Marc Storace

* M I L E S T O N E S * Biography 1951 Born on Mediterranean Island of Malta on October 7th 1965 age 14 with local band STONEHENGE UNION covering songs the Beatles Stones Kinks and Troggs 1969 Joined THE BOYS who re-name to CINNAMON HADES to change from Top-40 to Hard Rock band covering Cream Deep Purple Who Led Zeppelin Jimi Hendrix Black Sabbath and more 1970 move to London,the “British Invasion” 1971 to Switzerland joined Swiss progressive rock band TEA. TEA toured Europe with Queen Nazareth Ginger Baker Gurvitz Army and more.TEA becoming first Swiss band to tour Europe and UK 1972 First TEA album Sprouts produced by Dieter Dierks (Scorpions fame) in studio outside Cologne, Germany released on Phonogram Vertigo label 1974 Second TEA album The Ship recorded at Dierks Studios released in Europe on Vertigo Phonogram label 1976 last TEA studio album Tax Exile produced by Dierks released by Phonogram across Europe. Band members go their own ways Marc back to London forming EAZY MONEY. song Telephone Man released on Metal For Muthas – Volume 2 1977 Audition for Ritchie Blackmore`s RAINBOW with Roger Glover Don Airey and Cozy Powell 1979 call from KROKUS and weekend jam in Switzerland The band supported TEA on last official tour 1980 KROKUS Metal Rendez-Vous features Marc adding instant“branding” to band as well as recognition all over Europe. Album 4 x Platinum in Switzerland. 1981 Band sign with Clive Davis’ Arista Records in New York and change to USA management. release of London recorded Hardware followed by tours across Europe USA and Canada. Tommy Kiefer leaves band replaced by Mandy Meyer.The Hammersmith Odeon etc. 1982 One Vice At A Time released worldwide! Band again tours non-stop in Europe Stateside and Canada adding more growing fan-base. New music-video-television-station MTV in USA features Krokus on heavy rotation. They become first swiss artists to sell-out Switzerland`s largest "live" music temple, the Hallenstadion in Zürich 1983 next release Headhunter will become their most successful hard rock album to date! under care of Judas Priest producer Tom Allom from early pre-production stage HEADHUNTER contains radio-smash-hit ballad “Screaming In The Night” and metal influenced masterpeices "Headhunter" and "Night Wolf". album charted at 25 in US national Billboard charts finally earning band Platinum Status for sales in USA. As Special Guests on Def Leppard`s Pyromania Tour Krokus became a good part of the BEST sold-out Rock-Tour for 1983 in USA 1984 KROKUS on a roll and release The Blitz promoting new record again all over Northern America & Canada also including unforgettable gig in February 1985 at “Vina Del Mar” Festival in Chile. band headlined to crowd of 40,000 and received coveted People’s Award/Torca. An intense live concert in New York City soon afterwards captured and released on video and laser disc. 1986 KROKUS release Change Of Address followed by first “live” album Alive And Screaming. concert circuit continues including 80,000 capacity Texas Jam festival in Dallas playing to more and larger crowds well into 1987 1988 Heart Attack their 8th release in 8 years pushing band to physical limits. Between touring,recording and touring again there is no free time to wind down and starts to wear the boys down. burnt out KROKUS call it quits 1989 Exhausted by constant grind Marc takes break on island birthplace. From here embarks on refreshing creative journey on first solo project. A fine collection of pop rock and soul influenced songs emerge 1991 Released by Eurostar in Switzerland first solo album BLUE is well sought after jewel to worldwide fans of Marc 1993 Marc joins Swiss band CHINA as featured singer for fun collaboration and tour across Switzerland. “live” broadcast is captured by Swiss radio released 7 years later as CD under name STORACE & CHINA Towards end of CHINA’s tour and in same year Marc forms, with band’s guitar players Claudio Matteo and Freddie Lawrence, semi-unplugged trio ACOUSTICAL MOUNTAIN bringing rock’n’roll spirit to Swiss Mountain resorts. What Apres-Ski entertainment will grow amazingly popular over the years and Ac.Mount. still keep busy doing private-gigs 1994 Koch Records Switzerland releases AMEN, brainchild of Manfred Ehlert. Ascollaborators for this album Manfred recruits Marc Storace and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple fame to share vocals for soulfully executed rock songs 1995 late 1994 Marc approaches old KROKUS mate Fernando to reform band in almost original formation. reunion tour re-introduced band to Swiss fan base followed by album To Rock Or Not To Be turning gold after release. success in Switzerland could not be duplicated internationally, band quits once more re-birth of ACOUSTICAL MOUNTAIN with bassist Brian Kofmehl replacing Freddie 1996 second AMEN album Aguilar released with Marc featured on vocals, one song by Glenn Hughes 1998 Due to popular demand originally 1991 released BLUE re-released by Ariola Records Switzerland under name VERGEAT – STORACE, Vic Vergeat of TOAD fame being Marc’s guitar player and songwriting partner 2000 productive year for Marc. Swiss company Phonag releases MARC STORACE & CHINA’s live concert, originally recorded 1993 as part of Swiss