Gotthard

Sometimes following your instincts is the easiest way to heaven. Clear style and inexorable directness pave the way for success. The most successful Swiss rock band Gotthard followed exactly this path and it bore fruit. Indisputable talent, magical charm, the highest professionalism - the signature Gotthard- style.

The basis of our work is groovy melodic hard rock and powerful ballads, accessible to any listener.

- Leo Leoni

Since the release of their debut album Gotthard in 1992, the number of albums sold worldwide by the group has exceeded 2,000,000; of which more than 1,000,000 are in the homeland of musicians. 11 albums of the group reached 1 place in the charts of Switzerland.

The team has:
6 platinum: Gotthard (1992), Dial Hard (1994), G. (1995), One Team, One Spirit (2004), Made in Switzerland (2006); Domino Effect (2007)
5 double platinum: D-Frosted (1997), Open (1998), One life, One Soul (2002), Human Zoo (2003), Lipservice (2005)
1 thrice-platinum Homerun (2001) gold single “ Heaven ”; 6 Top-10 Singles.

Young Steve considered drums to be the best musical instrument and spent all his free time with his favorite instrument.

At the age of 11-12 I wanted to be a drummer, of course the best drummer. So, I mowed the lawns in the whole village all summer to earn 200 Fr , which I needed to buy a drum kit.

- Steve Lee

But before becoming a musician, Steve received a diploma of a jeweler and worked for some time in Ticino. But the desire to be a musician did not leave him, and in 1982, when the Cromo group urgently looked for a drummer, Steve sat down at the drum kit. The group released one disc, "Ticino musica vol.1". In 1985, Steve met at the Lamone festival of the organizer of COOL Promotion Tiziano Giannini and joined the then-known group " Trouble ". But since a band with that name already existed in America, the name was changed to “ Forsale ”. In 1986, the group began work on the maxi-single “Even.” A three-track record was released on vinyl. On the “Hold on” track, you can easily recognize Steve's unique voice.

I started at Forsale as a drummer, and when our singer left the band because he was tired of all the empty promises in this business, I had to sing a few concerts, and this was more or less the beginning of my career as a singer.

- Steve Lee

In 1988, the group recorded the album Stranger In Town in a new format: Steve Lee (Steve Lee) - vocals, Nello Otupazza (Nello Otupazza) - keys, Lutz Warwitz (Lutz Varvits) - bass, Johnny Frizzi (Johnny Fritzi) - drums, Mauro Lupazzi (Mauro Lupazzi) - guitar. To record guitar parts invite Leo Leoni (Leo Leoni), who then played in the group " Gipsy ". At the session of this album, Steve met Leo, and when the Forsale band split up at the end of the year, Steve and Leo teamed up and founded the Krak band together.

At the beginning of 1989, the Krak group was formed consisting of: Steve Lee (Steve Lee) - vocals, Leo Leoni (Leo Leoni) - guitar, Fabian Rose-Pesciallo (Fabian Rose-Peshallo) - drums, Roger Rizzi (Roger Rizzi) - bass, Frank Fersino (Frank Ferzino) - rhythm guitar.
The concert follows the concert throughout Switzerland, and the sound of the group is already close to the sound of Gotthard . The professionalism of Krak improves from concert to concert, and the group begins work on their first studio album. Meanwhile, Frank Fersino (Frank Ferzino) and Roger Rizzi (Roger Rizzi) leave the group. The bass player is Marc Lynn (Mark Lynn), who previously played in the Swiss band China .

In 1990, the original "Krak" was replaced by a more sonorous Gotthard , taken by the name of the Swiss mountain range. In the second half of the year, Gotthard entered into a contract with the record company BMG Ariola. They receive support from Chris von Rohr (Chris von Rohr) and, at his suggestion, went to Los Angeles in 1991 to record their first record. Already in America, Fabian Rose-Pesciallo (Fabian Rose-Peshallo) began to have health problems. It was necessary to find a replacement for him. Hena Habegger (Hena Habegger) just graduated from music school in America. His teacher was James Kottak ( James Kottak ), who recommended him as an excellent musician, and also also Swiss. Hena recorded all the drums in 3 days. A year later, when it became clear that Fabian could not play for a long time, the place behind the drum kit was occupied by Hena Habegger as a permanent member of the collective. And the very first fact of the group’s biography is admirable.

Within a few weeks, the self - titled debut album was released, which was released in February 1992. A melodious, but quite tough hardcore based on blues roots. Expressive vocals that go deep under the skin, catchy rock and roll melodies, incendiary riffs, the rhythm is so vigorous that you want to move under it. Vivian Campbell ( Vivian Campbell ) took a “guest” part in recording two songs of the album. The guys knew rock classics very well, which allowed them to include excellent versions of the British and American teams on their first albums. At Gotthard, “ Hush, ” better known as “ Deep Purple, ” which gave Gotthard a new sound, became one.

