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Rodrigo GonzalezBassist, vocalist and lyricist of the German rock band Die Arzte
Date of Birth: 19.05.1968
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Rodrigo Gonzalez: From Chile to German Rock Icon
- Musical Journey
- Die Ärzte Reunion
- Producer and Record Label Owner
- Other Musical Projects
Rodrigo Gonzalez: From Chile to German Rock Icon
Early Life and EducationRodrigo Gonzalez, the bassist, vocalist, and lyricist of the German rock band Die Ärzte, was born to Chilean parents who sought political asylum in Hamburg during the Pinochet dictatorship. He graduated from high school in Hamburg with a 2.4 average, and has an older sister, Claudia, who sings in the band Universal Gonzalez.
Musical Journey
Gonzalez began his musical career in the band Die Erben, later joining Die Goldenen Zitronen and Rainbirds. He met Bela B., the drummer of Die Ärzte, while drunkenly singing a Kiss song in a bar. Recognizing Gonzalez's musical talent, Bela B. invited him to join the band S.U.M.P., which later became Depp Jones.
Die Ärzte Reunion
Rejoining and ImpactIn 1993, Die Ärzte reunited and Gonzalez joined as the bassist. He is a full-fledged member of the band, having written hit singles such as "Lovesong," "Dinge von denen," and "Breit." In addition to guitar and bass, Gonzalez is self-taught on drums and keyboards, earning the nickname "überqualifiziert" (overqualified) from his bandmates. He played a significant role in arranging and directing their 2002 MTV-Unplugged concert, and even played the sitar on stage.
Producer and Record Label Owner
Behind-the-Scenes ContributionsGonzalez also works as a producer for various bands, including Lucilectric, Knorkator, and Panda. He co-owns the record label Rodrec, which has re-released the two Depp Jones albums and signed bands like Rantanplan, Church Of Confidence, and Abwärts.
Other Musical Projects
Collaborations and Guest AppearancesSince 2004, Gonzalez has played guitar for the band Abwärts. He also made a guest appearance with the punk rock band Slime in 1993. In 2005, he collaborated with Bela B. on the track "Meister aller Fotzen" for the punk group Die Kassierer's album "Kunst."