Radio’s broadcast concert series “Live Uf Dr Gass” under name Alive Arista Records USA releases KROKUS’s second “Best Of” collection The Ultimate Collection BMG-Ariola release CD DC-WORLD, ultimate tribute to late great AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott coinciding with his 20th anniversary of passing on. On these series of medleys Marc sings parts of Bon. Other musicians of project feature future KROKUS musicians Favez, Castell and Aeby 2001 Luciano Pavarotti's duets with rock singers plus famous “Barcelona” duet by late great Freddie Mercury with Opera Diva Monserrat Caballé revamped trend of collaboration between modern and classical singers. in 2001 Koch Records release song “One World”, a hymn where rock meets classic featuring Storace (in German and English ) and Swiss Opera singer Raphael Haslinger. project called STORACE & HASLINGER Multiple European TV shows and a few live performances follow its release 2002 February 16th 2002 Marc to perform in Hallenstadion (largest stadium in Switzerland KROKUS being first Swiss band to sell it out) this time as “Special Guest” with new friend Gölä two consecutive nights. stadium joins to sing to Marc's specially arranged sing-a-long during rendition of KROKUS's “Bedside Radio” supported by Gölä and band. performance is broadcast “live” by Swiss TV and is available on DVD. After this emotional performance Marc yearns to rock “live” again, setting the stage to hook up with old KROKUS mate Fernando Reunited with Fern they dive into song writing followed by recording. In between sessions newly energized KROKUS plays to enthusiastic crowds at Swiss summer festivals March 2002 Marc takes part in Saturday prime time Swiss TV Documentary filmed on location in Thailand Rondo Mondo. He contributes song Look At Me Now he wrote a year earlier. song originally written for wife Cornelia 2003 In January KROKUS launch self-produced album Rock The Block. For first time in band history album shoots to 1 in Switzerland. A tour across Europe follows and fans at “Swedenrock Festival” vote band Number 1. This summer, band plays prestigious Montreux festival for first time. show filmed for future release August on invitation of American cult heavy rockers WARRIOR Marc flies to Los Angeles as featured vocalist and co-writer of latest album 2004 Twenty of the best tracks from “live” recordings of many concerts from KROKUS's 2003 'Rock The Block' Tour chosen and re-mixed in band's Studio and Double Live package called “Fire + Gasoline” released by Warner Music in February 2004. Bonus LIVE - DVD of Band's 2003 Performance *Live in Montreux* comes as part of package in Europe only In summer KROKUS plays a few more Swiss concerts after which Fernando underwent minor surgery. Consequently, the band has to abandon plans of returning to tour the USA switches back to songwriting-mode In 2004 Reality Entertainment releases in the USA and Phonag in Switzerland the WARRIOR album entitled The Wars Of Gods And Men In November Marc is contacted by German producer Michael Voss to sing on new BISS album. demos of this German rock band around guitar player Doc Heyne so full of pumping riffs, melodies and positive energy Marc feels are too good to be true 2005 Released by AOR Heaven in May 2005 BISS launches Face-Off featuring Marc KROKUS long time guitarist Fernando informs band he will be leaving. Marc invites Mandy Meyer A week later band starts rehearsals building strong momentum in time for upcoming Swiss Tour starting June 2005 April 2005 Marc joins Steve Lee of Swiss rockers “Gotthard” and Swiss female singer Gigi Moto for recordings of Queen-Medley tailored for Swiss National Television. This is performed “live” on May 7th on 'prime time' variety show 'Benissimo' and catches curiosity of Queen's Brian May who asks for recording of this very well received performance August 19th a dream comes true for Marc,he joins Texan Conductor John Axelrod and the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra for another edition of “Rock Meets Classic” mixing Hungarian Rhapsody and Bach's Toccata und Fugue in d-moll with Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven and Beatles classics September 9th marks start of comeback in USA after 17 years. 22 concerts in 30 days keep band moving. Marc guests on talk shows like “The Eddie Trunk Show” and his longtime friend Alice Cooper’s “Nights With Alice Cooper”. KROKUS had covered Alice’s hit “School’s Out” (the only KROKUS single to enter US “Singles Top-40” charts) A special event takes place in Denver the day before my birthday” said Marc” when my friend since 33 years Peter Waelti who also managed TEA in the late 70..s hangs out with band forfirst time since the late 80’s……” Because of altitude in Denver (one mile high)KROKUS arrives a couple of days prior. Peter arranges for Marc to perform a live acoustic set to promote show in Denver on Lewis & Floorwax Classic Rock Radio Show broadcast in 42 States. reunion has positive outcome band sks Peter to employ his endless energy and hearty enthusiasm to setting up long needed Fan-Club for KROKUS (www.krokusonline.com > GLOBE CLUB – and today also band’s Facebook page) a year later offers to manage band in USA in Switzerland KROKUS receive