News
HERE WE COME SWITZERLAND!
___________________________________________________
THANK YOU, BOCHUM AND STUTTGART!
You were fkn amazing!!
___________________________________________________
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
___________________________________________________
NEW IN OUR FAN SHOP!
T O Y O U A L L
World Wide Shipping From Switzerland
[Click On Album Covers]
DIE HARD LIQUID VINYL EDITION [Limited to 100 - PRE ORDER, Available End Of February]
MYSTERY EDITION CRYSTAL CLEAR [Limited To 50 - 180 gr Vinyl]
ACID EDITION LIME GREEN [Limited to 400 - 180 gr Vinyl]
"To You All", the classic from the 70’s was the breakthrough album for KROKUS in Switzerland.It was created during the phase when Chris von Rohr was still the band's vocalist and the sound shifted from bluesy to rock music.The album features as well some fine blues guitar playing by Tommy Kiefer on "Trying So Hard" and "Protection".
The creative songwriting duo Fernando von Arb/ Chris von Rohr came together here for the first time and brought to light some gems from the early days. The first step towards high energy rock was "Highway Song". The video clip for this groovy track wasfilmed on a closed highway in winter and became the band's cult hit with the very first KROKUS music video ever [click on link below].
Also, songs like "Lonesome Rider" and "Mr. Greedy" clearly showed in which direction the band wanted to rock in the future.
The emotional highlight of the album is the ballad "Festival". In 5 minutes, the song unmasks the power and transience of summer.A perfect sunset in rock music, including a magnificent 3-minute twin lead guitar solo à la “Hotel California”. Undoubtedly, some of the most atmospheric melodies that KROKUS has ever delivered. "A magnificent symphony that sounds as if the last summer day of the year is swallowed up by the red-orange sunset", music journalist Sir Fries wrote at that time.
___________________________________________________
Still afterglowing Krokers!
What a magic night.
See 'ya May 6th, 2023 at the Hallenstadion in Zurich again....
Photo Credits: Ueli Frey & José Martinez
___________________________________________________
Thank you Solothurn and everyone who made this an unforgettable, magical krok'n'roll evening!
___________________________________________________
ON THE TOPIC OF MEMORIAL ROCK IN SOLOTHURN
Chris von Rohr: Our hometown and the hard beginnings gave us a lot of power and great songs. We are very thankful to receive this rock stone while the band is still alive and kicking.
Marc Storace: This stone is a very nice creation and looks terrific. It shows respect and understanding of what we did for almost 5 decades.
Fernando von Arb: A truly great moment in the history of this band. Our roots are in Rockcity Solothurn and that's good. From here into the world.
___________________________________________________
FLAVIO MEZZODI - IN HIS OWN SCRIBE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Last Monday, August 29th, 2022 was another "glory day". We were ALL allowed to celebrate a very eventful day and of course also the evening together. Anyway, the guys have really grown on me.
I have been a full member of Krokus since 2013 and of course for the sake of clarity, I am still and will continue to be a member of the band as long as Krokus exists.
Many of us didn't truly realize until the "event day" what this band had shaped and achieved for the culture of Rock'n'Roll in our country and far beyond in the last 5 decades. According to the motto "one's own prophet in one's own country has a particularly hard time" - unfortunately I have to agree with this quote.
Not to forget how countless Krokus members left their mark even before my time.... Like my drummer colleague Freddy Steady or Tommy Kiefer, who died too early. They felt the urgent pioneering spirit in the blooming early days of Krokus and helped to bring really great international songs to the world stage back in the days, like "Bedside Radio", "Heatstrokes“ or "Fire", just to name a few.
The back catalogue is quite big, in fact very big! Fortunately in the last 10 years the "core" has remained the same. Believe me friends, an incredible amount of work has been done behind the scenes and visions have been realized and implemented on a grand scale. Working in a team does not always mean agreeing with each other. However, being receptive and transparent with great respect while implementing things together loyally.
It simply takes a "chief" who has ideas and a well-developed sharp vision and a sensitive gift for implementation. Focused on the essentials combined with a great love of music. We ALL know that these people polarize and are doers. "El Capitano" Chris von Rohr goes really boom! Mille grazie, Chris.
In a team the "ego" definitely has no place.
Team player instinct is the order of the day.
I was allowed in this phase, in this journey.
I was allowed to share the band with my "groove" as an individual and my "play" as a drummer. I am really incredibly grateful!
Grazie di cuore ragazzi, Chris | Fernando | Mark | Mandy | Marc
See you,
Flavio
___________________________________________________
IN ROCK WE TRUST - FROM SOLOTHURN INTO THE WORLD
As part of the 2000 year celebration of Solothurn, the city honors its most famous export with a huge rock [from the Swiss Jura mountains] and plaque with the inscription «In Rock We Trust – From Solothurn Into The World».
WE THANK OUR HOMETOWN FOR HONORING OUR WORK DURING OUR LIFETIME!
Pictured L2R: Mandy Meyer - Flavio Mezzodi - Mark Kohler - Chris Von Rohr - Solothurn Mayor Stefanie Ingold - Fernando Von Arb - Marc Storace
___________________________________________________
SOLOTHURN HONORS KROKUS
For more info click on poster
The historic baroque city of Solothurn is honoring the band KROKUS with a 'Stone of Honor' on its 2000th anniversary.
The band will return the favor with a special concert on September 10th on the steps of Solothurn's legendary St. Ursus Cathedral .
Krokus Statement: "We are happy to be honored by our hometown after all these decades. It has been a long journey and we have carried the name of Solothurn into the world again and again. Solothurn became the secret capital of Swiss Hard Rock. We would like to thank everyone who made this possible."
___________________________________________________
Since 1975, Krokus have stood for honest, handmade power rock. No other Swiss rock band sells their albums and back catalog worldwide like Krokus. You can still find rock milestones like "Headhunter" and "Metal Rendez-Vous" from Australia via the USA, Mexico, Brazil to Japan. The Rock Musketeers overcame short lived trends, malicious US managers, hard breakups, bad deals, shady lawyers, drugs, crappy fast food, disco, grunge, and now Covid.
After more than 2000 concerts, Krokus said goodbye to their fans in 2019. But sometimes things don't turn out as expected. The madness of the last 2 years has made the band rethink and made it clear once again what life is really about!
“Our farewell tour has been interrupted. We were stopped by Corona but also 'kissed awake'. Suddenly it was clear to all of us that we still want to enjoy what gives us the most joy and keeps us young: rocking out - with our fans.”
We live in uncertain times. What can you really trust today? Music has never disappointed us - IN ROCK WE TRUST. Music keeps us together. Yesterday is history - today is a gift - tomorrow a mystery.
"KROKUS has been an essential part of our lives for almost 50 years, which we don't just want to "end" in this way. We are musicians with heart and soul and that's what keeps us alive and happy! We are ready for another round and look forward to seeing you when we say again: Long Stick Goes Boom.”
On May 6, 2023 for the third time in the Hallenstadion Zurich - see you there!!!
___________________________________________________
LIVE@WACKEN VINYL EXCLUSIVE ONLY AVAILABLE IN OUR FAN SHOP STORE!
RELEASE DATE: 11-11-2021
300 Limited & Numbered 2 LP RED Vinyl with exclusive 'Adios Amigos' silk screen patch
[First 100 are hand-signed by entire band for the 'Die Hard Fans']
300 Limited & Numbered 2 LP ORANGE Vinyl with exclusive 'Adios Amigos' silk screen patch
NEW FAN SHOP OPEN NOW!!
