Krokus: The Alpine AC/DC - A Rock 'n' Roll Journey of Triumph and Turmoil
Krokus, a Swiss rock band, earned the nickname 'The Alpine AC/DC' due to their hard rock albums like Metal Rendez-vous and One Vice At A Time. The band, led by Chris von Rohr, reflected on their tumultuous journey in the music industry, facing challenges and successes along the way. Despite their brief moment of glory in the 80s, Krokus experienced internal conflicts and external pressures that led to their decline.
Formed in Solothurn in 1975, Krokus initially struggled to find their musical direction, experimenting with different styles in their early albums. It was not until they embraced a simpler, more straightforward approach to their music that they began to gain traction. With the addition of lead vocalist Marc Storace, Krokus found their sound and released their breakthrough album, Metal Rendez-vous, in 1980.
Metal Rendez-vous catapulted Krokus to fame, drawing comparisons to AC/DC due to Storace's vocal style. The band's subsequent albums, like Hardware and Headhunter, further solidified their presence in the hard rock scene, especially in the US market. However, internal conflicts and external pressures, including clashes with other bands and management issues, began to take a toll on Krokus.
As the 80s progressed, Krokus faced challenges that tested their unity and creativity. Ego clashes, management issues, and personal struggles threatened to derail the band's success. Despite their efforts to stay relevant and adapt to changing music trends, Krokus struggled to maintain their momentum.
By the late 80s, Krokus went through lineup changes and creative struggles that led to a period of dormancy. It wasn't until the band members reconciled and reunited in the 2000s that Krokus found a renewed sense of purpose. They embarked on a farewell tour in 2018, intending to end their career on a high note.
While the Covid pandemic disrupted their farewell tour, Krokus surprised fans by announcing in 2024 that they would not be retiring after all. With plans to play at festivals in 2026, Krokus continues to defy expectations and write the final chapters of their extraordinary rock 'n' roll story.