View source for Wir sind Helden

{{Short description|German pop rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Wir sind Helden
|image = German pop-rock band Wir sind Helden (WSH; from left to right- Mark Tavassol, Jean-Michel Tourette, Pola Roy, Judith Holofernes).jpg
|caption = Wir sind Helden, from left to right:<br />Mark Tavassol, Jean-Michel Tourette, Pola Roy and Judith Holofernes
|alias =
|origin = [[Berlin]], Germany
|genre = [[Pop music|Pop]], [[pop rock]], [[alternative rock]]
|Occupation(s) =
|years_active = 2000–2012
|label = Labels ([[EMI]]), [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] ([[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]])
|website = {{URL|wirsindhelden.com}}
|current_members = 
|past_members = [[Judith Holofernes]]<br />Pola Roy<br />Mark Tavassol<br />Jean-Michel Tourette
}}

'''Wir sind Helden''' ({{IPA|de|viːɐ̯ zɪnt ˈhɛldn̩}}, German for "We are heroes") was a German [[pop rock]] band that was established in 2000 in [[Hamburg]] and based in [[Berlin]]. The band was composed of lead singer and guitarist [[Judith Holofernes]], drummer {{ill|Pola Roy|de}}, bassist {{ill|Mark Tavassol|de}} and keyboardist/guitarist {{ill|Jean-Michel Tourette|de}}.{{refn|group=nb|In a 2003 interview, Holofernes stated that Wir sind Helden was a band in Berlin, rather than a Berlin band, as only she and Roy were residents of Berlin, whereas Tavassol and Tourette lived in Hamburg and Hannover.<ref name="Tagesspiegel" />}}

Wir sind Helden's breakthrough came in 2002 with the release of the song "[[Guten Tag (song)|Guten Tag]]", even though the band did not yet have a recording contract. The ensuing debut album, ''[[Die Reklamation]]'', reached No.&nbsp;2 in the German charts and sold over half a million copies. Over the rest of the decade, the band released the albums ''[[Von hier an blind]]'', ''[[Soundso]]'' and ''[[Bring mich nach Hause]]'', all of which peaked at No.&nbsp;1 or No.&nbsp;2 in the German and Austrian charts.

Wir sind Helden's music shows influences from the [[Neue Deutsche Welle]], especially in the debut album ''[[Die Reklamation]]''. The band's music is also characterized by [[social commentary]] in songs such as "Guten Tag" and "Müssen nur wollen". In April 2012, the band informed its fans that it was going on indefinite hiatus.

== History ==

=== 2000–2002: Early years ===
[[File:Holofernes1.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Judith Holofernes]]]]
Prior to the formation of Wir sind Helden, singer-songwriter and guitarist [[Judith Holofernes]] was performing in [[Berlin]] clubs as a solo artist and had self-released the [[Extended play|EP]] ''Kamikazefliege'' (1999). The band was founded in 2000 after she met drummer Pola Roy and keyboardist/guitarist Jean-Michel Tourette at a pop music workshop in [[Hamburg]]. Soon thereafter, Mark Tavassol joined the band as bassist.<ref name="laut">[http://www.laut.de/Wir-Sind-Helden "laut.de-Biographie – Wir Sind Helden"] (in German). ''laut.de''. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref><ref>Kuhn, Andi. [http://www.nmz.de/artikel/begrenzte-unmoeglichkeiten "Begrenzte Unmöglichkeiten"] (in German). ''neue musikzeitung''. December 2003.</ref>

The idea behind using the word "Helden" (which means "heroes") in the band name was to reclaim the word for the antiheroes ("''Der Begriff 'Helden' wird jetzt so inflationär benutzt. Wir wollten ihn zurückhaben für die Antihelden.''" English: "The term 'heroes' is so inflated now. We want it back for the anti-heroes.").<ref name="Tagesspiegel" /> In addition, the band name was also inspired by German band Die Helden, which was the first band Holofernes saw performing live,<ref>Rausch, Jochen. [http://www.jochenrausch.com/295/ "WIR WAREN ZEITVERSCHWENDUNG"] (in German). Official Jochen Rausch website. 5 July 2013.</ref> and by the song "[["Heroes" (David Bowie song)|Heroes]]" by English singer [[David Bowie]], whom Holofernes has cited as a role model for the band.<ref>Nadine Emmerich: "Bandnamen". Die Rheinpfalz 48/2006, November 2006, Seite "Rock & Pop"</ref><ref>[http://www.wn.de/Archiv/2011/03/Wir-sind-Helden-Judith-Holofernes-Zwischen-Buehne-und-Babybett "Judith Holofernes: Zwischen Bühne und Babybett"] (in German). ''Westfälische Nachrichten''. 15 March 2011.</ref>

