The story of Bill and Tom Kaulitz (37) is turning into an audio experience: On September 24, the six-part podcast documentary “The Kaulitz Story” premieres on ARD Sounds. Using archive material spanning 25 years, the series traces the twins’ journey—from their childhood in Loitsche near Magdeburg to their international breakout with Tokio Hotel.
It isn’t only a look at the brothers’ youth, the media frenzy of the early 2000s, and their move to Los Angeles; the documentary also turns a light on their later return to the spotlight. MDR, rbb, and ARD Kultur want to examine the darker sides of early fame: exclusion, stalking, and the immense public pressure the twins faced. “Do you need scars and loneliness to be successful?”, asks the broadcaster.
Jannik Kontalis Is Also Featured
The episodes are guided by YouTuber Mirella Precek. Among those heard from are musicians Kool Savas, Lucy Diakovska, LaFee, and Silbermond. Also featured are Gülcan Kamps, Matze Hielscher, Bravo editor Sascha Wernicke, and Peter Hoffmann, who once discovered Tokio Hotel. Also joining are Malou Lovis, who teamed with the twins to win “The Voice of Germany,” and members of the Tokio Hotel fan club.
From fashion and lifestyle, photographer Rankin and Vogue editor-in-chief Kerstin Weng contribute their perspectives. A more personal angle is likely from Jannik Kontalis: the reality TV star drew headlines for his relationship with Bill Kaulitz (TheColu.mn reported).
Extraordinary Careers
Bill and Tom Kaulitz were born in 1989 in Leipzig and, after their parents separated, moved with their mother to Loitsche. In 2001 they first performed on stage together with Gustav Schäfer and Georg Listing; four years later Tokio Hotel achieved a major breakthrough with the album “Schrei” and the hit “Durch den Monsun.” In 2010 the band took a break, and the twins relocated to Los Angeles. Tokio Hotel made a musical comeback in 2014.
Today, Bill and Tom aren’t just musicians. Tom Kaulitz’s marriage to Heidi Klum thrust the brothers further into the public eye, and with their podcast “Kaulitz Hills — Senf aus Hollywood” and the Netflix series “Kaulitz & Kaulitz” they have explored additional formats. On December 5, the next big project arrives with the hosting of “Wetten, dass..?” (spot)