Visit us at www.krokus-store.com or go to our FAN SHOP page
All Merchandise Is Shipped From Switzerland
___________________________________________________
#1 IN SWISS CHARTS 1 WEEK AFTER RELEASE!
Big heartfelt Thanx for making us Number 1 again! What a ride!
___________________________________________________
O U T N O W !
[Click On Poster For Links To Order]
___________________________________________________
LIVE @ WACKEN
CD/DVD Release Date:
February 19th, 2021
[Click On Picture For Pre-Order Links]
There is probably no band that doesn't dream of playing at the biggest festival in the metal world. Krokus, the legendary Swiss rock band, rocked there for the second time in August 2019; this time on the main stage. What belonged together came together and the guys, who have played over 2000 concerts worldwide in their 46-year career, experienced one of their strongest moments ever.
Chris von Rohr: “It was a magical day for us! From the first song on we felt that the feeling, the connection and the sound were right. Conclusion: a huge hard rock party".
Fernando von Arb: Often the best concerts are not recorded or something goes technically wrong. Everything just fit here ”.
The unforgettable memories of this phenomenal performance are now published. The eagerly awaited live CD and DVD "Krokus Adios Amigos Live @ Wacken" from Wacken Open Air 2019 will be released on February 19, 2021, advance sales start today.
Krokus have been on their farewell tour since 2019, which unfortunately, like many other things, was interrupted by Corona.
Marc Storace: “We will definitely finish this tour, whenever that may be. Krokus want to end their career worthily and properly. There is still too much fun and power in there. It's not over till it's over ".
Anyone who listens to Krokus Live @ Wacken can only confirm that - Krokus have never been so good and full of joy in playing and the journey doesn't seem to be over yet. Luckily.
"ADIOS AMIGOS" USA/CANADA TOUR 2020
Due to the current state of things going on, it was both nearly impossible to get all the needed pieces to fall in line to do the tour and with the uncertainty of the immediate future of live music in North America.
We felt it was best to postpone the tour this fall and look for a more appropriate time to finally return to the USA/Canada to kick your ass on the farewell tour.
We hope things change and we will work with our team to insure the next tour will be 100% safe and sound.
We love you all.
___________________________________________________
SOLD-OUT HALLENSTADION ZURICH
December 7th, 2019
Just one week ago. The show of the year. There is still a big afterglow and a certain sadness.
Thankx to all of you who made this dream possible. Krokus forever.... Keep rocking in the free world.
___________________________________________________
BIG EIGHT +
The Ultimate Krokus Vinyl Experience
Release Date: November 22nd, 2019
Back in September 2018, the legendary Swiss hard rock band Krokus announced that they were going to be embarking on a farewell tour called "Adios Amigos". The European Tour has been going on all through 2019 and will end with a sold out show on December 7th in Zürich, Hallenstadion, Switzerland. 2020 the band will say “Adios Amigos” to England, USA, Canada and Mexico to complete the world tour.
Throughoutthis time the band has also worked on one last project for their fans. The ultimate Krokus-Vinyl-Box featuring 9 albums, 100 Songs and a lot of nostalgia will be released on November 22nd. Adding to the 8 original albums, the box features a 9th album with 9 previously unreleased studio and live recordings.
This explosive box contains the following albums:
- Metal Rendez-Vous
- Hardware
- One Vice At A Time
- Headhunter
- Hoodoo
- Dirty Dynamite
- Long Stick Goes Boom live
- Big Rocks
- Unheard & Livedirt
Since 1975, Krokus has stood for high-quality, honest-to-goodness, hand-made power rock. No other Swiss rock band sells albums and its back catalogue worldwide like Krokus. The band has already sold over 15 million records, toured the world, and received Gold and Platinum Discsin the USA and Canada. The milestones in their rock career are dotted around the world: from Australia and the USA to Mexico, Russia, Japan, and China. Krokus was the first Swiss band to sell out the legendary Hallenstadion in Zurich and has received a Diamond Disc for selling one million albums in Switzerland alone.
1980 saw the band set out to conquer America, Canada, and England, quickly consolidating its reputation as a strong, no-nonsense live band. Soon they were part of unforgettable headline tours and on the same bill as incredible bands such as AC/DC, Van Halen, Rush, Ted Nugent, Judas Priest, Motörhead and many, many more. These were wild times, full of big adventures, which saw the band not only going Gold and Platinum in the US and Canada, but also being made honorary citizens of Memphis, Tennessee.
But it hasn't all been one long high: death, sickness, and internal strife pushed the band to the brink of collapse. The story of Krokus is like no other. It is full of highs and lows, sell-out stadium concerts and sweaty club gigs. These five musketeers of rock have outlasted trends and survived treacherous US managers, tough splits, bad deals, shady lawyers, drugs, awful fast food, endless bus trips, disco, grunge, grotesque record companies, and double-dealing advisers.
In the course of their legendary career, Krokus has rocked over 2,000 shows on five continents, countless cities, unique locations, crazy gigs, and loyal fans. Krokus came back in their original line-upin 2008.
The legendary English journalist Malcolm Dome quite rightly said: 'If you look at the long-term output of this band, Krokus is clearly one of the best hard rock bands of the last 40 years.
___________________________________________________
WACKEN OPEN AIR 2019 CONCERT
[click on picture to view concert]
For all those who could not be with us - one of the best gigs Krokus ever gave - drive it in and enjoy, you crazy Krokers
___________________________________________________
30th Wacken Open-Air "Livestream"
There will be a 'livestream' from the 30th Wacken Open Air.
For all the fans who cannot be there, 'MagentaMusik 360' enables fans to experience the show live!
Wacken Open Air 2019 - Magenta Musik 360 LINK
___________________________________________________
TICKET PRE-SALE STARTS TODAY - LAST EUROPEAN SHOW
[click on link]
___________________________________________________
"Krokus shows have always been special and should stay that way. That's why we decided to stop when it's still really good. That's how the fans should remember us. Unlike other bands that are on their eternal "farewell tour", we will keep our word and pull the plug at the end of 2019, handing over the 'Rock Magic Wand' to the youngsters."
Marc Storace: "We look forward to a grandiose 2019 Adios Amigos World Tour with the final highlight in Switzerland."
Fernando von Arb: "We have signed reciprocally contracts with each other that it really is over. We will stick to that. Every party has to end eventually."
Chris von Rohr: "It was an unparalleled journey with all the ups and downs rock life has to offer. Now we are looking forward to the final lap of honor and will give it our all once more. We owe that to ourselves and our fans. The 7th of December, 2019 will be unforgettable as it was on the 27th of March 1982. "
The legendary English journalist Malcom Dome (Kerrang Magazine) justifiably says: "Considering the long-term work of this band, Krokus are clearly one of the best hard rock bands of the last 40 years."
Krokus will be looking forward to prove this again in 2019.
WE WANNA GIVE TO ALL OUR FANS & SUPPORTERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY 'ADIOS KROKUS' - 2019 IN EUROPE AND 2020 THE REST OF THE WORLD - 'COZ THEY ARE THE GREATEST!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
„Krokus Shows waren schon immer etwas besonderes und sollen es auch bleiben. Darum haben wir beschlossen, dann aufzuhören, wenn’s noch richtig gut ist. So sollen uns die Fans in Erinnerung behalten. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Truppen die auf ihrer ewigen Abschiedstour sind, werden wir unser Wort halten und am 7 Dez im Hallenstadion den finalen Stecker ziehen und den Jungratten den Rockzauberstab übergeben.
Marc Storace: „Wir freuen uns auf eine grandiose 2019 Adios Amigos Welttour mit dem Schlusshöhepunkt in der Schweiz
Fernando von Arb: „Wir haben gegenseitig Verträge unterschrieben dass danach wirklich Schluss ist. Daran werden wir uns auch halten. Jede Party muss mal enden
Chris von Rohr:„Es war eine unvergleichliche Reise mit allen ups und downs die das Rock-Leben so zu bieten hat. Jetzt freuen wir uns auf die Ehrenrunde und werden nochmals alles geben. Das schulden wir uns und unseren Fans. Der 7 Dez 2019 wird schon wie damals der 27 März 1982 unvergesslich werden.
Die englische Journalistenlegende Malcom Dome (Kerrang) sagt zu recht: „Betrachtet man das langfristige Schaffen dieser Band, sind Krokus klar eine der besten Hardrockbands der letzten 40 Jahre“. Mit grosser Freude werden Krokus das auch 2019 unter Beweis stellen.
___________________________________________________
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Since 1975 Krokus stands for honest, handmade, quality power rock. No other Swiss Rock Band sells their albums and their back catalogue worldwide like Krokus. More than 15 million records sold, worldwide tours, gold and platinum in the US and Canada. Our Rock milestones can still be found today all across the globe from Australia to the USA, Mexico, Russia, even Japan and China. Krokus video clips are viewed millions of times on YouTube.
In 1980, the triumphal march began throughout America, Canada and England. The band cemented their reputation and name as a strong, no-frills live band. Unforgettable headlining tours and on the same bills with great bands like AC / DC, Van Halen, Rush, Ted Nugent, Judas Priest, Motorhead, just to name a few. Wild times, big adventures, which brought the band, among other things, the honorary citizenship of Memphis Tennessee. Krokus were also the first Swiss band to sell-out the Hallenstadion, Zurich in 1982.
But there was also death, illness and internal disputes that drove the band to the brink of destruction. Then, in 2008 the big comeback. The story of Krokus is unique. Marked by ups and downs. From grandiose stadium concerts to sweaty club gigs. We overcame trends, insidious US managers, harsh splits, bad deals, shady lawyers, drugs, lousy fast food, endless bus trips, disco, grunge, grotesque record companies, and hypocritical advisors.
During our remarkable career, Krokus rocked more than 2000 shows on five continents - different cities, unique locations, crazy gigs and loyal fans. This long journey ends with our Adios Amigo Tour.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DIE FINALE RUNDE
Seit 1975 stehen Krokus für ehrlichen, handgemachten Qualitäts-Powerrock. Keine andere Schweizer Rockband verkauft ihre Alben und ihren Backkatalog weltweit wie Krokus. Mehr als 15 Millionen verkaufte Tonträger, weltweite Tourneen, Gold und Platin in den USA und Kanada. Unsere Rock-Meilensteine findet man auch heute noch von Australien über die USA, Mexico, Russland bis nach Japan und China und Krokus Clips werden millionenfach angeklickt auf YouTube.
1980 startete der Siegeszug durch Amerika, Kanada und England. Die Band zementierte ihren Ruf und Namen als starke, schnörkellose Liveband. Unvergessliche Headlining-Tours und auf den selben Bills mit großartigen Bands wie AD/DC, Van Halen, Rush, Ted Nugent, Judas Priest, Motorhead u.v.m. Wilde Zeiten, grosse Abenteuer, die der Band unter anderem auch die Ehrenbürgerschaft von Memphis Tennessee eingebracht hat. Krokus waren auch die erste Schweizer Band die 1982 das Hallenstadion füllte.
Es gab aber auch Tod, Krankheit, interne Streitigkeiten und Trennungen, welche die Band an den Rand des Untergangs trieben. 2008 dann das grosse Comeback. Die Geschichte von Krokus ist unikal. Geprägt von Höhen und Tiefen. Von grandiosen Stadionkonzerten bis zu verschwitzen Clubgigs. Als Schweizer Rockmusketiere benannt überwanden wir kurzlebige Trends, heimtückische US-Manager, harte Trennungen, schlechte Deals, zwielichtige Anwälte, Drogen, mieses Fastfood, endlose Busreisen, Disco, Grunge, groteske Plattenfirmen, heuchlerische Berater und falsche Schulterklopfer.
Während unserer legendären Karriere rockten Krokus über 2000 Shows auf fünf Kontinenten – verschiedene Städte, einzigartige Orte, verrückte Gigs und treue Fans. Diese lange Reise geht jetzt mit unserer Adios Amigos Tour zu Ende.
___________________________________________________
WACKEN 2019
KROKUS will be there!
Will You Be There As Well?
___________________________________________________
METAL FRIENDSHIPS NEVER RUST!
During the 80's KROKUS did a lot of mileage touring the USA with Judas Priest. Many of you might still remember one or two of those hammering performances.
"The Priest" is now back on the road and Krokus was invited to meet the band backstage before their performance in Zurich, Switzerland.
The legendary 'Priest' producer Tom Allom turned up as well that night. He produced Krokus' most metal-sounding album so far - our 1983 Platinum Record 'Headhunter'.
Old memories were revived and a new spirit rekindled. Both parties are hoping to hit the road together once again..... sometime next year.
Long live Rock'n'Roll!!
Tom Allom - Producer of Judas Priest & Producer/Bass Player Chris Von Rohr before the Show
Chris Von Rohr together with two great singers - Marc Storace & Rob Halford. On the 'Headhunter' album track "Ready To Burn" Rob sang backings for Krokus
Marc + Chris with original Judas Priest bass player Ian Hill
___________________________________________________
THANX FOR A GREAT 2017 AND KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD KROKERS!
___________________________________________________
SEASIDE FESTIVAL - SPIEZ / SWITZERLAND
Thanx Berner Oberland for such a hot welcome and a great roundup of the Summer Festivals - Krokus will be back!
___________________________________________________
ALCATRAZ FESTIVAL, Kortrijk / Belgium
Kortrijk, Belgium - You were amazing!
To hear & see interview with Marc Storace & Chris von Rohr, go to Alcatraz Music on FB or click on this link:
Marc Storace & Chris von Rohr Interview ALCATRAZ
We Took No Prisoners From Alcatraz - Only One! Thank you, Belgium!!
___________________________________________________
MOON & STARS FESTIVAL
Thank You Locarno - It Was A Gas !!
July 22nd, 2017 - For 'Live Stream' Of Concert Visit www.facebook.com/Krokus
___________________________________________________
'BANG YOUR HEAD' FESTIVAL, BALINGEN,GERMANY
Thank you all for the warm welcome at BYH - DANKE!!
___________________________________________________
KROKUS ROCK EUROPE!!
[Fuer BLICK Artikel in Deutsch dieses Link anklicken: Blick Artikel 11. Juli 2017]
Success, quarrel, separation, peace, reunion, comeback: Krokus rock with hundreds of thousands of stoked fans across Europe. And the Rockers from Solothurn have their sights set on a USA tour for next year!
Number 1 chart position and gold for their last album «Big Rocks» - now Krokus rev up live! After a successful tour start in Malta and a successful debut at the 'Rock the Ring' festival in Switzerland in front of 12,000 fans, the Swiss Rock-Veterans continue to heat up audiences all over Europe. "It's fantastic to see that the fans have not forgotten our music and are still fully focused on our songs and the Krokus-Power. I'm proud of this band, "says Marc Storace.
The joy of the Krokus singer might soon become even greater. In the Spanish city of Barcelona 22'000 fans celebrated the Krokus sound with a giant party including midnight fireworks. In the audience were the organizers of one of the biggest heavy metal festivals in the world and one of the biggest open air festivals in Germany. The chances are great that Krokus will play at the legendary German 'Wacken Open Air' festival in 2018.
