Krokus Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1974 Solothurn, Switzerland

Members

Tommy Kiefer, Marc Storace, Fernando Von Arb, Freddy Steady, Chris Von Rohr, J�rg Naegeli

Biography

A typical mid-'80s Euro-metal band from Switzerland, Krokus formed back in the '70s as a symphonic rock outfit modeled on the likes of Yes and ELP, switching to metal when the band's former direction proved unprofitable. The hard rock lineup included Maltese-born vocalist Marc Storace, guitarists Fernando Von Arb and Tommy Kiefer, bassist Chris Von Rohr (originally the lead vocalist), and drummer Freddy Steady. Kiefer was replaced by roadie Mark Kohler in 1982. Their brand of metal relies heavily on AC/DC and the Scorpions, with simple, radio-friendly riffs and repeatedly chanted choruses. Their biggest hit was a cover of Alice Cooper's "School's Out." The band has undergone several personnel changes, and their career started to go downhill in 1985. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide