Krokus is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Switzerland. Krokus was founded in Solothurn in 1974 by Chris von Rohr, bassist (and original lead vocalist) and guitarist Tommy Kiefer. Originally playing the bar circuit with hit cover versions, they changed to metal because the rise of bands like AC/DC and Iron Maiden made them realize that the genre was catching up with people. The change was emphasized by Marc Storace joining the band as front-man. They enjoyed huge popularity in the 1980s in parts of Europe and the USA through heavy touring, MTV exposure and videos. In Europe, they toured with Nazareth and in the United States with AC/DC, Motörhead, Rush, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Their album Headhunter was a platinum album in the United States. So far, all Krokus albums have gone platinum in Switzerland. In 2005, longtime lead guitarist Fernando von Arb reluctantly left the band after continuing problems with his wrist required surgery. Realizing that the stresses of touring life were no longer for him, he amicably parted ways with Krokus. Mandy Meyer, who had played with the band in the mid-1980's (and who had also briefly toured with Asia, and Katmandu, ex-Fastway), was tapped to replace him.

Origin of band name

The band name "Krokus" evolved from the word for a flower common to the region of southern europe, the crocus. Early in the spring of 1975, band founder Chris von Rohr observed a field of these flowers while traveling by train. He was returning from the "L'Ecole des Chefs" located in France after an aborted career in the culinary arts, and it was around this time the idea for a Metal band was formed.



Krokus- Band's Timeline
Krokus- Band's Biography of 2006
Krokus- Band's Members