And it gets even better: for next year a US tour is planned again! It will be a trip back to the country, where Krokus once brought stadiums with up to 60,000 fans to a boil. Then the quarrel within the band started and as a result the band fell apart. For 15 years the musicians hardly talked to each other. But luckily it's over! The friends of the past have been reunited for nine years and look back on this phase with matured grace.
"I think the big break was good for all of us. The band is today fresher and happier than ever. And organizers and fans are discovering Krokus again, "says Chris von Rohr. The bassist and producer is convinced that "handmade, honest rock 'n' roll is not dead".
If you want to see and hear the rockers 'live' before they head overseas again next year, you can do this at the 'Bang Your Head' Festival on July 14th in southern Germany or on July 22nd at the 'Moon & Stars' Festival in Locarno, Switzerland.
___________________________________________________
ROCKFEST BARCELONA, SPAIN
June 30th, 2017
MUCHOS GRACIAS BARCELONA - EL TOROS LOCOS - BIG ROCKS!!
___________________________________________________
"ROCK THE RING" FESTIVAL
HINWIL, SWITZERLAND
June 24th, 2017
___________________________________________________
'BIG ROCKS' IN MALTA!!
What better way than to kick off our 2017 European Festival Tour dates in Malta, our Marc Storace's place of birth!
The 3 Musketeers, founder Chris von Rohr, Marc Storace and Fernando von Arb were for the first time performing together in Malta. And Malta was ready for KROKUS! Together with Mark Kohler, Mandy Meyer and Flavio Mezzodi, Malta's rock fans were in for a treat at the sold-out 'Aria complex'. And they equally enjoyed every minute of it.
Says Marc Storace: "It has been a long time coming and was very special for me to finally rock with the original Krokus line-up in the place I grew up and built my first musical roots. Added bonus was to have one of my sisters and two of my brothers and their families in the audience."
And Chris von Rohr reflects on the long journey that binds today's line-up together for over 4 decades: "The love for this music was stronger than anything else. Krokus does not have to prove anything to anyone, not even to ourselves. The only plan: To enjoy every performance as if it were our last!" And that's the spark that connects the band with the audience and guarantees an unforgettable experience for all.
For a list of upcoming Krokus Festival dates visit our 'TOUR' page......
___________________________________________________
CHARITY FOR AFRICA
Last Thursday evening, before our summer European tour officially kicked off with last Saturday's concert in Malta, Krokus played a charity gig for 'African Children In Need' at the sold-out Kofmehl in our home town of Solothurn, as we did three years ago.
Chris Von Rohr: "Of course, we know that there is also poverty here in our country, but what goes on in Africa is another dimension of misery. It is all about survival. You have to imagine that alone 50'000! children die each day as the result of hunger. One has to simply wake up from this 'prosperity narcosis' and do something".
Marc Storace: "It is urgently necessary to do something for those who need it most. To just talk about it is one thing, to actively do something about it another. It is great that Udo Lindenberg is also part of this worthy cause".
Chris Von Rohr: "We have a great admiration for Annedore Bieberstein and her team at 'Kenyan Children Help', who have been struggling and self-sacrificing for the good of these children for years. You have our biggest respect. We make sure that the money goes directly for the good of the children, where it really helps the most and not eaten up in administration fees and CEO's salaries, as with so many other so called charities".
___________________________________________________
ANOTHER BIG HIGHLIGHT - THANX TO OUR LOYAL FANS!…….
After more than 40 years of band history, we released our 18th studio album with "BIG ROCKS" at the beginning of the year. The album went straight to # 1 on the Swiss album charts and stayed in the top 10 for a total of 7 weeks. Thus, within a few weeks, Sony Music Switzerland proudly announced that the band had earned once more "Gold Record Award" excellence.
No other than Matthias Sempach, the 'King of Swiss Wrestling' and avid Krokus fan did the honors and presented to the band their Gold Record Awards.
(pictured left to right: Swiss Wrestling King Matthias Sempach - Flavio Mezzodi - Mark Kohler - Fernando Von Arb - Chris Von Rohr - Mandy Meyer - Marc Storace)
To describe it in the words of guitarist Fernando von Arb: "A truly great moment for all of us".
For our singer Marc Storace, the award has a very special significance because "It does not come from an ominous jury or a pseudo cultural committee, but from our fans - that makes this award so valuable."
And bassist and producer Chris von Rohr adds: "You can never be sure where the long and often painful journey of an album making ends. But when the fans turn it into gold, you know that you did something right. A big thanx to our loyal fans".
"BIG ROCKS" is not only a collection of old smash hits and absolute gems that changed our collective lives as musicians, but we also take you, our fans, on a journey through the 'high times of Rock'n'Roll', showcasing that the old classics from the 60's and 70's are still unrivaled today and shining brightly on the musical horizon.
"BIG ROCKS" are coming your way....... check our 'TOUR' page for confirmed dates!
___________________________________________________
BIG ROCKS OVER SWITZERLAND
Click on picture to see more iPhone shots from fans
___________________________________________________
THANK YOU SWITZERLAND - Straight To #1 In Swiss Charts
It is a long, often also arduous way, from the first to the last tone of an album production.
One can never be too sure. Even more beautiful is the reward when you reach the top of the charts.
We thank our fans and all "lovers of dirty handmade rock n 'roll" for their trust and loyalty. You are the best!
Es ist ein langer, oft auch beschwerlicher Weg, vom ersten bis zum letzten Ton einer Album-Produktion.
Man kann und darf sich nie zu sicher sein. Umso schöner ist wenn du dann die Spitze der Charts erreichst.
Wir danken unseren Fans und allen "Lovers of dirty handmade Rock n’ Roll" für ihr Vertrauen und ihre Treue. Ihr seid die besten!
___________________________________________________
NEW VIDEO
ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD
[CLICK ON PICTURE TO VIEW VIDEO]
Taken from BIG ROCKS - The Roots Of Krokus
The video reflects the madness of this world - not less-not more.
Krokus likes to bring people together with their music and stand for freedom of opinion and speech.
___________________________________________________
"BIG ROCKS" RELEASE DATE:
JANUARY 27th, 2017
ORDER - via iTunes / Amazon / ExLibris / CeDe / Media Markt - here some of the direct links:
https://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/big-rocks/id1181488067?l=de&ls=1&app=itunes
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=Krokus+Big+Rocks
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01MRPEWX8/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1484760052&sr=1-2&keywords=krokus+big+rocks
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01MZX9330/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1484760052&sr=1-1&keywords=krokus+big+rocks
https://www.exlibris.ch/de/musik/cd/krokus/big-rocks/id/0889853855322
https://www.exlibris.ch/de/musik/vinyl-schallplatten/krokus/big-rocks/id/0889854005016
https://www.cede.ch/en/music/?view=detail&branch_sub=0&id=1365298&branch=1
https://shop.mediamarkt.ch/de/musik-film-buecher/cd-s/big-rocks/idpakqg4o1mx
___________________________________________________
ZURICH SHOW ALREADY SOLD OUT!!
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR BERN SHOW BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE AS WELL
Die Show am Samstag, 04. März 2017 in der Samsung Hall in Zürich ist bereits ausverkauft. Jetzt gilt es schnell Tickets für die Show am Freitag, 03. März 2017 in der Festhalle in Bern zu sichern - und damit Schweizer Rockgeschichte live mitzuerleben wenn Gotthard und Krokus in Bern nicht nur eine Co-Headliner Show spielen, sondern auch in einem einmaligen Special Songs gemeinsam performen.
