Tokio Hotel Talk Schnitzel & Slang
February 11, 2008
Me (centre) with (L-R) Tom, Bill, Gustav & Georg before their MOD performance
Today was the day. I put on my lederhosen, climbed to the top of the Alps, and met up with the very German Bill, Tom, Gustav & Georg of TOKIO HOTEL for a quick sit-down interview. I asked some of my own questions and also a few from the many suggestions that you - the super fans - suggested. Turns out the boys were incredibly down to earth and fun. The following is how it all went down:
First off, Claudia Schiffer or Heidi Klum?
All: Heidi Klum!
Why?
Bill: We are all big fans of Heidi Klum.
Tom: She's great.
Bill: Yeah, she simply looks great. She's definitely our favourite model, right?
Georg: Yeah.
[All nod in agreement]
Bratwurst or Schnitzel?
All: Schnitzel!
Oh, wow. I would've said Bratwurst.
Bill: Well actually Schnitzel and Bratwurst look pretty good together.
Tom: I don't really like Bratwurst.
Bill: Yeah, me neither.
Gustav: Yeah, me neither.
Georg: Well sometimes it's not so bad.
Tom: I just don't like a big "wurst", but maybe it's because I have such a big "wurst".
Bill: [groans, rolls eyes]
Tom: But no, I don't really like Bratwurst.
What do you first think of when you hear the word 'Canada'?
Gustav: Maple leaf.
Bill: Hm. And cold.
All: Yeah, cold.
Bill: Especially right now. Oh - and definitely the CN Tower.
Did you guys already go up in it?
Bill: Yup! We were just there!
How do your Canadian fans compare to your German fans?
Bill: I don't think you can categorize fans by country like that. I mean, I think each fan is in itself different and everyone has their own personality but regardless, we are all very excited about our fans here in Canada. We were just in Montreal and now here in Toronto and the support, it's been quite incredible, the concerts were great. We're really enjoying ourselves - it's been a great start.
What is it like playing these smaller gigs in North America, when compared with the bigger concerts in Germany?
Tom: Well it's definitely been a nice change because here we have our small gigs but then directly after this we are going on our European tour where things will be much bigger. But it's been a while since we've played in small clubs and it's a lot of fun. Both concerts in Montreal and Toronto were great!
Georg: And it's definitely reminiscent of when we were younger and new to it all, like when we started out playing the small clubs in Magdeburg.
Bill: Yeah, it's cool.
Can you teach me some German slang?
[All laugh]
I know "Scheisse," "Arschloch," "Fick."
Bill: Well those are already the most important ones.
Georg: Yeah, "Scheisse" and "Arschloch" are already pretty good.
Well what do I need to know to be cool?
Bill: Oh, God.
Tom: That's always really hard.
Bill: Well we say things like instead of saying "Wie geht es dir?" (How are you?) you'd say "Was geht?" And we always actually say "Tierisch". "Tierisch" is a word you would never really use, but we say it when we think something's really cool.
Gustav: Yeah, like "Tom always looks Tierisch."
Bill: Yeah, so if you used that word, people would think, "Ok, he's from around here."
Tom: And to greet someone, you can also say "Fick mich." Simply walk by them and say "Hey! Fick mich!"
[All laugh]
What was the first record you bought with your own money?
Bill: For me it was a Nena CD.
Nena? Oh right - 99 Luftballons.
Georg: For me it was a CD from Oasis.
Gustav: Metallica - the Black album.
Tom: Definitely Aerosmith.
What's your favourite music video?
Georg: Well Ready, Set, Go from Tokio Hotel is great.
Tom: Yeah, if Ready, Set, Go isn't on rotation yet it should be.
Georg: Heavy rotation.
Tom: Yeah, definitely. But other than that, I also really like...
Georg: Monsoon?
Yeah, it's "Tierisch".
[All laugh]
Gustav: Ah! Exactly!
What's a fun trivia fact that most people wouldn't know about you?
Tom: Well the fact that Georg actually has two other names, is not that well-known. Georg's actual name is...
Tom & Bill: Georg Mortiz Hagen Listing!
Georg: [not impressed] "Tierisch" funny.
Bill: And Gustav's name is...
Tom & Bill: Gustav Klaus Wolfgang Schafer!
Gustav: Shit.
Tom: My second name is Don. Tom the Don.
[All laugh]
What's something that's super popular in Germany that isn't popular here?
Bill: Well until now, Tokio Hotel.
[All laugh]
Techno?
Bill: Techno? You don't listen to techno?
Not really.
Gustav: That's for the best.
Bill: Well in Germany there are quite a few techno clubs but I guess that's not even that popular anymore. Hm. I have no idea.
