Live report THOMAS D. & THE KBCS, Mojo Club, Hamburg – May 22nd, 2026

If you visit Markus’ Heavy Music Blog regularly, you’ll know that every now and again, the focus shifts beyond the world of metal. Tonight is one of those moments, as German hip-hop pioneer Thomas D. is playing a show at the Mojo Club in Hamburg.

A few weeks ago, the word acrobat released a new solo album called “Neocortex”, and it is the opener “Federleicht” that kicks off the two-hour set tonight. The song features an unusual guest appearance by singer-songwriter Reinhard Mey, who isn’t present tonight so his part will therefore be coming from tape. The song itself is a fitting start to the evening. There is an ease running through the Mojo Club, and the positive flow will not stop.

Accompanying Thomas D. on stage are The KBCS, who are handling the instrumental part of the show. The KBCS are a jazz band from Hamburg, and their collaboration with the hip-hop artist is what brought them into the bigger spotlight. Tonight, they provide plenty of grooves with a tight sound. Whether you’re listening to calmer tunes, as with the Fanta 4 song “Krieger”, or the vivid “Mein Nachbar”, Thomas D. and band are a well-oiled machine. Gu, a DJ who worked the turntables prior to the show, is also part of this team. He joins the set for a few songs, providing the perfect companionship for the German rhyme architect.

At the end of the regular set, we go back to 2002 with “Crashkurs”, a powerful and dynamic cover of a song by a band called Son Goku with a line-up that also included Thomas D.

The more songs that are played tonight, the more enthusiasm fills the Mojo Club. The positive vibe spread by the show is amazing, and it seems like everyone is infected by this energy.

Thomas D.’s songs often have serious and meaningful lyrics, and this brings us to the encore. After returning to the stage, he starts the extra section of the show with “Kurz zu mir”. It is a very touching song. It is a retrospective on Thomas D.’s life, covering many highlights and dramatic, potentially even traumatic, experiences. Tonight, “Kurz zu mir” is presented as an a cappella version, which makes the emotive content even more intense.

After such an emotional chapter, the party vibe returns with “Das Leben ist ein Geschenk”, followed by Thomas D.’s first solo hit, “Rückenwind”.

As mentioned, this show wasn’t at all about rock and metal, yet it was a great experience. The enthusiasm and positivity of the evening were infectious, and after the two-hour show, everyone’s faces were beaming with happiness. Sometimes it’s good to look beyond the usual. Stay open-minded!