offer to write/record rock song and act in film called “Handyman” starring Internationally known Swiss comedian Marco Rima. KROKUS on the silver screen!!! Marc`s composition Hellraiser is chosen produced by American Dennis Ward of Pink Cream 69 fame. film and soundtrack released following year both making top of charts. film features his short acting debut late November band embarks for first time to play couple of gigs in Russia (Moscow & St.Petersburg). band’s song Russian Winter comes to mind 2006 Marc lends vocals to band BROKEN DREAMS singing Broken Hearts and First Way Out on album Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Marc adds to extensive resume “actor” playing an Indian shaman as film ANUK is released along with soundtrack where DORO PESCH & STORACE sing on Marc`s composition “On My Own” End of September KROKUS release Hellraiser and promote release in Germany with an acoustic set at the famous Rock Fabrik in Ludwigsburg An incredible “milestone” for Marc is to return as frontman of a band to his native Malta. The last time he played Malta with his own band was with TEA 30 years ago. KROKUS spends an entire week on the island. Prior to the November 25th concert in Malta’s capital of Valetta, the band stays busy with interviews on various TV and Radio stations across the island including an extensive interview and acoustical set (can be seen and heard on our www.krokusonline.com web site on the GLOBE CLUB pages). Peter Waelti flew in from Denver to oversee filming of concert (release date uncertain) and carried out “Globe Club” interview segments making use of local scenic backgrounds (seen on krokusonline/Globe Club web site) BISS release follow-up to Face-Off featuring for an encore performance Storace on vocals for the X-tension release 2007 KROKUS play the famous Alpenrock House in Zurich, Switzerland, chosen fans partake in ceremonials by handing out Gold Record Awards for Hellraiser to band members on stage under moderation of Peter, who flew in from Denver for this special event. After all, without our fans we would not be where we are today! September Marc embarks on yet another project called THREE STYLE, Daniel Gasser’s orchestra of brass and strings combined with solid rhythm section and angelic backing vocals. The performances of the three vocalists Storace along with Andra Borlo and Eliot Chambers makes this an incredibl project. Marc sang renditions of Angel Of My Dreams and Long Stick Goes Boom with a repeat performance of Angel as final encore with the other singers joining in Swiss TV launches a prime time music series called “Greatest Swiss Hits Of All Times”. Marc is approached to perform a medley with his band mates of the early 80’s (Fernando, Chris & Freddy) for one of the shows. After careful consideration Marc agrees to this “one time” event and without a rehearsal, the original KROKUS perform on November 25th a playback medley of Tokyo Nights Bedside Radio and Heatstrokes. At the end the large studio audience gives band a standing ovation. To the surprise of the musicians, KROKUS receive the “Diamond Award” for having sold 1 million albums in Switzerland alone, most of them with the original line-up A week prior to the one-time KROKUS reunion TV Show, Marc performs with well known Swiss singer Natacha as part of the same TV series "Greatest Hits Of All Times" a duet of her hit "Banderas". The voices blend very well together, as Natacha sings in her Swiss native language and Marc in English with the chorus sung by both in English. It showcased once more the versatility of Marc's voice. 2008 Marc stands at a crossroad in his long and successful career and takes “inventory” whether to continue with the “Hellraiser” line-up or join the reunion of the originals. Many facts have to be weighed out. Ironically, Marc & the “Hellraiser” line-up play one of their best concerts ever. The last concert with this line-up will be in Gozo/Malta on February 2nd. The day after Marc shares with the rest of the band his decisio. The band splits amicably Marc guest-vocals on CALLAWAY’s “live” CD, which is recorded in concert February 15th and released under the title Live at Key North. Marc joins the band for classic renditions of AC/DC’s TNT Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven and Since I’ve Been Loving You. He also does a duet of Free’s All Right Now with Callaway singer Jean-Marc Viller. band is lead by ex-TEA drummer Roli Eggli, who also serves as Marc’s Personal Manager. Speculations build up in the Swiss media and abroad regarding the possible return of the originals. Quietly, the comeback being “the voice” Storace, lead guitarist Fernando Von Arb, rhythm guitarist Mark “Koki” Kohler, bassist Chris Von Rohr and drummer Freddy Steady, is put in place. The band rehearses and announces one concert in 2008! On August 2nd, 2008, the reunited KROKUS headline the new Stade De Suisse football stadium in Bern, Switzerland and prove with hard pumping, uncompromising rock that the originals are not only back but here again in top form. The past is back to kick more ass! 2009 After last year's unforgettable sold-out stadium concert, KROKUS concentrate on writing and recording new songs for an upcoming CD. The band compose the anthem