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,” said Abwärts on Facebook. “We mourn the loss of an extraordinary artist, musician and friend.” Ziegert was 66 years old.
A few days earlier, the band had also written on Facebook that the singer was suffering from prostate cancer and that it was “an illness that has existed for many years and has now unfortunately reached a hardcore stage.” At this point, the frontman was already not in good health. The band announced in the post that a tour planned for 2024 could not take place because Frank Z., also known as Franko, wanted to take time to concentrate on his health.
In an Instagram post in which the group mourns the deceased, Die Toten Hosen describe Frank Z. as “one of the most influential 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 also explains on Instagram: “I mourn Frank Z. and can hardly believe that he died so early. Last year I saw him live with his band Abwärts one last time. For me he was one of the Biggest.” 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.”