In 2002, Wir sind Helden self-released the EP ''Guten Tag''. Despite the band's lack of recording contract, the title song was played by German radio stations and its music video was aired on the rotation of [[MTV Germany]].<ref>Schmid, Eva Dorothée. [http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/zum-abschluss-der-tournee-spielen--wir-sind-helden--am-sonnabendabend-in-der-columbiahalle-ihr-altes-leben-wollen-sie-nicht-zurueck,10810590,10131312.html "Ihr altes Leben wollen sie nicht zurück"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919171401/http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/zum-abschluss-der-tournee-spielen--wir-sind-helden--am-sonnabendabend-in-der-columbiahalle-ihr-altes-leben-wollen-sie-nicht-zurueck,10810590,10131312.html |date=19 September 2015 }} (in German). ''Berliner Zeitung''. 22 November 2003.</ref> The band consequently attracted the attention of several record companies and then signed with Labels, an [[EMI]] label.<ref name="Tagesspiegel">Rüther, Tobias. [http://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/guten-tag-ich-bin-ein-popstar/418254.html "Guten Tag, ich bin ein Popstar"] (in German). ''Der Tagesspiegel''. 27 May 2003.</ref> The growing interest in the band also led to Holofernes being invited to appear on ''[[Die Harald Schmidt Show]]'', a late-night talk show on German television.<ref name="faz">Thomann, Jörg. [https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/pop/wir-sind-helden-hymnen-der-verweigerung-1118462.html "Hymnen der Verweigerung"] (in German). ''Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung''. 17 July 2003.</ref>

=== 2003–2004: ''Die Reklamation'' ===
Wir sind Helden's debut single, "[[Guten Tag (song)|Guten Tag]]", was released in February 2003, and the follow-up single was "Müssen nur wollen", released in May 2003.<ref name="laut" /> The criticisms of modern-day life in both songs (the former relating to consumerism and the latter concerning the pressure to achieve) brought the band to the attention of newspaper culture sections.<ref>Peters, Harald. [http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/kleine-popwunder-dank-solider-basisarbeit--die-debuetwerke-von-wir-sind-helden-und-virginia-jetzt--wenn-wir-nur-wollen,10810590,10102946.html "Wenn wir nur wollen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922101236/http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/kleine-popwunder-dank-solider-basisarbeit--die-debuetwerke-von-wir-sind-helden-und-virginia-jetzt--wenn-wir-nur-wollen,10810590,10102946.html |date=22 September 2015 }} (in German). ''Berliner Zeitung''. 23 July 2003.</ref><ref>Grether, Kerstin. [http://www.taz.de/1/archiv/?dig=2003/06/20/a0131 "An dem Produkt ist was kaputt"] (in German). ''taz.de''. 20 June 2003.</ref><ref>Zeiser, Christian. [http://www.gaesteliste.de/texte/show.html?_nr=663 "Nichts zu reklamieren"] (in German). ''Gaesteliste.de''. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> Both singles entered the [[GfK Entertainment|German singles chart]], where they reached No.&nbsp;53 and No.&nbsp;57, respectively.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/index.php?option=com_gfk_chart&view=details&id=1&Itemid=120&detailId=11507 "Wir sind Helden – Guten Tag – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref><ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-11508 "Wir sind Helden – Müssen nur wollen – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

The two singles were followed by Wir sind Helden's debut album, ''[[Die Reklamation]]'', which was released in July 2003.<ref name="laut" /> In addition to uptempo, punk-influenced songs such as the previously released "Guten Tag" and "Müssen nur wollen", the album also includes melancholic songs such as "Die Zeit heilt alle Wunder" and "Du erkennst mich nicht wieder".<ref name="amboss">[http://www.amboss-mag.de/interviews/archivIB/03/wirsindhelden.html "Guten Tag! – Wir sind Helden (SynthiePunkPop)"] (in German). ''AMBOSS-Mag''. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

German news website ''[[Spiegel Online]]'' declared that Wir sind Helden's sound reconciled the good sides of [[New wave music|New Wave]] and [[Neue Deutsche Welle]] with the modern era, and it named ''Die Reklamation'' as one of the most important CDs of 2003.<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/abgehoert-2003-die-wichtigsten-cds-des-jahres-a-278569.html "Abgehört 2003: Die wichtigsten CDs des Jahres"] (in German). ''Spiegel Online''. 16 December 2003.</ref> In his review of the album, Stefan Friedrich of music magazine ''laut.de'' described Holofornes as the woman currently writing the most intelligent, witty and beautiful German song lyrics.<ref>Friedrich, Stefan. [http://www.laut.de/Wir-sind-Helden/Alben/Die-Reklamation-4662 "Der perfekte Soundtrack für den urbanen Sommer."] (in German). ''laut.de''. 7 July 2003.</ref>

