Joe Schilken (Lead Guitar), Harald Münnich (Rhythm. Guitar), Wolfgang Jünger(Bass) und Micky Kluge (Drums).

The Vampires opened their first appearance with theinstrumental “Walk, don’t run”, by The Ventures, at theAstoria Hall, located between Schweinfurt and Sennfeldbesides a materials company building. This song becomelater their theme song from these day: Satuday, September8, 1962. The Astoria hall - one of those dance halls, asthey were, could not be marked by the presence of thousandsof American soldiers, which the dollars were very loose inhis pockets, in almost every district of Schweinfurt.Drummer Micky, the only one of the group with stageexperience (he was drumming in a known Schweinfurt danceband) had given them this job because the owners of theAstoria hall, Adolf and Lissy, knew him quite well. Lissyconjured after work most exotic dishes that they wereallowed to enjoy. Always surrounded by loyal followers,friends, and friends who have enjoyed the privilege - to beallowed to stay with them still there - even after curfew.

Wolfgang Jünger (March 30, 1944) discovered his love formusic years before, when suddenly out of nowhere, adevastating hurricane in the form of rock 'n' roll sweptacross Germany. Much to the dismay of the older generation,with this, awful black music 'could absolutely do anything.Nor with the associated side effects, such as Levi's jeans,white or striped shirts, black leather jackets, bubble gumand landscaped with lots of pomade hairstyles for malefollowers who emulated the screen idol James Dean - andpetticoats or skin-tight jeans, tight blouses, ponytail andhigh-heeled pumps with the girls, who wanted to be like LizTaylor. The rock 'n' roll was in the 50's as a socialconservative scandal! The new form of music was felt evenas an attack on morality, decency and order. Insteadperformers like Caterina Valente, Freddy Quinn, BullyBuhlan, or Gerhard Wendland and songs like “Oh MisterSwoboda”, or “The Blaedel Polka”, had to fight againstsongs from the radio receivers: Bill Haley’s Rock Aroundthe Clock - ABC Boogie - See You Later Alligator - ShakeRattle and Roll, or hammer title of a young truck driver

from the southern United States: with Elvis Presley HoundDog, or Don’t be Cruel. That spurred Wolfgang on to excelin English class because he wanted to finally understandwhat the lyrics of these songs were acting. So they werefascinated, preferably the American soldiers Radio AFN(American Forces Network), who played these songs to theirdelight day and night. Wofgang, finally, was caught byCliff Richard's backing group, The Drifters, who latercalled themselves for copyright reasons, The Shadows, andby Apache, FBI, or Guitar Tango. This was somethingcompletely different than the boring song and Studies, withwhich I had to toil as a child. From his eleventh birthday,Wolfgang had piano lessons, and by the related exercisesthe joy very quickly lost. In the spring of 1962, in frontof the window of a music store, Wolfgang saw a guitar, asfuturistic as if it came from another world, stood thereall alone at the top in the window display. The body,painted red consisted of a solid board, which was cut atthe point where the neck of the guitar was screwed onto thebody, to allow for the game in the highest positions: aHofner (360DM). Nevertheless, he began to save money, andalong with a small reserve, after a few weeks he was ableto finally realize his dream. Shortly before he met Hans, afriend who lived in the neighborhood and wanted to knowwhat he was wearing under my arm. So I showed him my newestpride. Hans said: "Come up to me, I have to show yousomething too. Since when do you play real guitar? " Theyentered the small living room and there in the corner stooda white board Framus guitar and a small, self-builtamplifier with speaker. "Does not matter, sit down, I'llshow you something simple!", Hans said. From this day onWolfgang worked tirelessly in every free minute with hisguitar. He met with Hans to practice and after severalweeks, they both had a considerable repertoire, bothinstrumental and vocal tracks on. "How about if we stoppedonce for a drummer for?" On a Saturday night Wolfgangattended a dance performance in Wallbräu-basement and couldnot believe what his eyes are seeing: a colleague from hisapprenticeship: Mickey Kluge behind drums climbed out. "OhMickey, since when do you play drums? By the way, we haveformed a guitar band. Would not you feel like time to come

to a rehearsal because we are looking for a suitabledrummer! "

Mickey did have concerns, but agreed. From then on, theywere rehearsing twice a week ever Tuesday and Thursdayevenings in the City Hall Park. Then they visited thenewly-opened Vienna Woods. At the end of August, and at theend of the trial, Micky said casually to Wolfgang: "What doyou think of it as if we were going to play next Saturdayin Astoria hall? I've already cleared everything, it worksin any case. We must make up only a band name! " WhenWolfgang had caught something of his dismay, he noticedspontaneously "tornadoes" field. As their music originatedin America and England, they settled on The Tornados andcrafted them a great logo, which they paint with greenluminous color to it to hang over the stage, so that thesituation also looked really professional.After their first and successful presence in the Astoriahall they played there regularly. First Saturdays only,then Friday and Saturday and Friday after a few weeks,Saturday and Sunday. They always played from 20:00 toclosing time at 1:00 clock in the morning, 6 DM per manhour. Through the routine they got through their regularperformances, they got better and better, which isrumsprach quickly with the many other pubs owners,increasing their value and demand.

