BAP is a Cologne rock band founded in 1976 around frontman, guitarist and singer Wolfgang Niedecken. They are one of the most successful German-language rock bands, even beyond the borders of Cologne. Still under the name Wolfgang Niedecken's BAP, the first two albums Wolfgang Niedecken's BAP rockt andere kölsche Leeder (1979) and Affjetaut (1980) were released. The single "Verdamp Lang Her" and the album Für Usszeschnigge! were the band's breakthrough in Germany in 1981. The single reached number 13 in the German charts. The album becomes a number 1 hit. Its successor, Vun Drinne Noh Drusse, also climbed to the top of the German album charts in 1982. The song "Kristallnaach" is another hit. The following albums Zwesche Salzjebäck un Bier (1984), Ahl Männer, aalglatt (1986), Da Capo (1988) and X für 'e U (1990) all became number 1 hits in the German charts. BAP are now one of the best-known rock bands in the German-speaking world and also thrill audiences live at concerts and festivals. Comics & Pin-Ups (1999) and Aff un zo (2001) are further number 1 albums. The title track "Aff un zo" develops into another hit for the band. From the 2000s onwards, things became a little quieter around BAP. Singer Wolfgang Niedecken also tried his hand as a solo artist. Nevertheless, he still manages to produce successful albums with his band, such as Radio Pandora in 2008, another number 1 hit in the German charts. In the mid-2010s, Wolfgang Niedecken announces the end of the permanent band BAP, changes the name to Niedeckens BAP and records future albums with guest musicians. The albums Lebenslänglich (2016, number 3 in Germany) and Alles Fließt (2020, number 2 in Germany) are released under the new name. In 2024, Wolfgang Niedecken returns with BAP and the live album Zeitreise / Live im Sartory. The longplayer shoots to number 1 in Germany. In spring 2026, the live album Live - Paar Daach spääder is released and reaches number 4 in the German charts.
