Live report SONDASCHULE & ITCHY, Alsterdorfer Sporthalle, Hamburg – December 19th, 2025

A punk rock package is currently rolling through Germany. Ska punk veterans Sondaschule are touring with the Swabian punk band Itchy. Both bands will perform tonight at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in Hamburg, ensuring that everyone will momentarily forget about the Christmas buzz.

Itchy kick off this evening of high-octane punk rock. The trio hit the stage at 8:00 p.m. and jump right into their 35-minute set. It’s clear that the guys from Eislingen, Germany, are the perfect opening act, as their vibrant punk rock brings everyone into the right mood from the first song.

Sibbi, Panzer, and Max deliver a set full of great songs like “Dancing in the Sun,” a tune with an infectious chorus that invites a loud sing-along. The fan choir makes this song a special moment, and it’s not just the music that gives this show a great jump start.

The thunderous “Danger!” is also going to be performed tonight, but interaction with the fans and fun on stage is also included, making these 35 minutes a very entertaining experience.

Sibbi surfs on his guitar case through the front-row crowd, there’s the humorous chat about the crowd’s average age tonight, and the exchange of instruments. All of this adds to the very positive experience.

Itchy played a powerful, dynamic show, which fans appreciated by jumping around, singing, and dancing. The huge applause at the end is well-deserved, and now we’re ready for the headliner.

(click on pics to enlarge)

Sondaschule is one of the veterans of German ska punk. Founded in 1999, the band slowly but surely became one of the most influential bands in Germany. Their most recent album, “Wir bleiben wach,” entered the German Top 5 longplayer charts, and their current tour demonstrates their status.

The Alsterdorfer Sporthalle is packed tonight, and many fans left their Christmas preparations behind to enjoy two hours of energetic music. The fun and entertainment that started with Itchy continues the moment Sondaschule opens with “Gute Zeiten.”

The band, which has played almost all of the Hamburg venues over the years, gets off to a great start with the title track from their latest release. “Wir bleiben wach” is the musical equivalent of an energy drink, and there’s no doubt people will stay awake for the next two hours.

The new album demands a larger share of the setlist. Ten songs are taken from “Wir bleiben wach,” and each one leads to a sing-along. Jumping, dancing, and singing are common throughout the show, as are circle pits and crowd surfers. Notable is “Ärgerlich,” which showcases the entertaining nature of this show. Guitarist FaF takes advantage of the break between songs to change his clothes and is introduced as Vigilante Carlstroem of The Hives because only he could play this riff as well as it needs to be played. Indeed, the riff has a certain Hives vibe, becoming another great moment of the show.

In addition to the new songs, Sondaschule offer a ‘best of’ selection, including “Lieber einen paffen,” which is part of a time-travel-like medley and with “Dumm aber glücklich,” the Sporthalle turns into a madhouse.

A special guest joins the band for the first song of the encore. She is one of the rising stars and Hamburg is her homebase. Deine Cousine joins the band onstage for “Der Himmel Ist ‘ne Kneipe,” and the fans are thrilled. The night before playing at the Inselpark Arena, Deine Cousine is enjoying the moment, and I would be surprised if some of their fans won’t also be present on Saturday night in southeastern Hamburg.

“Sondaschule,” the first song the band ever recorded; “Bist du glücklich”; and “Wenn’s am schönsten ist” provide a powerful finale to a show that provides everyone with a good time. Sondaschule delivered from start to finish. They entertained the packed house with a two-hour set of good music, great vibes, and lots of energy.