''Die Reklamation'' entered the [[GfK Entertainment|German albums chart]] at No.&nbsp;6 before peaking at No.&nbsp;2<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-4592 "Wir sind Helden – Die Reklamation – Album"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> and eventually selling over 500,000 copies.<ref name="laut" /> At the 2004 [[Echo (music award)|ECHO music awards]], Wir sind Helden was the recipient of three awards.<ref name="Lippitz">Lippitz, Ulf. [http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/echo-2004-fast-ein-neues-nipplegate-a-289514.html "Echo 2004: Fast ein neues Nipplegate"] (in German). ''Spiegel Online''. 7 March 2004.</ref>

=== 2005–2006: ''Von hier an blind'' ===
[[File:WSHBoon.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Wir sind Helden performing at Museumsplatz in [[Bonn]], Germany in 2005]]
Released in April 2005,<ref>Friedrich, Stefan. [http://www.laut.de/Wir-Sind-Helden/Alben/Von-Hier-An-Blind-7917 "Von Nervosität keine Spur. Warum auch?"] (in German). ''laut.de''. 4 April 2005.</ref> Wir sind Helden's second album, ''[[Von hier an blind]]'', saw the band become more introspective and less political compared to ''Die Reklamation''. Speaking in an interview, Holofernes stated that the album was concerned with asking what was it deep inside that prevented happiness ("''Ich habe mich gefragt, was mich tief im Inneren davon abhält, glücklich zu sein''").<ref>Lippitz, Ulf. [http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/interview-mit-wir-sind-helden-wir-wollen-neben-dem-system-spazieren-a-349761.html "Interview mit Wir sind Helden: "Wir wollen neben dem System spazieren""] (in German). ''Spiegel Online''. 7 April 2005.</ref>

In comparison with ''Die Reklamation'', ''Von hier an blind'' gives less prominence to keyboard sounds and Neue Deutsche Welle influences. The album also includes the [[Swing music|swing]] number "Gekommen um zu bleiben", which Wir sind Helden performed with a live orchestra at the 2005 ECHO music awards.<ref>[http://www.musicalobserver.de/im-gespr%C3%A4ch/bis-2013/im-gespr%C3%A4ch-wir-sind-helden/ "Gib mit bitte nur ein Wort..."] (in German). ''Musical Observer''. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

''Von hier an blind'' went straight to the top of the German albums chart and stayed in the top 10 for twenty weeks.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-16994 "Wir sind Helden – Von hier an blind – Album"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> The album also charted at No.&nbsp;1 in Austria.<ref>[http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden&titel=Von+hier+an+blind&cat=a "Wir sind Helden – Von hier an blind"] (in German). austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> Two singles from the album, "Gekommen um zu bleiben" and "{{ill|Nur ein Wort|de|lt=Nur Ein Wort}}", were both top 30 hits in the German singles chart.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-6492 "Wir sind Helden – Gekommen um zu bleiben – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref><ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-100034 "Wir sind Helden – Nur ein Wort – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

Later in 2005, Wir sind Helden was one of the headliners at German rock music festival [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]]<ref>[http://www.laut.de/News/Rock-Im-Park-Schlammschlacht-um-die-Boehsen-Onkelz-30-05-2005-3594 "Schlammschlacht um die Böhsen Onkelz"] (in German). ''laut.de''. 30 May 2005.</ref> and was one of the acts performing in Berlin as part of the series of [[Live&nbsp;8]] concerts.<ref>Strauss, Stefan. [http://www.berliner-zeitung.de/archiv/live-8-konzert-in-berlin---es-war-wie-ein-volksfest-im-tiergarten--trotz-langer-umbaupausen-blieben-die-meisten-bis-nach-mitternacht--jodeln-gegen-armut,10810590,10299356.html "Jodeln gegen Armut"] (in German). ''Berliner Zeitung''. 4 July 2005.</ref> The following year, Holofernes and Roy married and started a family.<ref>[http://www.swr3.de/musik/poplexikon/-/id=927882/did=71048/kmtylm/index.html "Biografie: Wir sind Helden"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805180514/http://www.swr3.de/musik/poplexikon/-/id=927882/did=71048/kmtylm/index.html |date=5 August 2016 }} (in German). ''SWR3''. 7 August 2007.</ref>