We always included cover songs in our albums, except for the last. It starts in the rehearsal room when we play famous tunes for fun. Some of them sound so good that we decide to include them in our next studio album. Although we always try to make something special from that song. In addition, it is a good way to give young people the opportunity to learn the songs of the past.

- Steve Lee

When in 1998 Gotthard was touring France with Deep Purple , Ian Gillan himself went to the guys after the second concert and told them to play “Hush” and that they really like the version of Gotthard . At home, the album received a “golden” status and lasted 15 weeks on the Swiss charts. The sound on the disc was as close as possible to the lively, ingenuous and longing for a scenic splash. It is clear that such material was simply meant to be heard in open areas and the team moved on the road, and not just somewhere, but to Britain, where they worked together with Magnum and Germany with Victory . Theo Quadri (Theo Quadri) was invited as a second guitarist on tour. Also, keyboard player Neil accompanied the group on the trip. In their native Switzerland, Gotthard are headlining . In the summer, at a concert in Zurich, the group takes part as special guests at a concert by Brian Adams . In addition, Gotthard took part in a number of European rock festivals, paid a visit to Japan, as well as at the Foundations Forum in Los Angeles. As a result, MTV became interested in guys (clips on “Hush” and “All I Care For”).

1993 was a year of touring fuss and all sorts of nominations. Gotthard received the Golden Reel Award at the World Musik Awards. But behind these pleasant and tiring deeds, the guys did not forget about the main work. In mid-summer, they again went to Los Angeles to Fortress Records to record their next album.

1994 At the end of January, Dial Hard was released. Chris von Rohr produced the record, and Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard played some guitar parts. Dial Hard confirmed Gotthard ’s “general line” to create competent rock, so attractive and enjoyable. The music here is even more melodic and emotional. At home, the disc almost instantly became “platinum”, and in European countries and Japan - “gold”. This state of affairs led to the fact that the team could conduct tours as headliners. Gotthard take part in rock festivals throughout Europe, as well as at the prestigious jazz festival in Montreux, at the colossal Rock am Ring & Riem festival. This time, as a second guitarist, Igor Gianola (Igor Gianola) takes a “guest” part. Of course, MTV did not leave the guys without attention. Films for "Montain Mama", "I'm On My Way", "I'm Your Travellin'Man" are being shot. The group also takes part in the popular TV show.

In 1995, the team again went to Los Angeles to A&M Studios to record their third studio album. In 1995, the single “Father Is That Enough” was released, which after two weeks reached the top of the national hit parade. The single also became the soundtrack for the series, which was broadcast in Germany, Austria and the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Mandy Meyer (Mandy Meyer) (ex- “ Krokus ”), who subsequently acquired the status of a permanent member of the collective, was invited to record a new album on a session basis.

In early 1996, the release of the album G. Within two weeks from the date of release, the disc reached the top of the charts in Europe. He went well in the States. At home, the album again took the “platinum” bar and held on top of the national charts for several weeks. Moreover, he was in the Top 50 of Germany. Inspired by their success, Gotthard conducted a solo tour of 8 cities in Switzerland and 20 cities in Germany, with full halls. Tickets were sold out long before the arrival of the heroes of the occasion. Gotthard is also a success in Japan. The video for the song “Sister Moon” is being shot. At the end of the year, opera diva Montserrat Caballe invited Gotthard to record a song together for her Friends for Life CD.

In early 1997, they met with Montserrat in a London studio. She chose the track “One Life One Soul” for her CD. In February, the single was released. This single lasted for several weeks on the Swiss charts. In March, the musicians received the Prix Walo (Swiss Grammy) award in the Best Rockact category. In the summer, Gotthard take part in both traditional rock festivals and jazz festivals (Jazz Festival in Montreux ), and also held their own open-air festival. TV shows, in one of which Montserrat took part, adds to the group fame.

After three hard rock albums, Gotthard wanted to record something special using acoustic guitars, etc. At first they conducted an acoustic mini-tour. These were performances in small clubs for friends. Then it was decided to record a live acoustic album. On August 2, with the support of 10,000 viewers and Tessin television, D frosted was recorded. The concert was also attended by a children's choir led by the maestro Theo Bart (Theo Bart), who was also a teacher of Leo.

I have a close friend, he is a teacher, he also plays the guitar, and at one time he taught me. Steve and Montserrat. I asked him if his guys could sing this song. And we recorded the children's choir alive, which, in my opinion, was a good idea.