Vorverkauf bei Ticketcorner unter der Nummer 0900 800 800 (CHF 1.19/Min., Festnetzanschluss), übers Internet: www.ticketcorner.ch oder bei Die Schweizerische Post, Manor, SBB und Coop City, sowie bei allen anderen Ticketcorner Verkaufsstellen.
___________________________________________________
'Nothing is more powerful than a powerful song' - this is the first one from our forthcoming new album "BIG ROCKS"!!
[ Click On Link To View & Listen To Entire Song ]
___________________________________________________
DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW!
Available via iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/big-rocks/id1176150680…
Available via Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Btbx6h4au72rgfz6y5b65xsdrnm
___________________________________________________
NEW KROKUS CD
" B I G R O C K S "
Release Date: 27. January 2017
Pre-Order Links:
https://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/big-rocks/id1176150680?l=de&ls=1&app=itunes
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bezowmq3m4qt26uesd7mrkgfig4
Available for Down-Load as of 25. November 2016:
"The House Of The Rising Sun"
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Btbx6h4au72rgfz6y5b65xsdrnm
___________________________________________________
We are happy to announce that for the first time ever we will share one stage together for two exclusive double-headliner shows in the German-speaking parts of Switzerland with "special guest" Shakra.
Fans of Swiss rock can look forward to two super concerts that without a doubt will go down in history. In the words of KROKUS founder Chris Von Rohr: "This is a big moment for us all. A fireworks of songs, sounds and party - all three bands will rock fans into the Hard Rock Nirvana". And GOTTHARD's Leo Leoni adds: " We are thrilled and look forward to this historic event - it will be a unique summit meeting with Swiss hard rock at it's best!"
Get your tickets while they last. Pre-Sales start today via this direct link: CLICK ON CONCERT POSTER ABOVE
http://online-merchandise.ch/krokusshop/index.php?id_category=14&controller=category&id_lang=4
___________________________________________________
WHAT'S NEW IN 2016
We are working on new material this year including recording a new CD to be released either late 2016 or early 2017.
STAY TUNED.........
___________________________________________________
THANK YOU BARCELONA - YOU RULE!
You are indeed the wild "HEATSTROKERS" and hot-blooded Spanish "KROKUS MANIACS"
KROKUS MAKE HISTORY AT WHISKY L.A.
Unforgettable 2 "sold-Out" nights of Krok'n'Roll at the world-famous "Whisky A Go Go". The last time any band sold out 2 nights in a row was 15 years ago!
HIGH NOON IM SCHNEE!
Krokus werden am 11. April 2015 beim SnowpenAir auf der Kleinen Scheidegg für euch rocken!
Dies wird die “Generalprobe“ für die kommende USA-Tour, welche die Swiss Rockers nach über 25 Jahren wieder über den grossen Teich führt!
Don´t miss it!
Krokus will rock you at noon on April 11, 2015 at SnowpenAir at Kleine Scheidegg for you!
This is the "dress rehearsal" for the upcoming US tour, which leads the Swiss Rockers after more than 25 years across the big pond!
Don't miss it! _________________________________________________________
L.A. - HERE WE COME!!
This legendary club has a capacity of 500 only. So, if you want to be part of history in the making, get your tickets early at www.whiskyagogo.com
_________________________________________________________
KROKUS will rock the world famous "Whisky a Go Go" at 8901 Sunset Boulevard on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood on Wednesday, May 6th, 2015.
As long as there has been a Los Angeles rock scene, there has been the Whisky A Go-Go. An anchor on the Sunset Strip since it’s opening on January 16th, 1964, the Whisky A Go-Go has played host to rock ‘n’ roll’s most important bands, starting with Johnny Rivers and from the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, Love, Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Who, Kinks, Canned Heat, BB King, Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Humble Pie, ZZ Top, Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Van Morrison's Them, Turtles, Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, Guns'n'Roses, Van Halen, Police and, and, and..... as recent as this year Aerosmith to today’s up and coming new artists.
_________________________________________________________
Back by popular demand!
KROKUS-VINTAGE SHIRT "MIDNITE MANIAC" FROM MID 80's!!
RIHANNA KNOWS BEST!!!!!
Worldwide shipping (from USA), they even carry 3XL and 4XL for the "big" fans of ours. And the best is this: Because of the huge amount of pre-orders, we were able to reduce the price from $40 to $19.99 plus shipping (3XL + 4XL slightly more)
What are you waiting for..... get yours today!!
This makes you look as hot as our favorite homegirl!!!
_________________________________________________________
RIHANNA ROCKS IN 80′s KROKUS TOUR SHIRT ON-STAGE AT THE ROSE BOWL IN PASADENA TO KICK OFF "MONSTER TOUR" WITH "SLIM SHADY" EMINEM
Deep down, we all want to be rock stars. Especially pop and hip-hop artists, so it seems. Rihanna is no exception, as she rocked a dress made out of our ’84-’85 KROKUS tour t-shirt on-stage at the Rose Bowl at the first stop on her current co-headlining Monster Tour with rap icon Eminem. The front of the shirt-turned-dress features the artwork of our "Midnite Maniac" single off the 1984 gold-certified album "The Blitz". No one can be too surprised, though, ’cause who doesn't love heavy metal, right? It was very cool of this pop princess representing some rock on-stage.
Rihanna, at age 26, has sold over 100 million albums, 8 Grammy's (including Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2010, Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2011 and the same year Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album), regularly #1 in the single charts (last time with "Diamonds") and also duo with Eminem "Love The Way You Lie".
Wearing a KROKUS T-Shirt shows that the artist with the most #1 hits in one year loves a little "Krok'n'Roll" as well!
_________________________________________________________
JUST IN TIME FOR THE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL SEASON
GET YOURS AT ONE OF THE CONCERTS OR VIA OUR FAN SHOP
_________________________________________________________
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: KROKUS @ "MONSTERS OF ROCK" APRIL 18TH - 22ND, 2015
DEPARTS @ PORT OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
_________________________________________________________
GERMAN TOUR A TOTAL SUCCESS !!
A big "THANKS" to our German Fans that made this tour very enjoyable for us - this tour enabled us to be really close to you and together we made some great memories!!
_________________________________________________________
IN EXACTLY ONE WEEK WE START THE GERMAN LEG OF OUR "LONG STICK GOES BOOM TOUR 2014" IN BRUCHSAL
_________________________________________________________
USA/CANADA PRE-ORDER
"SPECIAL BUNDLE"
[Click On Picture To Order Now!]
This T-Shirt Is Unique And NOT Available Through Our FAN SHOP Or After Official Release Date April 22nd.
Place your pre-order now and receive the bundle right at April 22nd release date!
_________________________________________________________
BRAND NEW RELEASE!!
For exact release dates per country and where to order see column on left
[To see official trailer click on cover]
_________________________________________________________
FACEBOOK CONTEST
[Fuer Deutschen Text bitte Bild anklicken]
Help us spread the word and encourage your friends to "Like" us on our FB page (www.facebook.com/KROKUSonline)
1. Like the FB page (if you haven't done so)
2. Comment on the same post on our FB page
3. Share our FB page with your friends
4. Encourage them to "Like" us on FB (that way they can win something as well)
5. Send an e-mail to peter.waelti@krokusonline.com that you have done so and mention your T-Shirt size as well (S,M,L,XL,2XL)
Winners will be randomly selected from the FB "comment" section and we must be able to verify your "share" from your "comment" section
You can win with one of these prices:
5 Sets of:
US only produced (not sold in our merchandise store) T-Shirt for "Dirty Dynamite" release + Signed "Dirty Dynamite" CD + Hoodoo CD + Signed autograph card
5 Sets of:
"Dirty Dynamite" CD's (digipak), booklet signed by all band members
5 Sets of:
"Dirty Dynamite" CD's (U.S. Jewel Case), booklet signed by all band members
15 Sets of:
"Dirty Dynamite" autographed pictures
Contest runs from now till March 20th, 2014
US and International
Our sincere "thanks" to THE END RECORDS, N.Y./USA for T-Shirts + CD's as well as SONY MUSIC SWITZERLAND for CD digipaks
_________________________________________________________
QUADRUPLE PLATINUM AWARD
FOR "METAL RENDEZ-VOUS"
[To read entire story click on picture - Fuer mehr dazu bitte Bild anklicken]
35 years after the release of "Metal-Rendez-Vous" KROKUS finally have been awarded. The most successful hard rock album in Switzerland sold around 3 million copies worldwide.