=== 2007–2009: ''Soundso'' ===
The third album by Wir sind Helden, ''[[Soundso]]'', was released in May 2007<ref>Käfer, Sara. [http://www.laut.de/Wir-sind-Helden/Alben/Soundso-19903 "Kritisch und sehr unterhaltsam: Helden in Perfektion."] (in German). ''laut.de''. 25 May 2007.</ref> and reached No.&nbsp;2 in both the German and Austrian albums charts.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-57496 "Wir sind Helden – Soundso – Album"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden&titel=Soundso&cat=a "Wir sind Helden – Soundso"] (in German). austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> Speaking in an interview, Tavassol explained that the common theme of the album was that of distribution of roles, individuality, and personalities within the various roles ("''Es gibt dabei einen roten Faden, das ist das Thema Rollenverteilung, Individualität und letztendlich Persönlichkeiten in den verschiedenen Rollen''").<ref name="Augsburger">Murr, Lilo. [http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/Ein-Doktor-spielt-den-Bass-id3552821.html "Ein Doktor spielt den Bass"] (in German). ''Augsburger Allgemeine''. 27 March 2008.</ref>

''Soundso'' saw a development in Wir Helden's sound, with Neue Deutsche Welle influences reduced to a minimum<ref name="Winkler">Winkler, Thomas. [http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/wir-sind-helden-der-soundtrack-zur-bewegung-a-483527.html "Wir sind Helden: Der Soundtrack zur Bewegung"] (in German). ''Spiegel Online''. 22 May 2007.</ref> and the incorporation of further musical elements such as horns,<ref name="Winkler" /> glam guitars<ref name="Poppe">Poppe, Ralf. [http://www.westzeit.de/interviews/index.html?id=907 "WIR SIND HELDEN – Panische Zeiten?"] (in German). ''WESTZEIT''. 3 June 2007.</ref> and virtual orchestras.<ref name="Poppe" /> The album also saw the introduction of "musical humour" to the band's music: according to Tourette, duophonic guitars and synthesized saxophones were used because of their cheesiness and charm ("''Zweistimmige Gitarren einzusetzen, ist im deutschen Pop genauso verpönt, wie synthetische Saxofone zuzulassen. Wir haben jetzt beides auf dem Album, weil sie schön cheesy klingen, aber Charme haben''").<ref>Loesl, Michael. [https://www.welt.de/kultur/article888162/Sie-koennen-vor-der-Platte-ruhig-warnen.html ""Sie können vor der Platte ruhig warnen""] (in German). ''Die Welt''. 22 May 2007.</ref>

The first single released from ''Soundso'' was "Endlich ein Grund zur Panik", a hectic synthpop song with a swing and ska climax backing up the choruses.<ref name="intro12">Volkmann, Linus. [http://www.intro.de/popmusik/wir-sind-helden-12 "Soundso – Wir Sind Helden"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119202824/https://www.intro.de/popmusik/wir-sind-helden-12 |date=19 January 2022 }} (in German). ''Intro''. 21 May 2007.</ref> While polarizing fans,<ref>[http://www.zeit.de/news/artikel/2007/05/22/103528.xml "Neues "Wir sind Helden"- Album: Band tourt mit Baby"] (in German). ''ZEIT ONLINE''. 22 May 2007.</ref> the single went to No.&nbsp;34 in the German charts.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-304536 "Wir sind Helden – Endlich ein Grund zur Panik – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

=== 2010–2011: ''Bring mich nach Hause'' ===
[[File:Amadeus Award 2010 photocall Wir sind Helden.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|Wir sind Helden at the 2010 Amadeus Austrian Music Awards]]
After three years away from the spotlight, Wir sind Helden returned in August 2010 with ''[[Bring mich nach Hause]]'', the band's fourth album.<ref>Loesl, Michael. [https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/jugend-schreibt/im-gespraech-wir-sind-helden-mal-gucken-wer-noch-mitkommt-15800.html "Mal gucken, wer noch mitkommt"] (in German). ''Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung''. 17 August 2010.</ref> The band had by then signed to [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]] following the break-up of Labels.<ref name="Hung">Hung, Steffen. [http://www.hitparade.ch/interview.asp?id=400 "INTERVIEW MIT WIR SIND HELDEN"] (in German). hitparade.ch. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> In addition, Wir sind Helden had parted ways with Patrik Majer, who had produced the band's previous three albums, with the new album being produced by English producer Ian Davenport.<ref>Halbig, Matthias and Scherer, Sebastian. [http://www.neuepresse.de/Nachrichten/Kultur/Uebersicht/Wir-sind-Helden-Hannover-muss-dabei-sein! "Wir sind Helden: "Hannover muss dabei sein!""] (in German). ''Neue Presse''. 23 August 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.wirsindhelden.com/index.html%3Fp=553.html "Die fünf Tage von Tritonus"] (in German). Official Wir sind Helden website. 11 June 2010.</ref>