- Leo Leoni

Montserrat Caballe also took part in the concert. Released in September, D-frosted confirmed the star status of the team now and forever. In any case, in Switzerland there was not yet such a popular rock composition working fruitfully, stably and smoothly, without stress and a feverish change of composition. The predominant part of the album consists of emotional rock ballads, which in acoustic processing sound even softer and more exciting. Several action movies, as well as 4 new tracks are present on the album.

“Guest” participation on this album is Mandy Mayer (Mandy Mayer), Andy Pupato (Andy Pupato) - percussion, HP Breugemann - piano, synthesizer and organ and guitarist - virtuoso Vic Vergeat (Vic Verget).
D-frosted headed the Swiss charts for 5 weeks, and already in November the album became double platinum. At the end of October, a new large acoustic tour began in the cities of Switzerland and Germany - 27 sold-out concerts. They talked about Gotthard everywhere, their touring schedule expanded geographically: in the same 97th they visited France and Italy. Television did not leave the group without attention, and in December they took part in several TV shows throughout Europe.

1998. In March, the musicians received the Prix Walo Award, and in June the International Musik Awards in Monaco. 1998 In the summer, Gotthard conducts festivals in Switzerland and already in July they begin working on the next fifth album. The success of D-frosted in Switzerland was great and the group had a big question - what will be the next album.

We wanted to make an album that would appeal to both the fans of our first CDs and the fans of “D-frosted”. And, of course, we in no way wanted to make a copy of one of our previous discs in order to satisfy one or another fan. We tried to make an album that most of our fans would like.

- Steve Lee

In November, the release of the single “Let It Rain” took place - a gentle beautiful ballad, which also has a certain magic. Whenever the guys started to sing this song at festivals, the first drops of rain began to drip from the sky. The single reached the top 10 Swiss charts this month. In November, Gotthard conducted a tour of France with Deep Purple and a tour of Switzerland and Germany.

1999 In February, the release of the album Open .

What does 'open' mean? The first thing you need to do to listen to the album is to open it. The word 'Open' is present everywhere. It also means open-mindedness, open-mindedness, it says that we want to try something new, so open your mind and just listen.

- Leo Leoni

The five “Gottards” as guest musicians were invited to record the album: Ech-Pi Bruggermann - piano, synthesizer and organ; Andy Pupato - percussion and slide guitarist Max Lösser. The disc is acoustically oriented and not as heavy as the earlier releases. He is much more humorous, quite in the spirit of "radio hit". An emphasis on melody and a decrease in the former “volume” does not mean that Gotthard has gone pop. The album also contains solid rock and rolls. The general attitude towards the album remained positive. The disc was at the top of the Swiss charts for 5 weeks. And Europe again let the Swiss songs into their hits. In Germany and Austria - Top 30. In March, the album became “platinum”. In March - April, Gotthard conducts a large promotion in Switzerland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. And in the summer they take part in rock festivals throughout Europe.

2000 The guys started building their own studio. In November, the release of the single “Heaven” took place, which immediately burst into the Swiss charts and reached the 1st place in the same month and became “gold”. By December, Gotthard’s own studio is almost ready and the “Gottards” are starting work on their 6th studio album.

2001 In January, Homerun was released, which was already recorded in its own studio. Homerun 2001 is heavier than its predecessor. The production of this album was undertaken by Leo Leoni. For 6 weeks, the disc was at the top of the Swiss charts, and also became 14th in Germany and 10th in Japan. In June, the disc became triple platinum. In June, Gotthard performed with Bon Jovi at concerts in Zurich , Vienna and Munich , and in July with AC / DC in Turin . It was not easy to speak to fans of AC / DC , also in Italy, where the group was not well-known.

... we thought it over very well. So, we changed the set list, included more heavy songs in it. As you know, AC / DC fans do not like ballads, but we decided on the final “Homerun”, and, surprisingly, everything went well.

- Steve Lee

In December, Gotthard received the “Best Disc of the Year” prize in Switzerland.

The year 2002 began with the Prix Walo Award. In January, Gotthard sent to Bangkok to shoot the Heaven video. After the Italian concert, the famous Versace fashion house became interested in guys. In Versace costumes, a video was shot in 1 day in a Bangkok skyscraper.

In January, the release of the album of the best ballads One Life One Soul . The album included 2 previously unreleased tracks, including a cover version of the Rolling Stones - “ Ruby Tuesday ”. At the end of the disc there is a recording of “Heaven” performed by the Bulgarian Philharmonic Orchestra. This song was selected by the European Association for the Preservation of Antiquities as a hymn and recorded by the Philharmonic Orchestra. In February, One Life One Soul reached the top of the Swiss charts, and in March it became platinum. This February also saw the release of the DVD “More Than Live”. In addition to the concert recorded during the Homerun Tour, the DVD also included backstage filming and the Heaven video clip.

