They shared a more or less open criticism of their country's political system, and a high degree of creativity which was lacking from the more established music scene of East Germany.
Many members of these bands played significant parts during the time of political change Wende in 1989.
In 1988 the East German record label AMIGA released a sampler called "Kleeblatt Nr.
Having been limited to self-produced records and (sometimes illegal) gigs, both the radio show and the samplers offered a great opportunity for alternative bands to promote their material.
The old system prevented free performances, only bands with an "Einstufung" (rating) were able to have an official approved gig.