For the recording of ''Bring mich nach Hause'', Wir sind Helden strived to use real instruments over synthesizers.<ref name="Reuther">Reuther, Birgit. [http://www.abendblatt.de/kultur-live/article107834116/Wir-sind-Helden-jenseits-von-apfelkuchenfroh.html "Wir sind Helden: jenseits von apfelkuchenfroh"] (in German). ''Hamburger Abendblatt''. 9 August 2010.</ref> Additional instruments which can be heard on the album include the accordion, oud, banjo and glockenspiel.<ref>Woldach, Stefan. [https://www.welt.de/kultur/article8528576/Wir-hoffen-dass-wir-diesmal-schlauer-sind.html ""Wir hoffen, dass wir diesmal schlauer sind""] (in German). ''Die Welt''. 19 July 2010.</ref> In addition, bassist Jörg Holdinghausen from German band [[Tele (band)|Tele]] was involved in recording the album as guest musician and vocalist.<ref name="Reuther" /><ref>CD insert notes (2010) (in German). ''Bring mich nach Hause''. Wir sind Helden. Sony Music Entertainment. LC 24134.</ref>

Speaking in an interview, Holofernes stated that ''Bring mich nach Hause'' had both a melancholic side and a euphoric side, and cited "Alles" as the song which best embodied these two sides.<ref name="Hung" /> "Alles" was the first single released from the album and reached No.&nbsp;36 in the German singles chart.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-726277 "Wir sind Helden – Alles – Single"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref> The album itself went to No.&nbsp;1 in Germany and Austria.<ref>[https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-136796 "Wir sind Helden – Bring mich nach Hause – Album"] (in German). Offizielle Deutsche Charts. [[GfK Entertainment]]. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden&titel=Bring+mich+nach+Hause&cat=a "Wir sind Helden – Bring mich nach Hause"] (in German). austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 26 July 2015.</ref>

=== 2012: Indefinite hiatus ===
On 4 April 2012, it was announced on the official Wir sind Helden website that the band was going on an indefinite hiatus. The band members cited the distance between their home cities, the demands of their family lives, "signs of wear and tear", and the feeling of an increasingly impossible undertaking ("''...so haben wir trotz numeroser echter Kinder, dreier Heimatstädte und diverser Abnutzungserscheinungen festgehalten an einem immer unmöglicher werdenden Unterfangen...''").<ref>[http://www.wirsindhelden.de/index.html%3Fp=1246.html "Was heißt das: 'Wir sind erst mal raus'?"] (in German). Official Wir sind Helden website. 4 April 2012.</ref> In February 2014, Holofernes released her first post-Wir sind Helden solo album, ''Ein leichtes Schwert''.<ref>Gross, Thomas. [http://www.zeit.de/2014/06/judith-holofernes-ein-leichtes-schwert "Fragen Sie Frau Holofernes!"] (in German). ''ZEIT ONLINE''. 30 January 2014.</ref>

== Musical style ==
Wir sind Helden has been referred to as a pop band<ref name="faz" /><ref name="intro12" /><ref>[http://www.laut.de/News/Wir-Sind-Helden-Wir-sind-erst-mal-raus!-04-04-2012-8763 ""Wir sind erst mal raus!""] (in German). ''laut.de''. 4 April 2012.</ref> or pop rock band<ref name="Augsburger" /><ref>Jacob, Zoé. [http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/stadtleben/interview-wenn-man-anfaengt-zu-kalkulieren-verliert-man-seine-identitaet/1044088.html ""Wenn man anfängt zu kalkulieren, verliert man seine Identität""] (in German). ''Der Tagesspiegel''. 16 September 2007.</ref> in the German press. In an interview at the time of the release of ''Die Reklamation'', Roy acknowledged that the band's music had Neue Deutsche Welle influences and added that it contained [[indie rock]] as well. He further stated that Holofernes's song writing was influenced by [[Elvis Costello]], [[Bob Dylan]] and [[Rio Reiser]].<ref name="amboss" />

