While Fischer-Z have never previously toured Australia, their music has enjoyed genuine chart success here. Fischer-Z’s breakthrough global hit “So Long” (1980) peaked at #15 on the Kent Music Report (pre-ARIA era) and earned the band significant national airplay. Coupled with the charting success of the later single “The Perfect Day” (1987 – #12 on the ARIA Charts), these achievements gave Fischer-Z a strong foothold with Australian audiences and laid the foundations for a loyal fan base. Australia continues to rank as Fischer-Z’s fourth biggest market for Spotify streaming.
Fischer-Z’s story is steeped in the unconventional. John Watts first entered the pop music world in the 1970s, after studying clinical psychology — working in an experimental psychiatric facility that didn’t use drugs or restraints. “I’d be doing a shift there from 8–4pm then get in a van to do a gig in Derby,” John Watts recalls. “I’d literally dealt with raging psychos all day, so I wasn’t afraid of the punk crowds. You go out and play in Wolverhampton … some snotty little 17-year-olds who threaten to put a cigarette out on your leg and you think, ‘Well, come on then!’”
In 1976, Watts teamed up with synth player Steve Skolnik at Brunel University to form Fischer-Z. Their reputation for political songwriting, and frenetic energy earned them a recording deal with United Artists in 1978, putting them in the company of peers like The Stranglers and Buzzcocks.
Their debut album Word Salad (1979) made waves in the burgeoning post-punk world. Fischer-Z’s biggest global chart hit “So Long” (1980) became one of the first music videos ever aired on MTV, propelling Fischer-Z onto the world stage. Their third album, Red Skies Over Paradise (1981), featured the tracks “Marliese” and “Berlin,” and remains one of their most commercially successful efforts.
Across Fischer-Z’s five-decade career, they have released more than 23 albums and sold over two million records. They’ve played more than 3,000 concerts across Europe, North America, and beyond. Collaborators have included Peter Gabriel, Steve Cropper and the Brass Section of Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Fischer -Z have shared stages with giants like James Brown (167,000-strong crowd in East Berlin), toured with The Police and Dire Straits, and appeared alongside Bob Marley on his final European festival tour.
In recent years, Watts has expanded his creative practice beyond music into multimedia art, poetry and theatre, while carrying forward a reputation for warmth, humanity and restless curiosity. His 2025 project PUNKT! fuses his talents in music, words and visual art into a singular vision.
2026 is a watershed — 50 years since Fischer-Z’s founding in 1976. “I can’t believe it’s already been 50 years,” says John. “It’s been a hell of a journey, full of ups and downs but I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and I’m up for it! Here’s to many more years of new music, shows and art.”
To mark the milestone, Fischer-Z will embark on an extensive world tour in Spring and Autumn 2026, visiting Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK — and for the first time ever — Australia.
At the same time, the band will release a celebratory album titled 50/50. The LP is split: 5 brand new songs (3 earmarked as singles) and 5 re-imagined versions of Watts’ favourites from the first five albums.
Accompanying the album will be a high-quality anniversary package, celebrating Watts’ career and the musical journey of Fischer-Z.
Fischer-Z’s influence, dedication, and longevity have earned them a devoted, cult following across generations