Frank Z.: Singer of Abwärts dies at the age of 66

Frank Z. is dead. The singer of the Hamburg punk band Abwärts, whose real name is Frank Ziegert, died on January 17th. “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we have to bring you the news that Frank Z. died yesterday,” . “We mourn the loss of an extraordinary artist, musician and friend.” Ziegert was 66 years old.

A few days earlier, the band had reported that the singer was suffering from prostate cancer and that it was “an illness that has existed for many years [handle]which has now unfortunately reached a hardcore stage”. At this point, the frontman’s health was already not in good condition. The band had announced in the post that a tour planned for 2024 could not take place because Frank Z ., also called Franko, wanted to take time to concentrate on his health.

Die Toten Hosen had “a real friendship” with Frank Z.

Die Toten Hosen describe Frank Z., in which the group mourns the deceased, as “one of the most formative figures of the early German punk scene”. The first time they really met was in 1981, when ZK, the predecessor band of the Toten Hosen, played in Krefeld as the opening act for Abwärts. “We have had a true friendship with Frank since that fateful day,” it continues. “He was a unique character and gifted songwriter who also left a lasting impression on us. […] Franko, thank you for the time with you, see you…”

Jan Müller from Tocotronic explains: “I mourn Frank Z. and can hardly believe that he died so early. Last year I saw him live one last time with his band Abwärts. For me he was one of the greatest.” And not just because of the song “Computerstaat”, but “because of everything”. The singer’s art was underestimated by many people, “because he didn’t care about trends and did his own thing. I’m glad to have gotten to know him at least a little over the last few years and I think I can say: he was a person who Variety rough shell – soft core.”