They deal that reached after Gerolzhofen and Kitzingen,where there were the three most famous dance clubs in thearea with professional bands. In Schweinfurt, there weretwo shops where bands played every evening. The Tivoli, onthe ground floor of a red brick building in theLuitpoldstraße, and secondly, the Lilli Marlen Bar,opposite the main entrance of the American barracks. Theywere there during the week for a regular guest. What theywill also occasionally made, was the choice of themusicians, they even replace for 'an hour to even playproperly on expensive instruments on top of the amplifier.The bar owner had no objection to the musicians were happyabout the unexpected pauses and our reputation grew sosteadily. In such an action addressed to Wolfgang oneevening a former classmate and asked him why they were

playing without a bass player? He was bass player and wouldlike to join us. After a brief consultation they agreed andinvited Karl Heinz “Charly” Dees to a rehearsal. It turnedout that he had never played bass. As he promised them newprofessional speakers and an echo unit, they finallyconsented. Wolfgang then teaches Charlie to play bass. Theymet every day and he made progress very soon. Soon laterCharlie finally was at their first show in ZehnthofGerolzhofen starred and also earned some vocal tracks. If apiece was that he has not mastered, he simply turned offhis bass guitar, and Wolfgang mean a little darker, whathas struck anyone.

Wolgang had time for a few weeks to work night shift andthen every time after work in the Lilli, because thereduring that time played an extraordinary group: TheStrangers from Innsbruck, the perfect Cliff Richard withhis Shadows.By Cyclone for bloodsuckersIn autumn 1962, the disaster came two months later withfull force from the speakers of the jukebox, which stood tothe left of the podium in the Astoria hall. Instrumentalstarted chirping, humming, and other strange noises. Thentook over a whimpering the organ melody. Telstar was themature work, in line with the first American satellitetelevision. All this would be for them but still have beena problem if not for the name of the artist of this tunewould have been: THE TORNADOS was written on the tagattached to the box, and the title of this American bandwas on the way, not a huge hit to be only in Germany. Theywere thunderstruck. Just at the moment, as their reputationgrew steadily under this name, something like that!Everyone we spoke to them: "Are you that? That you'rereally not ...! " What should they do? Look around for adifferent name, was the only alternative. But which? It washeartbreaking. For Charley, who had a passion for themystical, came up one evening with a proposal, which theyliked right away and convinced: "How would it be if wewould call The Vampires?” Immediately they had the idea of how we should design the band logo.There were then a number of diverse, pulp novels' by Bastion-Verlag Commissioner X, G-Man Jerry Cotton, and yet

the other bat-thriller. The latter was on the cover of a yellow full moon, before the black silhouette of a bat was seen. We liked it so much that we painted it on the big drum.Under this name we were then - but with a rotating cast - up to 1969 and also produced several records. More on this later.Changing our band name came under the circumstances to general understanding and had no adverse effects in terms of exposure or amount of the fees. As vampires we were immediately accepted. I even had the impression that we, the new name was more interesting.Mr. Halbig, owner of the eponymous musical house in Hambachwas a large middle-aged man and very popular among musicians, because he wanted to not only do business. He always had. Willing to listen to the concerns and needs, its' musicians, who gave him in droves, the jack in the hand Because he always had the latest instruments and devices in its range.

This realization quickly made the rounds of the many bands,especially the string bands, who suddenly shot up at this time as mushrooms. She came to me one day to the ears."Wolfgang Yes, that is certainly a lot of money, but I'm sure we'll find a solution. You pay me what to give me a month and all you have left and you'll see, one day she heard then you. I'll part your Fender immediately. What, however, experience has shown that some take for customs clearance in Bremerhaven. As long as you have to be patient. "

The turning pointMeanwhile, I worked now for almost a year as a skilled worker in the telecommunications division of Fichtel & Sachs This circumstance disturbed the older people but not in the least because they treated me still like the one last pens'. That irked me again, because I had in my final examination before the Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed that I was technically much better than most of them.

