Jam Man take: Fifty years in, Fischer-Z are still moving forward instead of turning the anniversary into a nostalgia-only victory lap. X-Ray Serenade mixes new material with reworked fan favorites, while John Watts and the current lineup are taking the celebration around the world.
Official Press Release
Fischer-Z have released their new studio album X-Ray Serenade through Cherry Red Records as the band celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Frontman John Watts leads the current lineup alongside Dave Purdye, Marian Menge, Olly Newton and Chloe Leigh. The album features seven new songs plus four reimagined Fischer-Z classics recorded by the present-day band.
The single “Perfect” is scheduled to impact radio on October 16. According to the release, Watts built the song around three short character studies observed from one of his favorite cafés in Hamburg.
The anniversary year also includes the remastered Word Paradise 3CD collection, a series of podcasts looking back at songs from across the Fischer-Z catalog, and a worldwide tour with more than 40 dates across 10 countries, including the band’s first eight-date run in Australia.
Fischer-Z formed in 1976 and built an international following through songs including “The Worker,” “So Long,” “Marliese” and “Berlin.”
More information: Fischer-Z official website | Tour dates
Press release supplied by Lisa Davies Promotions.