Wild at Heart

Since 1995, the city's most consistent rock 'n' roll club has been located opposite Görlitzer Park. Several times a week, two to three bands play back-to-back, followed by a DJ set. The spectrum ranges from rockabilly and psychobilly to punk and surf, and ska. A dedicated series introduces newcomer bands with free admission.

Rock’n’Roll Club opposite Görlitzer Park

Wiener Straße leads from Görlitzer Park towards Spreewaldplatz and is one of those corners of Kreuzberg where nightlife is concentrated within a few hundred meters. Behind house number 20 lies Wild at Heart, and the venue makes no secret of its attitude. Inside, it’s plush, red, and cluttered; the establishment itself describes its decor as a backdrop that would be suitable for a David Lynch road movie at any time. This is not an exaggeration, but a rather accurate description. The club has existed since 1995, having survived more changes in the Berlin scene than most venues on this list. Smoking is permitted, admission is for those over eighteen, and the premises include a beer garden. The Görlitzer Bahnhof and Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn stations are both within walking distance, and several bus lines stop at Spreewaldplatz directly in front of the door. Also located at the same address is a restaurant with punk decor and burgers, allowing the evening to be extended without changing locations.

Concerts several times a week and a stage for newcomers

What’s special about Wild at Heart is the sheer density of its program. Several times a week, two to three bands play back-to-back on the small stage, followed regularly by a DJ. The spectrum is broader than the term rock ‘n’ roll might suggest: punk and punk rock, horror punk, psychobilly and rockabilly, plus ska, rocksteady, reggae, surf, cowpunk, stoner, power metal, 60s beat, and country. International bands perform alongside Berlin groups. A dedicated series introduces newcomer bands with free admission, which is not a given for a venue of this size. Additionally, there’s a punk and rock ‘n’ roll flea market and, at year-end, the in-house New Year’s Eve Circus featuring multiple bands. Ticket prices vary depending on the act: a concert with a British beat band costs from 20.80 Euros, an American metal band from 29.30 Euros. The venue does not publish drink prices, only mentioning cool beer and a Frozen Margarita. If you’re unsure if your musical taste fits, you’ll almost always be right at Wild at Heart.