Goethes Erben was formed in January 1989 by Oswald Henke and Peter Seipt. The founding idea was to create music theater while focusing on the German spoken word. Following the release of two demo tapes and a debut concert, Peter Seipt left the band in July 1990 to concentrate on his other band The Seer. Oswald continued to work alone in the studio.

Not until February 1991 did Goethes Erben reform as a band. Mindy Kumbalek, keyboards, drums and saxophone and Conny R., guitars, completed the trio. In this formation they recorded the debut album "Das Sterben ist