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Band Timeline

2001

Formation and Early Beginnings of Tokio Hotel

Tokio Hotel was formed in 2001 in Magdeburg, Germany, by identical twin brothers Bill and Tom Kaulitz, along with Georg Listing and Gustav Schäfer. Initially named Devilish, the band started with Bill and Tom performing small live shows at the age of 10, without a drummer or bassist. In 2001, after Georg and Gustav joined, the band was renamed Devilish. Bill Kaulitz's appearance on a German talent show at age 13 led to their discovery by producer Peter Hoffmann. They later changed their name to Tokio Hotel, inspired by the Japanese city Tokyo and their constant touring lifestyle.
2005

Debut Album 'Schrei' and Breakthrough Success

In 2005, Tokio Hotel signed with Universal Music Group after having their previous contract with Sony BMG terminated. They released their debut single 'Durch den Monsun,' which quickly climbed to number one in Germany and Austria. Later that year, their debut album 'Schrei' was released, topping the charts and selling over half a million copies worldwide. The album spawned several top five singles and established Tokio Hotel as a major act in the German and Austrian music scenes.
2007

Second Album 'Zimmer 483' and First English Album 'Scream'

In 2007, Tokio Hotel released their second German-language album 'Zimmer 483,' which included three top-five singles in Germany. The same year they also released 'Scream,' their first English-language album, featuring English versions of songs from their first two albums. 'Scream' helped the band expand their reach internationally with singles entering charts in countries such as France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Combined sales of 'Zimmer 483' and 'Scream' exceeded 2.5 million copies, earning the band their first MTV Europe Music Award for Best InterAct.
2008

Major Awards and International Recognition

Tokio Hotel won their first MTV Video Music Award in 2008 for Best New Artist, becoming the first German band to win at the MTV VMAs. They also won awards at the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America and the Headliner award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. This year marked the band's rise as a global act, with increased international touring and media exposure, solidifying their presence beyond German-speaking countries.
2009

Continued Acclaim with MTV Europe Music Award for Best Group

In 2009, Tokio Hotel received the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Group. This reaffirmed their position as one of the leading music groups from Germany on the global stage. The band continued to engage fans through tours and media appearances, maintaining their momentum in the international music industry.
2010

MTV Europe Music Award for Best World Stage Performance

On November 7, 2010, Tokio Hotel won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best World Stage Performance. This award recognized the band's exceptional live performances and their ability to engage audiences worldwide. By this time, Tokio Hotel had developed a reputation for dynamic concerts and a dedicated fanbase spanning multiple countries.
2011

First German Band to Win MTV Video Music Awards Japan

In July 2011, Tokio Hotel became the first German band to win an award at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan, further extending their global influence. This milestone reflected the band's growing popularity in Asian markets and highlighted their ability to cross cultural and language barriers in the music industry.
2014

Shift to Electropop and Synth-Pop Music Styles

Starting in 2014, Tokio Hotel shifted their musical style from their original pop rock and alternative rock genres to embrace electropop and synth-pop. This transition marked an evolution in their sound, reflecting changes in the music landscape and the band's desire to experiment with new styles. This period opened new creative avenues and attracted a fresh audience while retaining existing fans.
2015-2020

World Tours and Continued Releases

Between 2015 and 2020, Tokio Hotel continued to tour extensively, including the Feel It All World Tour (2015), Dream Machine Tour (2017-2018), and Melancholic Paradise Tour (2019-2020). During this period, they released new music that resonated with their evolving electropop style. The band also engaged with fans through events like the Tokio Hotel Summer Camp in 2018 and 2019, fostering close fan relationships.
2022

Release of Album '2001' and Continued Legacy

Tokio Hotel released their album '2001' in 2022, continuing their presence in the music industry over two decades since their formation. The album reflects the band's growth and enduring appeal, combining their signature style with modern influences. Tokio Hotel remains a significant figure in German and international music with over 10 million records sold worldwide.

Albums

tokio-hotel_1st_album
Schrei
12 tracks
2005
tokio-hotel_2nd_album
Zimmer 483
12 tracks
2007
tokio-hotel_3rd_album
Scream
12 tracks
2007
tokio-hotel_4th_album
Humanoid
12 tracks
2009
tokio-hotel_5th_album
Humanoid
12 tracks
2009
tokio-hotel_6th_album
Kings of Suburbia
16 tracks
2014
tokio-hotel_7th_album
Dream Machine
10 tracks
2017
tokio-hotel_8th_album
2001
16 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Gustav Schäfer

2001

Drums (drum set)

Tom Kaulitz

2001

Guitar

Georg Listing

2001

Bass

Bill Kaulitz

2001

Lead vocals

Story of Tokio Hotel

Tokio Hotel: From German Rock to Global Electropop

Tokio Hotel, formed in 2001 by the Kaulitz twins, Bill (vocals) and Tom (guitar), along with Georg Listing (bass) and Gustav Schäfer (drums), is a band that's evolved alongside their sound. Starting as a pop-rock/alternative rock force, they've transcended genre boundaries, embracing electropop and synth-pop since 2014.

Their journey began with the moniker "Devilish," but after a demo and a split with Sony BMG, they signed with Universal Music Germany and released their German-language debut, "Schrei," in 2005. This album ignited their rise, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide and producing four top-five singles in Germany and Austria.

Building on that success, they released their second German-language album, "Zimmer 483," in 2007, alongside their first English-language effort, "Scream." These albums collectively sold over 2.5 million copies, winning them a Best InterAct award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. "Zimmer 483" spawned three top-five singles in Germany, while "Scream" propelled them into new territories, generating two top-twenty singles in France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Tokio Hotel's international breakthrough culminated in a historic MTV Video Music Award win for Best New Artist in 2008. They became the first German band to achieve this milestone and to receive awards at both the MTV VMAs and the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America. They continued their winning streak at the MTV Europe Music Awards, claiming the Headliner award in 2008 and Best Group in 2009. Their global impact was solidified with a Best World Stage Performance award at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Tokio Hotel's story is a testament to their talent, dedication, and adaptability. They've seamlessly blended genres, conquered international markets, and cemented their legacy as a band that defies categorization and continues to evolve.

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