== International activities ==
Wir sind Helden held two back-to-back concerts in [[London]], England in 2005, playing in front of 500 fans on each occasion.<ref>[http://www.mopo.de/news/grossbritannien-wir-sind-helden-erobern-london---500-fans-feiern-berliner-band,5066732,5908142.html "Wir sind Helden erobern London – 500 Fans feiern Berliner Band"] (in German). ''Hamburger Morgenpost''. 2 November 2005.</ref> Two years later, the band returned to London to perform at the [[Institute of Contemporary Arts]] as part of the [[iTunes Festival|2007 iTunes Festival]].<ref>[https://www.ica.org.uk/whats-on/wir-sind-helden-leash "Wir Sind Helden + Leash"]. ICA website. Retrieved 27 July 2015.</ref> Other foreign countries in which the band gave live performances include Austria,<ref>Rauschal, Andreas. [http://www.wienerzeitung.at/nachrichten/kultur/mehr_kultur/93423_Vom-Vorschlaghammer-zum-Widerstaendchen.html "Vom Vorschlaghammer zum Widerständchen"] (in German). ''Wiener Zeitung''. 26 October 2007.</ref> Belgium,<ref>Hertogs, Bert. [http://www.concertnews.be/recensietonen.php?id=962&kop=%20Wir%20Sind%20Helden&waar=%20Ancienne%20Belgique%20Brussel "Recensie Wir Sind Helden"] (in Dutch). ''concertnews.be''. 5 March 2011.</ref> France,<ref>Saint-Cricq, Renaud. [http://www.leparisien.fr/loisirs-et-spectacles/les-francais-de-phoenix-siffles-par-leur-public-25-04-2006-2006934397.php "Les Français de Phoenix sifflés par leur public"] (in French). ''Le Parisien''. 25 April 2006.</ref> Luxembourg,<ref>Brock, Sarah. [http://www.lessentiel.lu/de/ausgehen/konzerte_und_partys/story/11811678 "«In Luxemburg feiern wir Premiere!»"] (in German). ''L'essentiel''. 14 October 2010.</ref> the Netherlands<ref>van Hilten, Mireille. [http://3voor12.vpro.nl/lokaal/den-haag/nieuws/2008/maart/wir-sind-helden-vrolijkheid-alom-und-wondersch-n.html "Wir Sind Helden, vrolijkheid alom und wonderschön"] (in Dutch). ''3voor12''. 13 March 2008.</ref> and Switzerland.<ref>Hung, Steffen. [http://www.hitparade.ch/event_report.asp?id=170 "WIR SIND HELDEN IM KAUFLEUTEN (16 November 2010)"] (in German). hitparade.ch. Retrieved 1 August 2015.</ref>

In 2007, the [[iTunes Store]] launched its series of "iTunes Foreign Exchange" singles, where two artists from countries with different languages are paired up to cover each other's music. The first single released features American band [[+44 (band)|+44]] and Wir sind Helden, with the former providing an English cover of "Guten Tag" and the latter doing a German cover of the +44 song "[[When Your Heart Stops Beating (song)|When Your Heart Stops Beating]]". The original versions of the songs are also included in the single.<ref>Garrity, Brian. [https://www.reuters.com/article/2007/06/02/us-itunes-idUSN0136161120070602 "iTunes crosses language barrier with Foreign Exchange"]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. ''Reuters''. 2 June 2007.</ref>

Video game company [[EA Sports]] used the Wir sind Helden songs "Guten Tag" and "Endlich ein Grund zur Panik" for the soundtracks of its [[association football]] games. The songs appear on ''[[FIFA Football 2004]]'' and ''[[FIFA 08]]'', respectively.<ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/09/13/fifa-soccer-2004-soundtrack-kicks-hard "FIFA Soccer 2004 Soundtrack Kicks Hard"]. ''IGN''. 12 September 2003.</ref><ref>[http://investor.ea.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=314001 "EA'S FIFA Soccer 08 Music Soundtrack Sets the Stage for International Soccer Glory"]. Electronic Arts website. 11 September 2007.</ref>

Two Wir sind Helden compilation albums were released outside Germany: ''[[Sa Itte Miyo]]'', which was released in Japan, and "[[Wir sind Helden (album)|Wir sind Helden]]", which was released in France. For these albums, some songs were re-recorded in Japanese or French.

== Band members ==
* [[Judith Holofernes]] (real name: Judith Holfelder von der Tann)<ref name="laut" /> – lead vocals, guitar
* Pola Roy (real name: Sebastian Roy)<ref name="laut" /> – drums
* Mark Tavassol – bass
* Jean-Michel Tourette (real name: Jens Eckhoff)<ref name="laut" /> – keyboards, guitar

== Discography ==
{{Infobox artist discography
| Artist          = Wir sind Helden
| Image           =
| Caption         =
| Studio          = 4
| Live            =
| Compilation     = 3
| Soundtrack      =
| EP              =
| Music videos    = 
| Singles         = 17
}}

