Die Goldenen Zitronen are a band from Hamburg, Germany. Founded in the 1980s, they have in recent years branched out from punk and created a more experimental style that combines several different music genres. The band is also especially known for its chaotic live performances.

The founding members were Schorsch Kamerun (vocals), Ale Sexfeind (drums), Ted Gaier (bass) and Aldo Moro (guitar). Initially they combined hard rock with 1970s-era punk and lyrics that were both angry, yet comedic and pop-like. The band rejected the traditional music industry, seeing themselves as a symbol of artistic independence not wanting to "serve the structures of rock" (Ted Gaier.) Of the founding members, only Schorsch Kamerun and Ted Gaier remain - the new members are Julius Block (guitar), and Mense Reents (drums).

In 1986 Die Goldenen Zitronen courted initial attention with their single "Am Tag als Thomas Anders starb." Their subsequent release, "Für Immer Punk," was a cult hit in the German punk scene, inspiring comparisons with bands such as Die Toten Hosen and Die Ärzte.

The band developed their style further with 1990's "Fuck You," in which they mock popular rock groups and protest against the tedium of daily life.

1994's "Das Bisschen Totschlag" saw a major musical transition, in which Zitronen mixed their usual power-rock style with elements of garage-trash, electro-beat, hip-hop and noise-pop. This trend of experimentation continued with 1996's "Economy Class," which was influenced by improvisational jazz.

With 1998's "Dead School Hamburg", the band further altered their style, pursuing a greater emphasis on electronic instrumentation. Their 2001 released album, "Schafott zum Fahrstuhl", takes a more avant-garde direction.
the current record "Lenin", published in 2006 via buback records, is a bit slowed down. daniel richter, a long time friend of the band, contributed the cover artwork.

Die Goldenen Zitronen have had a diverse number of collaborators, ranging from the poet Franz Josef Degenhardt to new acts such as Chicks on Speed or Peaches.