Krokus ‎– Hardware - 1981 Rock, Heavy Metal (vinyl)

Krokus ‎– Hardware - 1981 Rock, Heavy Metal (vinyl)

stock photo only  - great shape !!

Krokus is a hard rock and heavy metal band from Switzerland. They enjoyed great success in North America during the 1980s.

Krokus was founded in Solothurn in 1975 by bassist (and original lead vocalist) Chris von Rohr and guitarist Tommy Kiefer. Former TEA vocalist Marc Storacejoined the band as frontman in time for their Metal Rendez-vous album in 1979.

History

Early career (1975–1982)

Krokus was formed in 1975 as a primarily progressive rock act. Chris von Rohr, originally the drummer, switched to lead vocals in the late 1970s and with that formation Krokus was successful in Switzerland, touring throughout the country. After seeing AC/DC in concert in the late 70s, they decided to change their musical direction and adopted a new sound which was heavily influenced by that band. Since von Rohr possessed limited vocal abilities and was not capable of hitting the third octave, the band decided to hire a new lead vocalist. Eventually, Marc Storace, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, was hired in 1979. With the new line-up in place, the band recorded and released the album Metal Rendez-vous in 1980, which was Krokus' first hit and brought the band international recognition.

The 1981 follow-up album, Hardware, was recorded at the Roundhouse Studios in London and featured such songs as "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City", which are still a part of the band's live repertoire today. Lead guitarist Tommy Kiefer was forced to leave the band due to a heroin addiction early into the tour supporting Hardware and was replaced by newcomer Mandy Meyer (ex-BM Smith). Kiefer died on December 24, 1986.^[1][2] Mandy Meyer soon left to join the Jimi Jamison-fronted American rock band Cobra alongside fellow Swiss rocker Tommy Keiser (not to be confused with Tommy Kiefer) and American drummer Jeff Klaven, both of whom would later join Krokus as well. Meanwhile, Meyer was replaced in Krokus by Mark Kohler.