Marc Storace is arguably Malta's most significant contribution to rock music. From his early days with The Boys and Cinnamon Hades in Malta to his time with Swiss prog giants Tea and NWOBHM outfit Eazy Money, Storace ultimately found his place with Krokus, who are now celebrating their 50th year in the industry.
Since their formation in 1975, Krokus has become synonymous with high-quality, hand-made power rock. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, gold and platinum awards in the USA and Canada, and a Diamond record for selling one million albums in Switzerland, Krokus stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of rock music. As Chris von Rohr, bassist and producer, aptly said, "It's hard to believe, but we celebrate our 50th year of Krokus! We are looking forward to see you live, easy rockers, when long stick goes boom again!"
Krokus began as a progressive rock act with their original lead singer, Peter Richard, who left before their debut album. This led to lead guitarist Tommy Kiefer stepping in for the band's self-titled debut. Chris von Rohr, initially the drummer, switched to lead vocals for their second album, "To You All," but it wasn't until Marc Storace joined in 1979 that Krokus found their definitive sound.
Storace, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, brought a powerful voice and charismatic stage presence that helped catapult Krokus to international fame. Their 1980 album "Metal Rendez-vous" was a breakthrough, followed by "Hardware" in 1981, which included hits like "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City."
Marc Storace's arrival marked a turning point for Krokus. Inspired by AC/DC's raw energy, the band shifted towards a harder, more rock-driven sound. Storace's robust vocals became the band's signature, propelling them to new heights. The 1983 album "Headhunter" achieved gold status in the U.S. and included the MTV favorite "Screaming in the Night."
Throughout the 1980s, Krokus enjoyed considerable success with albums like "One Vice at a Time" and "The Blitz," which featured the hit "Midnite Maniac," making them the first Swiss band to enter the Billboard Hot 100. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical directions, Storace's presence remained a constant driving force behind their success.
The band faced numerous challenges, including lineup changes and the tragic death of former guitarist Tommy Kiefer in 1986. However, Krokus continued to produce music and tour, maintaining their reputation as a formidable live act. The 1990s saw a period of fluctuation, but the core of the band persisted, with albums like "Stampede" and "To Rock or Not to Be."
In the 2000s, Krokus experienced a resurgence. The release of "Rock the Block" in 2003 and the live album "Fire and Gasoline" in 2004 reaffirmed their place in the rock world. The band's lineup solidified with Storace, von Rohr, and von Arb leading the charge, producing new music and embarking on tours that delighted fans worldwide.
In recent years, Krokus has continued to rock stages across the globe. Their 18th studio album, "Big Rocks," released in 2017, featured covers of classic rock songs, paying homage to the bands that influenced them. Despite announcing their retirement in 2018, Krokus planned a farewell tour that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 2024, Krokus is back on the road, celebrating their 50th anniversary. The current lineup includes Marc Storace on lead vocals, Fernando von Arb on lead and rhythm guitars, Chris von Rohr on bass, Mandy Meyer on lead and rhythm guitars, Mark Kohler on rhythm guitars, and Flavio Mezzodi on drums.
Marc Storace's contribution to Krokus cannot be overstated. His powerful voice and stage presence have been instrumental in defining the band's sound and success. Joining Krokus in 1979, Storace's tenure has seen the band through its highest peaks and deepest valleys. His commitment to the band and its fans has made him an enduring figure in rock music.
As Krokus celebrates half a century of rock, Marc Storace remains a central figure, embodying the spirit and energy that have kept the band alive and thriving. Here's to 50 years of Krokus and the many more moments of rock 'n' roll they will undoubtedly bring.
Rock on, Krokus!
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An in depth interview with Marc Storace was published on melodija.eu on Jul 7, 2023 titled: Marc Storace: The Melodic Journey from Sliema to the World Stage
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