Their main task was only to relocate in newly constructed buildings or parts the required cables to connect phones toscrew clocks on the wall or to check fire alarms.In order to illustrate the importance that I must as, pin 'enjoyed, you know me throughout my 2 ½-year apprenticeshipas a signaller in the world company not even a stool was available.I did not take my break bread while standing - I was not even allowed to sit on the bench - I had to put my tool boxupright and sit on me. I then presented with my chin just to the table edge.So you should pardon today with apprentices, trainees deal with!It has also pleaded around quickly even with F & S, I was very well known and successful with my new hobby. So I pulled myself to the envy and resentment of colleagues whose prospects looked pretty bleak in comparison to my, orhad already burst. Because almost all were married and had dreamed her dream. And that's not all, most of them had their youth stolen by some Austrians with a narrow mustache.Then I hummed constantly American pop, instead of wearing blue work pants Levi's jeans and perfumed me with Old Spice. I smoked in my breaks, after I was about eighteen, every now and then Viceroy or Winston (all of the Yanks) and was constantly surrounded by pretty girls. Some of themworked in the same company and were waiting outside the factory after work to accompany me on my way a bit. They hung it in to me and put his arm around my waist.However, that was my dear colleagues, understandably, 'an eyesore.So it happened, on Ash Wednesday, 1963, that I had to struggle with balance, because the night before I had not gotten much sleep. Also, I had let me patronize a few beers, and all together had a positive impact not just on my condition.It did not take too long before Oscar Brand, whom I was to assist in one of his dirty work, thought she had to give mea bollocking. The guy was well known that he could be quiteruthless. Probably he had learned in the Hitler Youth.I thought, "Fuck you", packed up my tools, let him just stand and went straight to the council for a long overdue

complaint about the inhumane treatment that happened to me in the low power department since the beginning to get rid of.From that moment I was sure that I had the longest time of my life in, spent Bude ', as the factory was designated worker jargon. I wrote my resignation, which I did the nextmorning, make representations to our department.Obviously showed my visit to the council first effects, because in the morning I was also the same of Mr. Beck, my master, instead of "good morning" greeted with the following words: "disciple, you shall immediately prior to the Chief!"The neatly fit yes, because I wanted to go there anyway.Received me with harsh words: "Say disciples of you hears not exactly the best stuff. You make music again, have never slept and apparently no special interest more! I'll give you your last chance: Either you will be a good indicator, for panel or you'll musician "!"Well if that's so, then I will become a good musician. Here is my resignation, "I reached into my pocket and put the piece of paper on his desk.This could not have better seat! He changed color and took a deep breath, because something had happened disrespectfulto the Lord Chief Engineer determined throughout his careerwith his sneaking generic employees before. Sheepishly, he asked me, with a gentler tone: "Have ... have you really thought about that too? You've got the opportunity to move forward ... ""Yes sir Schoppelrey, plus I had the opportunity for years and I have a progress during the last year, since I am skilled workers, also noticed nothing. My decision is final. I will take my leave and rest have disappeared now. Good-bye! "Until I was back in the shop, the news had already got around there and brought me a few dirty looks.Reinhold Gerber, who had always been kind to me and the only my first name was familiar to wish me good luck for myfuture right and said: "Wolfgang, if I were twice as young as you, I'd do the same! "

After that I gave a six-month, guest performance 'as a repair technician, responsible for the repair of TV Channel

Selector at Preh, which manufactured electronic components.Only the bungling by the girls on the assembly line in a former gymnasium produced mainly Monday was enough to provide me with work until Thursday.I was also not unknown, and the ladies had a lot of fun to tell me what they did at the weekend ahead with their "Negroes", only drive me to maybe a blush face. It was sometimes very violently, which came to me as to my ears.My immediate boss was a Spaniard, who had fought for the Americans in Korea and there caught a head shot that killedhim not, fortunately. Since that time, however, were enoughto man up to three hours of sleep in order to stay fit. He was also very fond of our music and was once even with a huge tape recorder to a gig. I would give much to be there today if I should listen again. (But perhaps I was too shocked, who knows?)

Mr. Halbig visited me once at my desk to give me hand out acustom-made guitar case for my Jazzmaster. I transported the hitherto always shrouded in a blanket. Something like visiting Mr. Halbigs, was there not, however, like to see, because I was allowed to leave my job only during breaks.And so one day fluttered a warning in my parents' house because I had once dared to go five minutes before beginning to break out to wash my hands. Someone really hadto have denigrated the "authorities". My mother was so incensed that she immediately wrote my dismissal, I then passed it with the greatest pleasure. That was mid-September 1963.