Do you have any weird talents?
Bill: Georg can cramp his fingers in a really weird way.
Georg: Yeah [demonstrates]
Bill: Ugh!
[All laugh]
Georg: That's the only thing I'm good at.
Bill: Yeah, yeah.
What bad habits do you have?
Bill: Habits? Hm. Well I can't keep my legs still.
Nervous?
Georg: No, that's definitely just a tick.
Bill: Yeah, it's a tick. I'm definitely always shaking something. I can't sit still.
Tom: Hm - what kind of habits do I have...? None really. Well, it's hard for me to find any faults. [All groan]. Georg has the habit of messing up in concert.
Bill: And he's always late. Georg is always late. And Gustav is a "Tierisch" bitch.
Gustav: See, there "Tierisch" is used differently.
All: Negative.
Gustav: Well it can be both negative and really positive.
Tom: And with me, it's really hard to come up with something. I don't have any bad habits.
Georg: [rolls eyes] Yeah, none.
With such sudden success, how do you all keep your egos in check?
Georg: Now that's a question for Tom. Ego! How do you keep your ego under control?
Tom: I spend most of my time with women. And that pulls me back to earth a bit.
[All laugh]
Bill: I think we all keep each other in check. We've known each other for 7 years now and because we know each other so well we can watch out for each other and make sure no one gets out of control. But, we have to regularly watch out for Georg.
Georg: [rolls eyes] Yeah, OK.
What are some modern pop songs that are 'earworms' for you - songs that get stuck in your head?
Georg: [starts humming Ready, Set, Go - everyone joins in] What was the name of that song again...?
[All laugh]
Tom: I really liked [One Republic's] Apologize.
[All agree]
Bill: Yeah, Apologize - I think it is still number one or something in Germany. I can never get it out of my head.
Are there ever a lot of disagreements between group members?
Bill: Yeah, definitely. But most of the time we understand each other, and other times we are too busy to fight - we're constantly on the go - but yes, we fight. It's something that happens when on tour. But I must say, we all bounce back quickly - we understand each other well.
And finally, how's Knut?
Bill: Knut?
All: KNUT!
Gustav: There's a new one now! Her name is Flocke.
Georg: Yeah, Knut's totally savage now. No one can go in the pen with him anymore.
Bill: Yeah, he's huge.
Comments
OMG, love these guys && their music..
Tom has that song stuck in my head now..lol
*..its too late to apologize, its tooo lateee* x)
Posted by: Torii at February 11, 2008 07:13 PM
Wow, great interview! It's so nice to hear new questions. Thank you! I hope the band has a lot of success in Canada and the US.
Posted by: Glanz at February 11, 2008 07:19 PM
HAHAHA! They're ridiculous!! I love them. Too bad I didn't get to see them in Toronto.
Posted by: Kelsey at February 11, 2008 07:31 PM
Thank you so much, it was very funny and plenty educational :)
Posted by: reden at February 11, 2008 08:05 PM
Their interviews are so raw and uncensored! The show in Toronto was fabulous! i hope theres more like it..but i have a feeling the venues wont get any smaller from now on
Posted by: Inga ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.muchmusic.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 11, 2008 08:29 PM
ooOhh fun interview! i like the questions. the guys seem chill and like theyre having fun with the press, unlike some bands!
Posted by: caitt. at February 11, 2008 08:54 PM
You guys are awesome! And what a great interview! I bet you had so much fun! Thank you thank you thank you!
Posted by: Schnee at February 11, 2008 09:02 PM
Thats what my hair looks like in the morning lol
but besides that im starting to like em :)
Posted by: ashlena at February 11, 2008 09:08 PM
OH MY GOSH.
WHEN'S THE REPLAY?
HOW COME THERE'S ONLY FIVE COMMENTS? WHAT IS THIS?
ARE THEY COMING TO VANCOUVER? ='(
(WE LOVE YOU BILL AND TOM AND GUSTAV AND GEORG... YOU'RE ALL INVITED TO A PARTY IN MY PANTS!)
^____^
��
Posted by: Millie Ann & Carla at February 11, 2008 09:14 PM
Thank you so, so much for translating this into english. It was an overall great interview and I now have the urge to go listen to 'Apologize' haha
I love you guys to no end! :]
Hope the shows in the U.S. are just as fabulous!
Posted by: Stephanie at February 11, 2008 09:23 PM
YAY so a good interview! One of the best lately! ICH LIEBE DICH TOKIO HOTEL
Posted by: Ema! at February 11, 2008 09:29 PM
thanks for the sweet interview, muchmusic!
