Les Rita Mitsouko came together in the Spring of 1979 and debuted with Ringer on the organ and Chichin on guitar, while everything else was prerecorded. They performed around Europe, playing several clubs and bars until finally playing under the name les Rita Mitsouko for the first time in November of 1980.
The band signed to Virgin Records in 1982, giving them their first opportunity to release a single "Minuit Dansant". The B-side of the record, "Don't Forget the Nite," became a surprise radio hit and was re-released as the A-side soon after. They moved to Cologne and began recording their eponymous debut album, and by the end of 1984 the album was out and "La Jalousie" and "Marcia Baila" became big hits in Europe. Ensuing tours with the Smiths and Kid Creole revealed their growing popularity, and by 1986 they were ready to record their second album with producer Tony Visconti. Filmmaker Jean-Luc Goddard filmed the process, resulting in the oddball documentary Soigne Ta Droite. The No Comprendo was finally released at the end of the year. The band moved to New York in early 1987 to hold auditions for a live band. The following tour, which covered most of Europe, was an enormous success.
Marc et Robert was the next album, written mostly in the studio, and featuring songs written and performed with Sparks. Another tour followed, leading to the construction of the band's new studio in their home.
By 1990, they decided to release a remix album (Re) and then released Systeme D in November of 1993. More hits appeared, including a duet with Iggy Pop on "My Love Is Bad." A live album was released next, Acoustiques, which sparked another tour through Eastern Europe. Their records were properly released to America in 1999, and following a quiet period they reappeared in 2000 with the Cool Frenesie album.

On Wednesday November 28th 2007, Fred Chichin died from cancer while the band had just cancelled their previous concert dates in Paris. He was only diagnosed with the disease two months before.
It was announced on the 8th of February 2008 on the band's website that Catherine Ringer is due to resume touring this April following the death of her partner and Les Rita Mitsouko collaborator, Fred Chichin. Catherine will pick up with the band that she and Fred put together for the release of their latest album 'Variety' on Because Music.