Fischer-Z

John Watts has amassed countless stories throughout his long career, but 2026 marks a very special milestone for him and his band Fischer-Z: their 50th anniversary, which they will celebrate with a tour next autumn. Founded in 1976 at Brunel University with keyboardist Steve Skolnik, the band quickly rose to become one of the most important voices of the British post-punk era. Political songwriting, energetic performances, and hits like “The Worker,” “So Long,” and “Marliese” brought Fischer-Z international acclaim. With the album “Red Skies Over Paradise” (1981), the band made music history. To date, they have sold more than two million records and played over 3,000 concerts worldwide. Watts, who began his artistic career after studying psychology, can look back on a unique résumé: from early gigs in British clubs to legendary performances with Bob Marley, The Police, and Dire Straits. He shared the stage with James Brown in East Berlin before an audience of 167,000 and worked in the studio with luminaries such as Peter Gabriel and Steve Cropper. Beyond music, he has made a name for himself as a poet, playwright, and multimedia artist, most recently with the project “PUNKT!”, launching in 2025 and encompassing musical pieces as well as artwork by Watts. Now, Fischer-Z invites fans on a journey through five decades of music: The “50 Anniversary Tour” kicks off in full in autumn 2026. Further tour stops include the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and, for the first time, Australia. Simultaneously, the anniversary album “50/50” will be released, combining new songs with reinterpreted classics. This will be complemented by an exclusive anniversary package that celebrates John’s extraordinary career and offers fans a comprehensive overview of his work. “I can hardly believe it’s been 50 years already. It’s been an incredible journey with highs and lows, but I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone – and I’m ready! Here’s to many more years of new music, concerts, and art,” says Watts about the anniversary. The “50th Anniversary Tour” promises not only a look back at half a century of Fischer-Z, but also energy, new music, and the special intensity that John Watts has always brought to the stage.