Posted by: jessica at February 11, 2008 09:36 PM
Wow, what a great interview! Thanks so much for taking the time to translate and share--it sounds like you all had lots of fun :o)
Posted by: Amy at February 11, 2008 09:56 PM
Great interview! Thank you for actually taking the time to come up with some original questions and you could tell everyone was having a good time! I'm gonna go read it again!
Posted by: mimas at February 11, 2008 10:22 PM
Haha, that was a terrific interview!
Thanks for having them muchmusic!
I hope they come back~
Posted by: DIESEL at February 11, 2008 10:58 PM
OMG I love Tokio HOtel!!! thanksf or the interview!!!
Posted by: Steph at February 11, 2008 11:03 PM
omg i LOVE tokio hotel!!!! they're sooo funny and awesome to hang out with! the concert was amazing! everything was amazing!
THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS!!
DANKE SCHOEN! <3
Posted by: Vera at February 11, 2008 11:15 PM
Wow, so very cool to hear from you on this side of the world. ;] These are great questions. Oh, and answers, of course! Hope the rest of the US tour goes great. It's so cool to have you here!
Posted by: Mallory at February 11, 2008 11:28 PM
you gotta love these guys!!! great interview!!! :) thanx muchmusic!
Posted by: lolaura at February 12, 2008 12:05 AM
Fantastic interview, and finally a lot of questions we haven't heard before.
Posted by: Coolbreezegirl at February 12, 2008 12:29 AM
I love the in deepth interview
Posted by: Senester at February 12, 2008 12:33 AM
I LOVE these guys!
DUDES! If you're reading this, I'M THE ONE WHO GAVE YOU THAT BOOK WITH THE ART IN IT!! Security wouldn't let me give it in person.... ;_;
Email me at the address in the book, though.. Not this one..
(lol I wish XDDDD)
Posted by: Gabriella at February 12, 2008 01:03 AM
Now that was a fun interview, way to go and thank you for translating it.
Posted by: Angela at February 12, 2008 04:13 AM
Great interview - and great questions asked =)
xx
Posted by: Julia at February 12, 2008 06:11 AM
Best interview ever!!!
Posted by: artax at February 12, 2008 07:11 AM
LOL! that has to be the funnisest interview with them so far , MAN! i love these guys , very down to earth!
Posted by: Amy at February 12, 2008 07:20 AM
What an awesome interview!!! These guys are awesome, and their concert was unbelieveable!! Dream come true! Hope their music starts to spread here in Canada! Thanks for the interview! I love Tokio Hotel!!!
Posted by: Caroline at February 12, 2008 08:54 AM
Haa thats funny XD
fick mich hehe xD
Posted by: Chaza at February 12, 2008 09:14 AM
OMG!! I loooooooooove ALL Tom's answers!!!
I totally and uttelly adore himmmm <3<3
Posted by: Elise at February 12, 2008 09:19 AM
bill i wanna die for you.......
plz come to GREECE....
YOU HAVE SO MANY FANS HERE...
Posted by: aggeliki kaulitz at February 12, 2008 09:22 AM
Hey Guys!
We love you so much.
<3
Thank you for the concert in Nantes (in France).
I don't like when the songs are in English.
:(
Please sing only in German for your fans !
[For english's fans : Do you prefer when Bill sing in German or in English?]
And sorry for my bad english!
xd
Posted by: jumbi-483 at February 12, 2008 12:05 PM
Hey boys Come back to Czech republic again we are missing you we made for U video about us TH 4EVER CZE FAN 4EVER
Posted by: Vománka at February 12, 2008 12:46 PM
Cool Interveiw!
I wish them the best of luck in America and Canada!
Posted by: kels at February 12, 2008 02:04 PM
Cute interview, guys! Keep up the awesome playing! Hope to see you play live in America sometime! =]
Posted by: Taylor at February 12, 2008 03:50 PM
That was such a funny interview!! I was laughing so hard...I just KNEW that Tom would comment on the bratwurst thing! haha!! Love Tokio Hotel, they're funny, awesome boys ^_^ with WONDERFUL music!~SCREAM IT OUT LOUD!~
Posted by: Angel at February 12, 2008 04:18 PM
XD...
Tierisch!!!..
I realy like it! Thanks. =)
Posted by: Nagasaki at February 13, 2008 12:21 AM
They are always funny XD
i only dont like their singing english! i dont like Ready,Set,Go, Uebers Ende Der Welt is sooo much better! Hope they sing only German in Holland! and they have to stay in Germany :((
BTW: Scheize is spelled as Scheisse.
Posted by: TJALLINE at February 13, 2008 07:43 AM
Great Interview. I like these crazy boys. They're cute. Their music is smooth like balsam for my soul. It's cool.