=== Studio albums ===
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2"|Year
! rowspan="2"|Album details
! colspan="4"|Peak chart positions
! rowspan="2"|[[Music recording sales certification|Certifications]]
|-
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[GfK Entertainment|GER]]<ref name="GER">[http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Wir+Sind+Helden/26972/?type=longplay "Chartverfolgung / Wir sind Helden / Longplay"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194625/http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Wir+Sind+Helden/26972/?type=longplay |date=4 March 2016 }} (in German). musicline.de. PHONONET GmbH. Retrieved 29 August 2015.</ref>
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Ö3 Austria Top 40|AUT]]<ref name="AUT">[http://austriancharts.at/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden "Discographie Wir sind Helden"] (in German). austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 August 2015.</ref>
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Swiss Hitparade|SWI]]<ref name="SWI">[http://swisscharts.com/artist/Wir_sind_Helden "Wir sind Helden"] (in German). swisscharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 August 2015. ''Select'' Charts ''tab.''</ref>
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[MegaCharts|NLD]]<ref name="NLD">[http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden "Discographie Wir sind Helden"] (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 August 2015.</ref>
|-
|2003
|''[[Die Reklamation]]''
*Released: 7 July 2003
*Label: Labels (EMI)
*Formats: [[Compact Disc|CD]]
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|38
|align="center"|—
|
*[[Bundesverband Musikindustrie|GER]]: 5× Gold<ref name=ifpiger>{{cite certification|region=Germany|artist=Wir sind Helden|access-date=29 August 2010}}</ref>
*[[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|AUT]]: Platinum<ref name=ifpiaut>{{cite certification|region=Austria|artist=Wir sind Helden|access-date=31 August 2010}}</ref>
|-
|2005
|''[[Von hier an blind]]''
*Released: 3 April 2005
*Label: Labels (EMI)
*Formats: CD, [[music download|digital download]]
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|72
|
*GER: 2× Platinum<ref name=ifpiger />
*AUT: 2× Platinum<ref name=ifpiaut />
|-
|2007
|''[[Soundso]]''
*Released: 25 May 2007
*Label: Labels (EMI)
*Formats: CD, digital download
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|—
|
*GER: Gold<ref name=ifpiger />
*AUT: Gold<ref name=ifpiaut />
|-
|2010
|''[[Bring mich nach Hause]]''
*Released: 27 August 2010
*Label: Columbia (Sony)
*Formats: CD, digital download
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|—
|
*GER: Gold<ref name=ifpiger />
|-
|}
'''Note:''' ''Die Reklamation'', ''Von hier an blind'' and ''Soundso'' were also each released as a limited edition album with bonus DVD. ''Bring mich nach Hause'' was also released as an unplugged album.

=== Compilation albums ===
{| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2"|Year
! rowspan="2"|Album details
! colspan="5"|Peak chart positions
|-
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[GfK Entertainment|GER]]<ref name="GER" />
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Ö3 Austria Top 40|AUT]]<ref name="AUT" />
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Swiss Hitparade|SWI]]<ref name="SWI" />
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|FRA]]<ref>[http://lescharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Wir+sind+Helden "Discographie Wir sind Helden"] (in French). lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 29 August 2015.</ref>
!style="width:4em;font-size:85%"| [[Oricon|JPN]]
|-
|2006
|''[[Wir sind Helden (album)|Wir sind Helden]]''
*Released: 29 May 2006 (France only)
*Label: Labels (EMI)
*Formats: [[Compact Disc|CD]]
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|2008
|''[[Sa Itte Miyo]]''
*Released: 14 May 2008 (Japan only)
*Label: Indie's House
*Formats: CD
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|2011
|''Tausend wirre Worte – Lieblingslieder 2002–2010''
*Released: 21 January 2011
*Label: Labels (EMI)
*Formats: CD, [[music download|digital download]]
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|50
|align="center"|87
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|}