В октябре начинается работа над следующим студийным альбомом, который как и предшественник был записан в собственной студии. К тому времени группа расстаётся с Chris von Rohr (Крис фон Рор). Продюсером этого диска стал американец Marc Tanner (Марк Таннер), известный по работе с Aerosmith .

В январе 2003 года Gotthard на швейцарском телевидении представили композицию «What I Like» с нового альбома. В конце февраля свет увидел Human Zoo — великолепное творение в стиле лёгкого рока. Баланс тяжести музыки метко разделён среди лёгких и мощных моментов. Тексты песен наполнены различными философскими и любовными темами. Альбом получился удивительно цепляющим и хитовым. И неудивительно, что он сразу же оказался на верхушке швейцарских чартов.

После выпуска 'лучшее из баллад' мы чувствовали, что пришло время возвращаться к нашим корням, мы всё ещё рок-группа и хотим следовать этим путём. На „ Human Zoo “ вы можете слышать и несколько баллад.

— Марк Таннер

На балладу «Have a Little Faith» был снят клип. В марте Gotthard проводят большой тур по городам Германии и Австрии, а в мае по Швейцарии и наконец-то ОНИ добрались до России. В Питере Gotthard приняли участие в грандиозном фестивале, посвящённом 300-летию города, а в Москве — великолепный концерт в Кремле . Клавишник Paola Paolini (Паола Паолини) принимает участие в этом туре. 2 дня ребята провели, как туристы в Москве . И уже в июне тур продолжился.

5 октября 2010 года вокалист Стив Ли погиб в автокатастрофе. Инцидент произошёл в 50 милях от Лас-Вегаса , на трассе Interstate 15. ^[1] . 47-летний вокалист ехал в составе большой группы мотоциклистов, и когда начался дождь, они остановились на аварийной полосе, чтобы надеть дождевики. В этот момент проезжавший по скользкой дороге грузовой автомобиль сбил пять припаркованных мотоциклов, один из которых задел Стива. В течение 20 минут попытки вернуть его к жизни не имели успеха. Около 16:13 по местному времени скорая помощь окончательно констатировала смерть Стива. Среди спутников Ли находились его девушка Бриджит Фосс-Балцарини и басист Gotthard Марк Линн.

Новый вокалист утверждён на место нового участника группы - это швейцарец Ник Мэдер (Nic Maeder).

Studio Albums

• Gotthard (1992)
• Dial Hard (1994)
• G. (1996)
• Open (1999)
• Homerun (2001)
• Human Zoo (2003)
• Lipservice (2005)
• Domino Effect (2007)
• Need to Believe (2009)
• Firebirth (2012)
• Bang! (2014)
• Silver (2017)

Концертные альбомы и сборники

• The Hamburg Tapes (Japan only) (1996)
• D frosted (1997)
• One Life One Soul (Best Of Ballads) (2002)
• One Team One Spirit (Best of Album) (2004)
• Made In Switzerland (Live Album) (2006)
• Homegrown - Alive In Lugano (CD + DVD)(2011)

Синглы и EP

• 1992: All I Care For
• 1992: Hush
• 1992: Firedance
• 1993: Mountain Mama
• 1994: Travellin' Man
• 1994: I'm On My Way
• 1995: Father Is That Enough
• 1996: One Life One Soul
• 1996: He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother
• 1997: Fight For Your Life
• 1997: One Life One Soul (Live)
• 1997: Love Soul Matter
• 1997: Someday
• 1998: Let It Rain
• 1999: Merry X-Mas
• 1999: Blackberry Way
• 1999: You
• 2000: Heaven
• 2000: Homerun
• 2003: What I Like
• 2003: Janie's Not Alone
• 2003: Have A Little Faith
• 2004: Fire and Ice
• 2004: One Team One Spirit
• 2005: Lift U Up
• 2005: Round And Round
• 2005: Anytime, Anywhere
• 2006: Tu Passion
• 2006: El Traidor
• 2008: Lift U Up
• 2011: The Train
• 2011: Remember It's Me
• 2012: Starlight
• 2012: Shine
• 2013: Yippie Aye Yay
• 2014: Feel What I Feel

Video

• 2002: More Than Live (DVD)
• 2006: Made in Switzerland (DVD+CD)

Сайты и ресурсы

• Официальный веб-сайт (англ.)
• Официальная страница на Discogs (англ.)
• Официальная страница на MySpace (англ.)
• Русский фан-сайт (рус.)
• «Remember it's me» с новым фронтменом Ником Мэдером
• Gotthard на Nuclear Blast
• Биография (недоступная ссылка) на musicmight.com
• Дискография на hitparade.ch