This fusion of aggression and melody is well reflected in the drumming, which serves as both a rhythmic foundation and an emotional driver of the song.

The drummer, Wolfgang “Wölli” Rohde, played a key role in shaping the sound of “Hier Kommt Alex.” His drumming features powerful, rapid beats, combined with dynamic fills that give the track a sense of urgency and drama. The song opens with a memorable tom-tom-driven beat, setting an ominous tone that builds anticipation before the full band kicks in. Throughout the track, Rohde‘s drumming is both precise and energetic, providing the pulse that pushes the song forward. The use of syncopated snare hits and driving bass drum rhythms adds to the relentless, almost militant feel of the track, perfectly capturing the rebellious spirit of the lyrics.

The recording of Ein kleines bisschen Horrorschau took place in a studio where Die Toten Hosen worked intensively to create a cohesive concept album. The band emphasized capturing the raw energy of their live performances, which meant that the drumming was recorded with minimal overdubs to maintain a natural, unpolished sound. Wölli’s approach was to play with the same intensity as he would on stage, giving the recording an authentic live feel.

“Hier Kommt Alex” became a staple of Die Toten Hosen‘s live performances and has remained one of their most popular songs. During concerts, the drumming often takes center stage, with extended intros and powerful fills that energize the crowd. The audience’s reaction to the driving beat and Wölli’s commanding drumming has always been electric, making “Hier Kommt Alex” a highlight of the band’s shows. The combination of its thematic depth, compelling lyrics, and relentless drumming has cemented the song as a classic in German punk rock history.