=== Singles ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="center" rowspan="2" | Year
!align="center" rowspan="2" | Single
!align="center" rowspan="2" | Album
!align="center" colspan="7" | Peak chart positions
|- bgcolor="#FFFFFF"
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|[[GfK Entertainment|GER]]<ref>[http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Wir+Sind+Helden/26972/?type=single "Chartverfolgung / Wir sind Helden / Single"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131854/http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Wir+Sind+Helden/26972/?type=single |date=4 March 2016 }} (in German). musicline.de. PHONONET GmbH. Retrieved 29 August 2015.</ref>
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|[[Ö3 Austria Top 40|AUT]]<ref name="AUT" />
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|[[Swiss Hitparade|SWI]]<ref name="SWI" />
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|[[MegaCharts|NLD]]<ref name="NLD" />
! style="width:4em;font-size:85%"|[[Oricon|JPN]]<ref>[http://acharts.us/song/49887 Sa Itte Miyo in Charts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022184045/http://acharts.us/song/49887 |date=22 October 2012 }}</ref>
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"|2003
|align="left"|"[[Guten Tag]]"
|align="center" rowspan="4"|''[[Die Reklamation]]''
|align="center"|53
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Müssen nur wollen"
|align="center"|57
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Aurélie"
|align="center"|47
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="1"|2004
|align="left"|"Denkmal"
|align="center"|26
|align="center"|41
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"|2005
|align="left"|"Gekommen um zu bleiben"
|align="center" rowspan="4"|''[[Von hier an blind]]''
|align="center"|24
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|39
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Nur ein Wort"
|align="center"|28
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Von hier an blind"
|align="center"|42
|align="center"|53
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="1"|2006
|align="left"|"Wenn es passiert"
|align="center"|41
|align="center"|34
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|24
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="3"|2007
|align="left"|"Endlich ein Grund zur Panik"
|align="center" rowspan="4"|''[[Soundso]]''
|align="center"|34
|align="center"|32
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Soundso"
|align="center"|62
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Kaputt"
|align="center"|69
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"|2008
|align="left"|"Die Konkurrenz"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Sa Itte Miyo"
|align="center" rowspan="1"|''[[Sa Itte Miyo]]''
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|85
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"|2010
|align="left"|"Alles"
|align="center" rowspan="4"|''[[Bring mich nach Hause]]''
|align="center"|36
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Bring mich nach Hause"
|align="center"|90
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="center" rowspan="2"|2011
|align="left"|"Alles auf Anfang"
|align="center"|63
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|align="left"|"Die Ballade von Wolfgang und Brigitte"
|align="center"|99
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|}

=== Other releases ===
*''Guten Tag'' (2002) – 5-track [[Extended play|EP]] independently released, 3000 copies produced
*''iTunes Foreign Exchange #1'' (2007) – single available from iTunes
*''iTunes Festival: London 2007'' (2007) – 6-track EP available from iTunes
*''Live @ Rockpalast'' (2012) – live video album

== Awards ==
* '''[[ECHO (music award)|ECHO]]'''
** 2004: National Newcomer Prize (from Deutsche Phono-Akademie), National Newcomer Prize (from radio vote), National Newcomer Video (for "Müssen nur wollen")<ref name="Lippitz" />
** 2006: Group of the Year (National)<ref>[http://www.bild.de/leute/2006/klatsch-echo-verleihung-204154.bild.html "Schöne Michelle überstrahlte alle"] (in German). ''Bild''. 13 March 2006.</ref>
* '''[[1LIVE|Eins Live]] Krone (radio station award)'''
** 2003: Best Newcomer<ref>[http://www.rp-online.de/panorama/fernsehen/eins-live-krone-an-groenemeyer-und-jeanette-aid-1.2070479 ""Eins Live Krone" an Grönemeyer und Jeanette"] (in German). ''RP ONLINE''. 5 December 2003.</ref>
** 2004: Best Live Act<ref>[http://www.schwaebische.de/home_artikel,-_arid,1283612.html "'Eins Live Krone': Furioses Finale mit Nina Hagen"] (in German). ''schwaebische.de''. 3 December 2004.</ref>
** 2005: Best Album (for ''Von hier an blind'')<ref>[http://www.rp-online.de/kultur/musik/gewinner-eins-live-krone-2005-bid-1.1877951 "Gewinner Eins Live Krone 2005"] (in German). ''RP ONLINE''. 25 November 2005.</ref>
* '''[[European Border Breakers Award]]'''
** 2005: Awarded for ''Die Reklamation''<ref>[http://www.finfacts.ie/irishfinancenews/Irish_2/Border_Breakers_awards_for_European_debut_albums_w_239_printer.shtml " Border Breakers : awards for European debut albums with the highest sales in other EU countries: Damien Rice in 2nd place"]. ''finfacts''. 24 January 2005.</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*Wir sind Helden (2007). ''Liederbuch. Muss das so?'' (in German). Bosworth Music. {{ISBN|3865433073}}.
*Wir sind Helden (2008). ''Informationen zu Touren und anderen Einzelteilen'' (in German). Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag. {{ISBN|3596177545}}.

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.wirsindhelden.com/}} {{in lang|de}}
* {{allMusic}}
*[http://earthlingsoft.net/ssp/blog/2005/07/wir_sind_helden_in_english/ Wir sind Helden lyrics with English translations]

{{Wir sind Helden}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Wir sind Helden| ]]
[[Category:2000 establishments in Germany]]
[[Category:2012 disestablishments in Germany]]
[[Category:Echo (music award) winners]]
[[Category:Geek rock groups]]
[[Category:German indie rock groups]]
[[Category:German rock music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2012]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2000]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Berlin]]