Räuber, a German band rooted in the Cologne Carnival, was formed in 1991 by Karl-Heinz Brand and Kurt Feller. The group initially gained traction with their debut single "Köbes" in 1991, followed by "Ich han mie Hätz verschenk" in 1992. Their first album, Wenn et Trömmelche jeht, was released on October 26, 1993. The band's lineup evolved over the years, with notable additions including Wolfgang Bachem in 2001 and Matthias Kalenberg and Gino Trovatello in 2007. Räuber's music primarily features songs in Kölsch dialect, with some tracks in High German. They released their second album Dat es ene Hammer on November 22, 1996, followed by Achtung Räuber on January 7, 2002, and Laach Doch Ens on November 3, 2003. The band's popularity grew with hits like "Sulang die Botz noch hält" (2005) and "Was wär’n die Männer ohne Weiber?" (2007), which topped the Belgian hit parade of BRF2. Räuber received significant recognition, including three "Närrischen Oskar" awards from Kölner Express and the "Kölschen Hätz" from ZDF for their contributions to Carnival. The band's discography includes notable albums such as a la Carte (2009), Kölle Alaaf you (2012), and Dat es Heimat (2016). Räuber performed extensively in Germany and internationally, including tours in Namibia and appearances at the German-American Steuben Parade in New York.
