BAP

A German rock institution, Bap was formed in 1976 by Wolfgang Niedecken, known as Cologne's answer to Bob Dylan for his poignant, socially aware lyrics. A bittersweet reconciliation between Niedecken and his father would become the topic of Bap's defining song, "Verdamp Lang Her," which featured a Bruce Springsteen-styled monologue. A single with 11 different versions of the song, culled from live recordings over the years, was released in 2005. Three years earlier, revered director Wim Wenders made Viel Passiert: Der BAP Film, a documentary about Bap in the style of his earlier film Buena Vista Social Club. ~ David Jeffries