_________________________________________________________
GERMAN TOUR DATES CONFIRMED!
Click on picture to go to TOUR page for details
_________________________________________________________
MUSIC ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE VOTED "DOEG SONG" #1 BEST VIDEO 2013
[click on picture to go to link]
KROKUS delivered a new conclave of blues-driven rock and roll, very much still in the vein of their main source of inspiration AC/DC, on their new album ‘Dirty Dynamite.’ The entire album would sit comfortably alongside any Bon Scott-fronted material, with distorted guitars and falsetto screams making the listener feel right in the mood for a long drive. And that’s exactly the direction with KROKUS decided to take on their music video for “Dog Song,” which is centered around your average bulldog’s common activities: smoking a joint, listening to ‘Headhunter’ and driving a vintage automobile. The enjoyably comical aspect to this video in particular makes it an instant favorite, thus topping our list of The Best Music Videos of 2013.
_________________________________________________________
USA MUSIC ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE RANKS KROKUS IN TOP 10 FOR 2013 IN BOTH THE ALBUM ("DIRTY DYNAMITE") AND SONGS ("GO BABY GO") CATEGORIES
_________________________________________________________
"PINBALL ROCKS HD" ANDROID VERSION NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD
Live on Google play as of NOW. The promotion will run until 10/28
Sony Music Entertainment has announced the release of the Android version of PINBALL ROCKS HD, a five-table pinball compilation game.
The app has previously been available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with downloads exceeding over 1.8 million on all iOS operating systems.
Pinball Rocks HD features a free entirely metal and rock-themed table with featured music from different music acts including KROKUS with "Dirty Dynamite".
Click on the picture to get to the LINK.
GET YOURS NOW!! Great game to make it through the winter months...
_________________________________________________________
4X "SOLD-OUT" SHOWS AT KULTURFABRIK KOFMEHL SOLOTHURN
This makes KROKUS the 2nd act ever to sell out the KOFMEHL 4 times within the same year in the 21-year history of Solothurn's greatest culture-factory!
We love this venue, have rehearsed there for years before a tour and even filmed on their smaller stage scenes for the "Dirty Dynamite" video.
Thank you, Kofmehl! And "Thank you" to all our fans for your loyalty and support! We had a blast!!
_________________________________________________________
CHARITY SHOW FOR KIDS - AUGUST 30th AT KOFMEHL SOLOTHURN
For entire story click on picture above / Bild anklicken fuer ganze Story
_________________________________________________________
FREE FOR ALL YOU GAMERS: OUR "DOEG SONG" NOW ON "PINBALL ROCKS HD" iTUNES GAME APP (Android version out in a few weeks)
[click on picture to order game app]
You asked for more ROCK, and they're giving it to you! Check out the new free Pinball Rocks App game on the iTunesApp Store.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinball-rocks-hd/id644040634?mt=8
_________________________________________________________
KROKUS filmed their new video in Hollywood
SEX, DöGS & ROCK’n’ROLL
He smokes, drinks whiskey, hangs out in strip clubs, drives an old pick-up truck and even visits a tattoo parlor!
For entire story including a little background from producer Martin Hausler click on picture. To see video, click on top picture in left column.
_________________________________________________________
KROKUS ROCK CROWD OF 40,000 ON MAINSTAGE AT SWEDENROCK 2013
[For entire story click on picture / Bild anklicken]
MEET OUR NEW DRUMMER FLAVIO MEZZODI
Read all about him by clicking on picture above / Für Story Bild anklicken
_________________________________________________________
PLATINUM FOR KROKUS
(for entire story click on picture / Deutscher Text bitte Bild anklicken)
Right before the first concert of our sold out "Close Contact Doeg Tour" our record label Sony Music presented us with gold and platinum record awards. We would like to thank all of our fans for their continued support over the years.
_________________________________________________________
EX-KROKUS DANI CRIVELLI R.I.P.
We are saddened to report to you that our ex-Krokus drummer Dani Crivelli passed away. Our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Also a native of Solothurn, Switzerland, Dani (far left) joined KROKUS in 1987, replacing Jeff Klaven. You can listen to him on the band's 1988 HEART ATTACK release that included KROKUS staples like "Rock'n'Roll Tonight" and "Wild Love". He always kept in contact with the band over the years. We liked his straight forward, but true words about music and life. He will be missed but will keep on drumming in Rock'n'Roll heaven!
[for more on Dani click on picture above]
_________________________________________________________
#1 FOR SECOND WEEK IN SWISS CHARTS AND GOLD (RECORD AWARD SALES) - THANK YOU SWITZERLAND!!
_________________________________________________________
KROKUS-Video
DöGS WANTED!
Producer Chris von Rohr is in search of the "craziest dogs in the world" to be part of a new KROKUS video. The rocker is waiting for your applications!
Send your video to: gewinnen@ringier.ch (Subject: KROKUS)
[Click On Picture To Read Entire Story In English & German]
_________________________________________________________
CHEERS 'N THANX TO THE FANS
"DIRTY DYNAMITE" #1 IN SWISS CHARTS FIRST WEEK OF RELEASE!!
[CLICK ON PICTURE TO READ CHRIS VON ROHR'S INTERVIEW]
_________________________________________________________
Read US Webzine CD Review: "KLASSIC KROKUS"
[Click On Link To Read Review]
_________________________________________________________
THANK YOU GERMANY!!!
KROKUS "Dirty Dynamite" #17 Chart position in the Official Media Control Album Charts in the first week of release
Germany is the 3rd largest music market after the USA and Japan these days. It is the first time in KROKUS' history that the band charts in the " Top 20" of the German charts. Get your CD or Vinyl copy of "Dirty Dynamite" on amazon.de [click on picture for link] and we thank you for all your support!
The German edition of "Rolling Stone" magazine reviewed the new album and had this to say: «Here they are again, these percussive perfectly timed, precise riffs», it says. «And Storace still roars after all these years like the late Bon Scott.»
_________________________________________________________
[CLICK ON MARC'S PICTURE FOR ENTIRE INTERVIEW / BILD ANKLICKEN]
_________________________________________________________
DEE SNIDER OF TWISTED SISTER PISSED OFF AT KROKUS IN HIS NEW BIOGRAPHY
KROKUS burned some stage clothes in the 80's that were hand-sown by his wife. Dee Snider thinks that's not at all funny.
