CANDAL Rock Band: The Spirit of Rock Lives On
Rock ‘n’ Roll is not dead—it’s alive, kicking, and still as fun as ever!
The SCANDAL Rock Band delivers hard-rockin’ guitar music with no compromise. With untamed ambition and raw energy, their sound hits audiences straight in the face. From catchy melodies and powerful riffs to emotional ballads, SCANDAL crafts rock the way it’s meant to be—dirty, solid, and packed with meaning. Whether it’s a high-energy anthem or a groove-filled tune, their music is dynamite wrapped in pure passion.
Led by founding member Carlo Funderburk (vocals/guitar), SCANDAL has seen its share of ups and downs but never lost its edge. The lineup over the years included the masterful guitar work of Charly Striegler, the thunderous basslines of Ralf Dee Simon, and the pounding drums of Dominik Schnell. Together, they brought SCANDAL’s music to life on stage, building a reputation as one of Germany’s top live rock acts.
How It All Began
SCANDAL’s story started with, well… a scandal.
In 1992, at a rock concert in Ingolstadt, a local band was booed off the stage. The promoter, desperate to save the night, convinced U.S. singer/guitarist Carlo Funderburk and Swedish bassist Ralf Dee Simon to jam with Ingolstadt’s own Charly Striegler (guitar) and Dominik Schnell (drums). What could have been a disaster turned into an electrifying moment. The crowd went wild, and SCANDAL was born.
The band’s name came naturally, inspired by the chaos that sparked their formation.
The Journey
In 1993, SCANDAL released their debut album „Rocking Shag“, produced by Robby Gurdan for VAMP Records. Praised by indie magazine Sub-Line, the album showcased their unrelenting style and brought in fans from across Germany and beyond. SCANDAL hit the road, playing open-airs, motorcycle festivals, tattoo conventions, and sharing stages with acts like The Quireboys, White Lion, Rhino Bucket, and Doomfoxx.
As grunge began reshaping the rock world, SCANDAL faced lineup changes. Ralf Dee and Dominik left, but the band regrouped and kept moving forward. By 1998, they signed an exclusive deal with Fantasy Music Publishing GmbH. Their second album, „Thy Will Be Done“, was released independently in 2004, proving their resilience and creative independence.
In 2010, founding drummer Dominik Schnell rejoined, and Charly Striegler shifted to bass guitar until DeeMan Unger took over in 2017. With the addition of drummer DiDi Kandert in 2018, SCANDAL’s lineup was stronger than ever.
Recent Challenges and a New Chapter
Life has thrown its punches, but SCANDAL refuses to back down.
- Founding guitarist Charly Striegler had to retire after spinal surgery, leaving a legacy of unforgettable guitar work and brotherhood.
- Long-time drummer Dominik and later DiDi Kandert had to step back due to health issues.
Despite these challenges, SCANDAL presses on. With Carlo at the helm, the band is working on new material, recording sessions for a long-awaited album, and planning their next chapter.
The Legacy of SCANDAL
Since their chaotic inception, SCANDAL has earned a reputation as a furious live act of unmatched quality, delivering shows filled with sound, energy, and originality. Over three decades of rocking open-airs, festivals, and clubs, they’ve proven one thing: Rock ‘n’ Roll is forever.
Stay tuned—SCANDAL isn’t done yet. The spirit lives on, and the best is yet to come.