I just don't understand one thing: Do you guys really like One Republic - Apologize?
Posted by: bilibob at February 13, 2008 09:56 AM
Omfg :D jungs ihr sied doch balla :D
yesss <3
so lieben wir sie
Nina vom gutn altn deutschland !
Posted by: Nina at February 13, 2008 03:15 PM
omg tom is so hot. I luv him I wish I could meet him I can't wait till he comes to new York
Posted by: holly at February 13, 2008 05:28 PM
oh thanks a lot tom-
now i'll have apologize [the original, not the one with timbaland] in my head @_@
Posted by: crystal at February 13, 2008 07:16 PM
omg they are sooo cuuute ^^
i love themm
Posted by: barbs at February 14, 2008 01:59 PM
thanks so much for actually coming up with some original questions! most interviews are so bland and ask the same questions over and over again. you really put some spice into it. great job! totally "tierisch". :) i'm going to re-read the interview again, it's so hilarious. :)
Posted by: Su-Yin at February 16, 2008 02:51 AM
Ohh wundervoll.
Aber es ist mal wieder echt lustig sowas von ihnen zu hören... Ich vermisse sie -.-*
Aber wir sehen sie hier in Dortmund am 31.03. *hihi* Ich freu mich schon sehr...! <3
Posted by: Bills-Schatziii at February 16, 2008 05:17 PM
Hm. I have no idea.
Posted by: Knol at February 18, 2008 02:03 PM
Awesome interview! Rlly funny, really "tierisch" ;) I'm so lucky to have attended the Toronto show. I hope they come back soon. :)
Posted by: Rebecca at February 18, 2008 09:39 PM
I love ! It's so funny ! Thaks very much
Posted by: Hino at February 23, 2008 01:17 AM
i want to interview them when they come to hong kong (hehe) so i get to meet them... good eh? and now im going to say tierisch and fich mich and was geht cuz i dont usually say that and i do speak german :)
Posted by: norma at February 23, 2008 03:59 AM
Wow.
They have NOT changed.
Except they get so bored in interviews that now they just have a hell of a good time and talk rubbish all the time.
THANKS FOR EXISTING TOKIO HOTEL
SEE YOU IN MARSEILLE 14.03.08
I CAN'T WAIT
AND THANKS FOR NICE 28.10.07
IT WAS WONDERFUL
and NEVER forget to come South of France ! :D love love.
Posted by: Charlotteee at February 23, 2008 08:02 AM
LMAO they're so freakin funny!! You see they must have loooved this interview because in France and all they always ask the same question "bill is it true you're gay? Tom do you sleep with lots of girls? What does Tokio Hotel mean??" And look at us yeah Canadians are way cooler :)
Posted by: Maya at February 24, 2008 12:56 PM
f*k you, f*k you, f*k you!!! you are so stupid... Tokio Hotel aren't yours!! How are you allowed to say that we are insane?? we love tokio hotel and their songs too!!!! we know Bill, Tom, Georg and Gustav from ever and not like you that know them from fiew months!!! you are so so so so so so so so so so so ........bad educated!!! we were very happy that OUR tokio hotel went to America, we were so proud, but now no more for your foolish words!! REMEMBER: THEY ARE EUROPEANS AND EUROPE WILL BE THEIR HOME!!! AND HERE THEY'LL RETURN EVER!!!!
by European fans
Posted by: ungry fans at February 27, 2008 03:52 PM
haha Their so funny X3
I love them all to pieces ^-^
ahh i want to see that interview :o
i want to meet them soo bad :]
Posted by: miranda at April 21, 2008 09:01 PM
tom ur invited to the party in my bra and pants ;)
Posted by: jojo at May 5, 2008 11:19 PM
tom gustaf bill georg de bedt
Posted by: klatrina at May 18, 2008 08:18 AM
omg tom is so full of himself... I LOVE IT.
Posted by: Amy at May 29, 2008 11:02 PM
i freeekin love these boys.
lmfaooo
Posted by: melissa kaulitz at May 31, 2008 04:10 PM
hehe.. i LOVE them!! especially Bill!!!..and which Toronto and Montreal concerts wer ethey talking about?? because i saw them in Toronto on May 16th 2008!! and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!..if anyone wants to like..talk about TH:P add me 2 msn!!
Posted by: Emily Kaulitz at June 9, 2008 05:38 PM
Okay, this is going to bug me all night...WHAT DOES "TIERISCH" ACTUALLY MEAN?!
Ich liebe Tokio Hotel! =)
Posted by: Gracie at June 19, 2008 09:00 PM