[Click on picture to read entire story / Bild anklicken]
_________________________________________________________
"DIRTY DYNAMITE" RELEASED TODAY - This is what the German Press had to say:
ROLLING STONE: Souverain und spassbetont! Da sind sie wieder, die perkussiven, abgestoppten, punktgenauen Riffs und Sänger Storace tönt tatsächlich nach der gleichen Gosse, in der auch schon Bon Scott gelegen hat
ROCK HARD: „Diese Platte stinkt nach Schweiß, Sex, Bier und kaltem Zigarettenrauch … Blues, Rock´n´Roll, Heavy Metal - alles da. Und dazu reihenweise Hits!“ 8/10
ROCK IT!: „Coolness hat einen neuen Namen! Hunde, bitte bleibt am Ball und lasst es bitte noch ewig rocken!“ 10/10
SLAM: „Party Hard With An Emmentaler!“ 8/10
METAL.de: “ „Dirty Dynamite“ steht auf einer Linie mit den Karriere-Highlights der Band „Hardware“ und „Metal Rendez-Vous“, Gratulation 8/10
STREETCLEANER: „Eigentlich hat hier fast jeder Song das Zeug zu einem Hit. Schöner Handgemachter Hard Rock und kein nachbearbeiteter Konserven Kram.“
MEGA-METAL.de: “'Mäh Dreck' geht nicht und wenn den Herren kein Albumtitel eingefallen wäre, wäre „Opus Magnum“ eine gute Wahl gewesen…“ 9,5/10
TOTENTANZ: „Ohne Scheiss – dieses Album kann mit der letzten AC/DC Scheibe „Black Ice“ mal locker mithalten. Ganz und gar faszinierend – jetzt schon ein Highlight des noch jungen Jahres 2013.“
THE-PIT: „Und so treten Krokus mit „Dirty Dynamite“ den Nachweis an, dass guter Boogie Hard’n’Roll nicht nur aus Down Under kommt, zumindest hat die nun vorliegende 17. Studioscheibe ausreichend Wumms in den Rillen, um die Band in ihrem zweiten Leben noch wieder ein Stück vorwärts zu bringen.“ 8/10
HEAVY-METAL: „Es gibt keine Schwächen auf dieser Scheibe!“
_________________________________________________________
Sex, Dogs and Rock'n'Roll
MEET THE KROKUS-DOG a.k.a. DA DöG
[Click On Picture For Story - Bild Anklicken]
He's a super cool dog. And now «Da Dög» will step into the spotlight today with the release of KROKUS' newest album «Dirty Dynamite»
_________________________________________________________
THE MAKING OF "DIRTY DYNAMITE"
KROKUS founder/producer/bassman Chris Von Rohr as well as vocalist Marc Storace and guitarist Mandy Meyer talk about the making of their 17th studio album "Dirty Dynamite", the ideas and motivation behind it, including recording at "Abbey Road Studios" in London (worldwide CD release - for more details see release dates in left column)
[TO VIEW CLICK ON PICTURE]
_________________________________________________________
"DIRTY DYNAMITE" VIDEO PREMIER
Click on picture ABOVE to view VIDEO
Click on picture BELOW to READ Chris Von Rohr's comments about the video shoot
_________________________________________________________
MANDY MEYER REJOINS KROKUS!
30 years ago Mandy joined KROKUS to replace Tommy Kiefer (RIP) on guitar and toured for part of 1980's "Metal Rendez-Vous" and all of 1981's "Hardware" tour throughout Europe including the UK and also extensively in the USA.
Mandy secretly recorded the past couple of months with the band for the new CD "Dirty Dynamite", tol be released in February of next year. You will be blown away!!!
FOR MORE NEWS CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE
_________________________________________________________
KROKUS ROCK ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS
After decades in the music biz a dream comes true: KROKUS record at the legendary Abbey Road Studios
It is without doubt the most famous recording studio in the world. Here it is where the Beatles created and recorded classics like «Come Together», «Hey Jude», «Lady Madonna» und «She Loves You». The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Oasis recorded here many of their greatest hits: the Abbey Road Studios in London. For the last two weeks KROKUS worked feverishly on their follow-up album to "Hoodoo" in these «hallow halls of rock music», as vocalist Marc Storace calls it.
The Swiss rockers record here songs for their new CD «Dirty Dynamite». The album is slated to be released February 22nd, 2013. «The nights were long and extremely creative, it was totally worh the effort», adds bassist and producer Chris von Rohr. «For us a lifelong dream has come true», adds Storace.
As Switzerland's most successful hard rock band, KROKUS sold more than 13 million albums in a career that spanned over almost forty years time. In the past they recorded their albums in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto or Zurich. After well publicized quarrels eventually the originals broke up and in 2008 the originals finally reunited. The comeback-CD «Hoodoo» shot straight to #1 in the charts of their native Switzerland.
Now the ambitious rockers want to surpass their successes of the past. «This album could possibly become our masterpiece. Pure, dirty, in your face hard rock with some blues-elements. We've been taking the time it needs to work on songs and melodies and to constantly fine-tune them at the place that offered us the maximum inspiration», explains Von Rohr.
«We wanted to take in the vibe at the birthplace of modern rock music», comments Storace. «It is a unique feeling to return to the place where it all started.» Both rave that this place is full of memories, the ghost of John Lennon present everywhere.
«The magical ambiance inspires us, it's like additional doping for our creativity», beams Marc. That was the main reason why they decided to record at Abbey Road Studios in London. «We return to our roots.»
As the Beatles' 1969 «Abbey Road» album was their last official recording, will «Dirty Dynamite» be the last official album for KROKUS? Chris von Rohr: «That only the (rock) Gods know! »
[Fuer Deutschen Text bitte nach unten scollen]
_________________________________________________________
JAPAN WAS HOTTER THAN HOT!
KROKUS has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and toured all over the world, and although one of their biggest hits is called "Tokyo Nights", they never played Japan up to now. That changed last Saturday, when KROKUS played in front of 37,000 Japanese fans at the Loudpark festival, the largest one in all of Japan, just outside of Tokyo.
"Japan was out of this world, simply unbelievable!", reports bassist and producer Chris Von Rohr. Upon arrival in Tokyo, the band was greeted by their greatest Japanese fan, who had waited for decades to have his KROKUS album collection signed by the band. "It was touching. He said this was the happiest day in his life", adds Marc Storace. And while strolling the streets of Tokyo, Switzerland's #1 rock export was asked for autographs by a great number of female fans. "We communicated with hand signs, because besides 'sushi' and 'sayonara' we did not understand much", jokes Chris Von Rohr. And adds:"throughout the nuclear catastrophe of Fukushima and thereafter they kept smiling, that really impressed us."
During the concert the Japanese fans sang along right from the start. Chris Von Rohr: "It was absolutely awesome! Promoter Creativeman wants us back in Japan as soon as possible."
[Click on picture for more]
[Foto anklicken fuer weitere Bilder von Japan]
KROKUS haben mehr als 13 Millionen Alben verkauft und bereits auf der ganzen Welt Konzerte gegeben. Doch obwohl einer ihrer bekanntesten Hits "Tokyo Nights" heisst, waren KROKUS noch nie in der japanischen Hauptstadt zu Gast. Am Samstag erlebten sie nun vor 37'000 Zuschauern ihre Feuertaufe: beim Loudpark, dem groessten Rockfestival Japans.
"Japan war geil", schwärmt Bassist und Produzent Chris Von Rohr. Schon bei der Ankunft am vergangenen Mittwoch wurde" die Band von ihrem groessten japanischen Fan empfangen, der sich KROKUS Alben signieren ließ. "Es war rührend. Er sagte, dies sei der schoenste Tag seines Lebens", so Marc Storace.
Sogar auf Tokios Strassen wurde der Rock Export #1 der Schweiz von jungen weiblichen Fans um Autogramme gebeten. "Wir verständigten uns mit Handzeichen, denn ausser 'Sushi' und 'Sayonara' verstanden wir nicht viel", scherzt Chris Von Rohr und schwärmt von der Herzlichkeit der Japaner. "Wie sie nach der AKW-Katastrophe in Fukushima ihr Lächeln bewahrten, hat uns beeindruckt."
