Axel Rudi Pell

Biography

This German heavy metal guitar virtuoso left Steeler in 1988 to concentrate on a solo career. Influenced by Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen and Tony Macalpine, he played explosive guitar pyrotechnics within a traditional metal framework. Wild Obsession featured Charlie Huhn (vocals), Bonfire member Jorg Deisinger (bass) and Jörg Michael (drums, ex-Rage). It was well received by the music press, but this did not translate into sales, partly owing to Pell’s reluctance to take the band on tour. Nasty Reputation represented a major leap forward in songwriting. The heart of the music was still in the early 70s, but the guitar work and the sheer energy of the delivery were quite remarkable. Bob Rock, now on vocals, gave the music great authority, with the expanded quintet also including Volker Krawczak (bass) and Kai Raglewski (keyboards). 1995’s live album, Made In Germany, featured another new vocalist, with Jeff Scott Soto recruited from Yngwie...

Read the Full Biography of Axel Rudi Pell