Scooter is a legendary German electronic music group founded in 1993 in Hamburg. The band became one of the most successful and recognizable acts in the genres of techno, dance, and hard dance. They are known for their powerful live shows, energetic performances, signature shout-style vocals, and the charisma of frontman H.P. Baxxter (real name — Hans Peter Geerdes).
Early Years: Celebrate the Nun and The Loop
Before founding Scooter, H.P. Baxxter and Rick J. Jordan performed in the synth-pop band Celebrate the Nun, which existed from the late 1980s. The group released two albums and received positive reviews but never achieved major commercial success.
After the project ended, the musicians began producing remixes under the name The Loop, gaining valuable experience in the electronic and club music scene. During this period, the idea for a new, more energetic and dance-oriented project was born.
The Formation of Scooter (1993)
In 1993, Baxxter and Jordan teamed up with producer Jens Thele and DJ Ferris Büller (Sven Pfeiffer) to form Scooter. Their first tracks were created in a home studio, and by 1994, the project had already attracted attention across Europe.
Breakthrough and Early Hits (1994–1998)
The debut single "Vallée de Larmes" (1994) caught the attention of DJs, but true success came with "Hyper Hyper". The track, featuring Baxxter’s trademark shout vocals, became an anthem of rave culture and entered the German Top 10 charts.
Following this success came hits like "Move Your Ass!", "Friends", and "Endless Summer", which cemented Scooter’s reputation as leaders of the European dance scene.
During this period, the band toured extensively and released their first albums: “…And the Beat Goes On!” (1995), “Our Happy Hardcore” (1996), “Age of Love” (1997), and “No Time to Chill” (1998).
Iconic Track: “How Much Is the Fish?”
In 1998, Scooter released the single “How Much Is the Fish?”, which became their signature song. The track combines elements of hard dance with folk motifs from “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?”, giving it a unique and recognizable sound.
The song charted highly in Germany, the UK, Sweden, and many other countries, and its video went viral long before the YouTube era. From that point on, Scooter firmly established themselves as one of Europe’s most iconic dance acts.
Evolution and International Success (1999–2010)
In the late 1990s and 2000s, the group underwent several lineup changes but retained its distinctive sound and energy. After Ferris Büller’s departure, he was replaced by Axel Coon (1998–2002), Jay Frog (2002–2006), and Michael Simon (since 2006).
This era produced a string of major hits: "Faster Harder Scooter", "Nessaja", "The Logical Song" (a Supertramp cover), "One (Always Hardcore)", "Maria (I Like It Loud)", and "Jumping All Over the World".
The latter became one of the most successful tracks in the group’s history, reaching #1 on the UK charts in 2008.
Modern Era
Scooter continue to perform actively, filling stadiums and major festival stages. Their shows feature powerful lighting, pyrotechnics, live instruments, and the unmatched energy of H.P. Baxxter, who remains a symbol of eternal drive and rave spirit.
In 2021, the band released the album “God Save the Rave”, followed by “Open Your Mind and Your Ears Will Follow” in 2024, proving their ability to stay relevant and adapt to modern EDM trends.
Over more than 30 years of existence, Scooter have sold over 30 million records, earned numerous platinum and gold awards, and secured their place in history as the most successful German electronic act of all time.
Line-up
- H.P. Baxxter — vocals, leader, concept creator;
- Michael Simon — producer, DJ (since 2006);
- Sebastian Schilde — keyboards, sound design (since 2019);
- Former members: Rick J. Jordan, Ferris Büller, Axel Coon, Jay Frog.
Selected Discography
- …And the Beat Goes On! (1995)
- Age of Love (1997)
- No Time to Chill (1998)
- Sheffield (2000)
- We Bring the Noise! (2001)
- Jumping All Over the World (2007)
- The Big Mash Up (2011)
- God Save the Rave (2021)
- Open Your Mind and Your Ears Will Follow (2024)
Legacy and Influence
Scooter have had a major influence on European dance and techno music, inspiring an entire generation of artists. Their music continues to play in clubs, festivals, and pop culture, while H.P. Baxxter’s phrases like “Hyper Hyper!” and “Respect to the man in the ice cream van!” have become iconic memes.