and title song for this year’s 2009 Ice Hockey World Championship that will take place in Switzerland April 24th through May 10th. KROKUS’s new song Live For The Action will be heard all over Europe in hockey stadiums and at other occasions. In between recording, band welcomes an opportunity to headline sold out Magic Night festival in Zofingen and to reconnect with fans. On November 13th, 31 years after their last release, TEA introduces itself back with a CD appropriately called "Reloaded", consisting of songs from first three albums plus first single a & b sides, which never were released on an album up to now. The 6-page digipak included liner notes and rare photos. December 1st, TEA deliver a showcase at the Mascotte in Zurich and after 32 years, originals Storace, Armand Volker (guitar) and Roli Eggli (drums) continue where the left of with the help of Chris Egger on keys and Dan Allenspach on bass. 2010 This year promises to be a "busy" one for Marc. February 26th the long anticipated new KROKUS cd "Hoodoo" is released. In Switzerland it earns “Gold Award” status the day of the release and within four weeks “Platinum”. In other European countries Krokus chart impressingly as well. For the “Hoodoo” release in the USA Marc conducts dozens of interviews across the Atlantic, including the prestigious “Eddie Trunk Show” and “Nights With Alice Cooper”. His heartfelt comments on the passing of fellow vocalist Ronnie James Dio are posted by many internet stations, broadcast by radio and can be seen on YouTube as well. In June Marc plays a concert in his native Malta with TEA, the first band he internationally gained recognition with in the early to mid 70’s in support of the 2009 cd release “Reloaded”. At the same time he is honored with the “Palm Print” Award, the equivalent of the “Star” on Hollywood Boulevard and filmed a 60-minute music special about his life so far. With Krokus he is headlining shows and festivals in support of the new cd, spreading “hoodoo magic” all over Europe. 2011 Middle of January Marc takes part in a project dear to his heart. Four concerts in Switzerland with other rock icons like Deep Purple's Ian Gillan, Ex-Foreigner's Lou Gramm, Barclay James Harvest's Les Holroyd and Nazareth's Dan McCafferty and accompanied by a symphony orchestra + band. It showcases a new dimension to some of the KROKUS hits. Marc receives a standing ovation from the concert audience at each venue, as he sings Gotthard's hit "Heaven" as homage and in honor to their singer Steve Lee, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident. Starting April 25th and up to middle of December Marc will be the featured artist in 13 shows all across Switzerland under a circus tent. "Rock Circus" is a unique concept of a mixture between rock songs and circus acts. During this year, Marc and his KROKUS fellow band mates Chris Von Rohr and Fernando Von Arb will work on new songs for the follow-up cd "Hoodoo" and record them sometime next year. 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 October 15th, when KROKUS played in front of 37,000 Japanese fans at the “Loud Park 11” festival, the largest one in all of Japan, just outside of Tokyo at Saitama Super Arena. “Tokyo Nights” turned out to be so successful that the promoter wants KROKUS back Marc contributes vocals on 3 songs of Slädu's (Ex-Gölä) upcoming cd. He appears December 1st as "guest vocalist" live with "Slädu + Friends" at the Hallenstadium in Zurich as part of "Sixdays-Nights Zurich 2011". middle of December Marc takes on another project called "Rocking Christmas - An Evening With Rock Legends", where he performs some Krokus hits and with co-headliner Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep fame a couple of duets. 2012 March 3rd guitar slinger Slädu (Ex-Gölä) releases his solo CD and Marc is featured on album with three songs that he wrote together with the Swiss guitarist. Listen to his contributions "Give all my love", "Open for your love" and "Wild and restless". Lucky 13! Because of the huge success of last year's "Rock Circus", the show has been picked up for another 13 concerts this year. A mix of circus acts and rock, Marc headlines the "rock" part along with some other acts and backed by his former TEA drummer's band "Callaway". Christa Rigozzi moderates. Between March and December the show is on tour. To coincide with the start of the 2012 "Rock Circus" season, a CD is released March 8th with music from the 2011 shows with the band Callaway and some "special guests" in between the various activities, KROKUS continue writing for their follow-up to platinum record "Hoodoo". By the end of the year they should be recorded and mixed for a release date sometime in early 2013. 2013 Krokus`s last studio-album to date, "Dirty Dynamite" shoots straight to Number 1 in the Swiss Charts within the first week of release, #17 in Germany (the fourth largest record market in the world), #22 in the US Hard Rock charts and "Top 30" in multiple other Europaen countries. In their home country "gold record" status shortly after release and now platinum (To be updated) The only "OFFICIAL" MARC STORACE FACEBOOK-PAGE Lead Singer of Hard Rock Band KROKUS see Bio: *Milestones* Born: Mark Anthony Storace Crockford.