Get ready to rewind to the '80s with a track that proved catchy German lyrics could conquer the American airwaves!
The Song
"Der Kommissar" was originally a 1981 hit by Austrian artist Falco, co-written by Falco and Robert Ponger. It was a pioneering track blending rap, pop, and new wave, with its distinctive German lyrics detailing a story about a police commissioner and drug use. The version that became a massive international hit, especially in the US, was a cover by the British new wave band After the Fire. Their rendition was released in 1982 in the UK and in 1983 in the US, with some lyrical changes and a slightly different arrangement that made it more accessible to English-speaking audiences while retaining the iconic German chorus. After the Fire's take on the song was produced by the band itself and Mark Stevens.
The Artist
After the Fire was a British new wave band formed in London in 1971, initially rooted in Christian rock before transitioning to a more mainstream new wave sound. The band members included Andy Piercy (vocals, guitar), Peter Banks (keyboards), John Russell (drums), and Nick Battle (bass). Despite their earlier releases, "Der Kommissar" became their only major hit, catapulting them into international fame. The group had, in fact, officially broken up prior to the song's unexpected success in the US, leading to a brief reunion to capitalize on its popularity.
Chart Performance
After the Fire's "Der Kommissar" achieved significant chart success, particularly in North America. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in April 1983, becoming a surprise hit that year. It also reached #12 on the Cash Box Top 100. In Canada, the single performed even better, hitting #1 on the RPM Top Singles chart. Interestingly, the original Falco version had only modest chart success in the US, reaching #74 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, but was a massive hit across Europe, topping charts in his native Austria, Germany, and Spain.
Cultural Impact
After the Fire's "Der Kommissar" stands as a quintessential 80s track, known for its infectious synth hook and the memorable German chorus, which, despite its foreign language, became a singalong staple. The song's success demonstrated a willingness of American audiences to embrace non-English lyrics when packaged with an irresistible pop sensibility, paving the way for future international crossover hits. It remains a nostalgic favorite, frequently appearing on 80s compilation albums and radio stations, emblematic of the new wave sound that defined the early part of the decade.
Fun Facts
- After the Fire recorded "Der Kommissar" at the insistence of their American record label, CBS, who were looking for a track to break them in the US market.
- The band had already disbanded in 1982, months before the song became a US hit in 1983, forcing a brief reformation for touring and promotional duties.
- Falco reportedly hated After the Fire's cover version, as he felt it diminished the artistic integrity of his original.
- The German phrase "Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?" (All clear, Mr. Commissioner?) became a popular cultural reference, even for those who didn't understand the rest of the German lyrics.
- The music video for After the Fire's version features the band performing in a stylized, somewhat minimalist setting, fitting the new wave aesthetic of the time.