The band came together in the early 70s, but went through several lineup changes over the next 10 years. They started out an album-oriented rock band, but soon moved on to more of a New Wave sound. By 1982, Peter 'Memory' Banks, Andy Piercy, John Russell and Peter King made up the roster, and they released the album, Der Kommissar, a compilation collection of songs from the first four albums and one cover song, Der Kommissar, written by Robert Ponger and Falco. Falco's own version, released in 1982, barely cracked the charts, hitting #72 on the Hot 100. In 1983, After The Fire released their version, and it zoomed up the charts, finishing at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, between the time of recording and the release, the band fell apart, eventually going their own way. Twenty years later, the band regrouped for a few gigs, and finding the joy in their music, stayed together for a couple of tours and hope to record again. Until they do, here is their only US hit single, Der Kommissar.
For more information about the band, check out their website here.
Great song and so part of the MTV era. Laura Branighan had a song that had the same melody and music but just different lyrics - can't remember the name now.
ReplyDeleteThe 12" cut for this song is also awesome.
SteveA, yes, I can't remember the Brannigan song, either. But I know what you are saying. Damn.
ReplyDelete