Beim Konzert sangen die Fans schon beim ersten Takt mit. "Es war der absolute Hammer! Organisator Creativeman will uns möglichst bald wieder zurück in Japan", so Von Rohr, der gestern müde aber glücklich zusammen mit dem Rest der Band wieder in Zurich Kloten landete.
__________________________________________________
KROKUS ROCK JAPAN
World premiere of a Swiss band at Japan's largest rock festival. "A dream come true" comments excited vocalist Marc Storace.
October 15th, Switzerland's #1 export in rock will rock over 37,000 Japanese fans at Saitama Super Arena just outside of Tokyo.
"Rock against nuclear waste - we are ready to rock!", adds bassist and producer Chris Von Rohr. Other acts besides KROKUS include Whitesnake and Limp Bizkit.
KROKUS take a break in between songwriting for their next cd (tentatively to be released beginning of 2013) especially for this festival gig in Japan.
KROKUS are stoked to play this particular festival, as Japanese fans had to wait a long time to see KROKUS live and up close (for some).
And guitarist Mark Kohler promises: "Tokyo Nights" will be a must on our set list and it is an honor for us to rock the Japanese nation".
__________________________________________________
KROKUS MERCHANDISE SHIPPED NOW WORLDWIDE!
Click On Image For Entire Story
SPECIAL OFFER: As long as supplies last ("first come-first served" basis), the FAN SHOP will send you along with your order a sampler from the "Ice Hockey World Cup" free of charge that includes KROKUS's "Live For The Action" (not available on any album but this sampler). For details scroll down to NEWS BLOG.
__________________________________________________
CHRIS VON ROHR INTERVIEW
Listen to original KROKUS founder Chris Von Rohr’s recent interview with swissinfo.ch. He talks about “35 years KROKUS”, from the beginning in 1976 to what the future holds as well as his very successful career in the nineties as producer and song writer of another Swiss rock band while on sabbatical from KROKUS.
__________________________________________________
KROKUS ROCKEN DEN ADVENT
Nach der erfolgreichen Tournee quer durch Europa lassen es die Solothurner Ende Jahres wieder in der Schweiz krachen. “Hoodoo ist das erfolgreichste Schweizer Rockalbum des Jahres, die Deutsche Presse feiert KROKUS frenetisch, beschreibt die Konzertauftritte als “goettlich”. Die Tour der Solothurner quer durch Europa war ein voller Erfolg. Ab 3. Dezember bringen KROKUS wieder Schweizer Hallen zum Toben: “Genial, dass wir fuer unsere Schweizer Fans nochmals nachladen koennen”, meinte Bassist Chris Von Rohr. “Die Kroenung eines genialen Jahres”.
Auszuege von zwei der groessten Deutschen Musik Magazine ueber KROKUS am diesjaehrigen “Bang Your Head” Festival in Balingen:
METAL HAMMER
KROKUS entpuppen sich anschliessend als – wir duerfen vorgreifen – eigentlicher Headliner des Abends. Die beiden neuen Tracks ‘Rock’N’Roll Handshake’ und ‘Hoodoo Woman’ fuegen sich perfekt in die Klassiker Riege ein. Die Band ist tight wie ein zugekniffener A…… und grooved wie Sau. Dass ein 58-jaehriger Frontman wie der sich in bester stimmlichen Verfassung praesentierende Marc Storace Spagat-Spruenge mit der Haltungsnote zehn hinlegt, sagt wohl alles aus ueber die Dynamik der Rock Veteranen. Sensationell!
ROCK HARD (DEUTSCHLAND)
Ziegtausend Haende werden in die Luft gehoben, als Saenger Marc Storace auf die Buehne sprintet und die Massen von einer Groove-Welle erfasst werden, die alles mitreisst. Jedes angekuendigte Stueck , ob neue Songs oder alte Klassiker, wird bejubelt und mitgesungen, so dass das Grinsen von Gitarrist Fernando Von Arb immer breiter wird. Man merkt den Musikern deutlich an, wie sehr sie es geniessen, zusammen auf der Buehne zu stehen, und der Spass der Band uebertraegt sich sofort auf das begeisterte Publikum. Eigentlich haetten KROKUS heute headlinen koennen, denkt so mancher.
__________________________________________________
AC/DC + KROKUS
Swiss Concert Highlight Of The Year
For Entire Story In Chris Von Rohr's Own Words + Pictures Scroll Down To NEWS Blog
__________________________________________________
SONY MUSIC SWITZERLAND PRESENTS KROKUS WITH PLATINUM AWARD
[Official Press Release] Solothurn, 30. April 2010:
Krokus set the bar! No other act in Switzerland has sold as many albums as Krokus has so far in 2010! Let the celebration begin.
After the band’s sold out show on April 30th in Zuchwil, Sony Music Switzerland proudly presented Platinum Record Awards to the rockers for their current album “Hoodoo”, which still is in the “Top Ten” of the Swiss charts.
left to right.: Sasa Erletic (Booking, Bottom Row Promotion), Mark Kohler, Maurizio Dottore (Marketing Manager, Sony Music Schweiz) Fernando Von Arb, Julie Born (Managing Director, Sony Music Schweiz), Marc Storace, Jan Bayati (Krokus Manager, Bottom Row Promotion), Chris Von Rohr, Peter Waelti (Management USA, Krokus), Freddy Steady
__________________________________________________
THIS IS WHAT THEIR PEERS HAD TO SAY:
LEMMY (MOTöRHEAD):
"Krokus toured with us in the US in 1982 and I found them to be a fine young lot of loonies full of vim and foolishness! I know the reunion works well for them and good luck with the new album"
ALICE COOPER: "Everybody knows, KROKUS rules. Rock on, boys!" (587316, MP3) GENE SIMMONS (KISS): "Great that the guys are back!"
OZZY OSBOURNE: "Unkraut vergeht nicht. Welcome back, boys!"
DORO PESCH: "Krokus war von Anfang an eine meiner Lieblingsbands und für mich sogar immer eine Quelle echter Inspiration. Die Stimme von Marc Storace hat total viel Gefühl und Power. Darum gehört er zu meinen absoluten Liebligssängern"
PETER MAFFAY: "Krokus zeigen, dass gewisse Musik kein Verfalldatum hat. Schön, dass man sie auf diese Art und Weise wieder-sieht"
UDO JURGENS: "Toll, dass Chris und seine Jungs wieder on the road anzutreffen sind. Ihre Songs aus der frühen Ära der europäischen Rock-musik hören sich noch heute gut an. Krokus sind der lebende Beweis dafür, dass wir Dinosaurier der Unterhaltungsmusik eben doch noch nicht ausgestorben sind"
Gölä: "Die Band machte mich stolz, ein Schweizer zu sein, als ich durch Amerika reiste und im Radio ‹Bedside Radio› lief. Die Band machte mich glücklich, als ich hörte, dass sie wieder zusammen spielen. Ich danke dem Gott des Rock’n’Roll. Krokus sind the greatest Swiss rock’n’roll band in the world"
FLORIAN AST: "Lieber Chris, du bist ein Platin-Junge, und ein echtes Platin-Comeback von Krokus ist nur mit dir möglich. Lass die Blüte noch einmal aufblühen!"
ADRIAN SIEBER (LOVEBUGS): "‹Metal Rendez-vous› ist die beste Hard-Rock-Platte, die eine Schweizer Band je aufgenommen hat. Die zweitbeste ist ‹One Vice at a Time› und die drittbeste ‹Headhunter›. Noch Fragen?"