The leap into the professionalOn the same afternoon that I had submitted my resignation, I went to Tivoli, where this month played a Swedish group and saw with amazement the empty podium. "What's happened here," I asked the manager, who came at the same moment from the kitchen. "The boys have turned on the boss on the worst one, and since we have just kicked! But tell me, do you play it with the Vampires. Would you play to end the month and you would have like to be professionals, then we would help you. Our connections extend over the whole of

Germany "(At that time, the German gastronomy, especially the nightlife, firmly in Jewish hands.)That was the opportunity for which we had been hoping for so long, and the rest of the band had not at all superior. So we stood on the same evening as a professional musician at the Tivoli and felt great.Then came one evening, a smartly dressed man to the podium and asked if he could join us in singing a few tracks twist.The twist was inexorably losing at this stage is on the rise, and the rock 'n' roll on the way to importance. Personally, I'd like the Twist dance as never really. But he reminded me strongly of the introductory course for a cleaning lady squadron when I the hustle and bustle on the dance area as watched.We were a little skeptical, because something we had never practiced unrehearsed. He just said: "When I raise my hand,you're playing a semitone higher, and when I show down, yougo back!" It was the known records star Billy Sanders, known for the hit Hello Mr. Twist. Billy had wandered by chance to Schweinfurt.The interaction worked so perfectly, as if we had never done anything else. We exchanged addresses - and have neverheard of Billy.

The following month, I allowed myself a professional, time out '(I suspect this new German term), because in November we started our professional musician in Bamberg existence outside of Schweinfurt.Finally, for me, the long-awaited moment had come, the provincial town of Schweinfurt to turn his back and throw myself into the unknown musical adventure of the "wide world".The Atlantic ...... a typical Amikneipe the first floor of an old apartmentbuilding, in the Franz Ludwig Street was a long room, in the middle was on the left side of the podium places. Opposite we went into the kitchen and at the front there was the counter, behind the shrewd young women chanted the Americans busily their dollars out of the pockets and andrehten them with fondness Pommery champagne.

Under the Atlantic Ocean, on the ground floor, there was the Tivoli, a Nepplokal, in the always excellent bar musician aufspielten to dance. We took advantage of many opportunities to listen to our breaks, which in turn displeased the CEO, Mr. Schiller. "But gentlemen are, what our guests think of when you here in Beruuufskleidung standat the Baaar?" He asked us with a sonorous voice.We wore gold-colored tuxedos and then went elsewhere UNOR no-ordinary impression, so we were able to validate this disparaging remark about our, work clothing not 'absolutely."But Mr. Goethe, we want to listen only briefly, then we are again disappeared," said Charley, who thereby imitatingthe tone of Mr. Schiller exactly. "Gentlemen, my name is ... Schiller Schiller "" Yes Mr. Goethe, we are right back off! "

On the third floor of the same building were the two areas in which we were allowed to stay for free - and so saw thisrat holes also.A room, like a prison cell with three beds and a sink shared Micky, Hans and me.The single room Charly claimed for himself, for he was expecting very many overnight guests', but put us in case of need the space available naturally.On the third floor of the same building were the two areas in which we were allowed to stay for free - and so saw thisrat holes also.A room, like a prison cell with three beds and a sink shared Micky, Hans and me.The single room Charly claimed for himself, for he was expecting very many overnight guests', but put us in case of need the space available naturally.It was not easy, someone to smuggle back to your room, because at that time there was - especially in Bavaria and especially in the cathedral city of Bamberg - still, discipline and order ', and an elderly woman watched like ahawk, "clean" that we are in this respect remained.Our ingenuity, however, was at this point almost limitless and we managed each time to trick the lady through diversion.

Mickey had once pulled a butcher shop assistant ashore. Thesqueak in certain physical activities, as they would stabbed. To sleep with such a wheel was not thinking. But because they are generous with eindeckte sausages, this circumstance was graciously tolerated. Rats, there was in these rooms may not, but mice. I once had a salami in a boxunder my bed, and when I wanted to cut a piece of it, had the Italian sausage over the entire length of a uniform edge teeth '.One day, Hans on the great idea to paint the body of his guitar red. So he bought a can of fast-drying spray paint, Cut up his instrument and the guitar body attached by a cord to the lamp that hung in the middle of our room on theceiling. So he could spray it evenly on all sides. It was agreat success, a job well done, and it looked really great.Only, unfortunately, he had underestimated the perils of the spray, which had inevitably spread throughout the room until the last corner.To make matters worse, we also had forgotten to open the window in time.Mickey and his girlfriend Gundi, who were also in attendance - both blonde - then had shiny red hair.Now, a thorough cleaning, not only of the room and the entire device was announced.     For physical cleaning, we went regularly to a nearby publicbaths because the bathrooms in the building where we lived,we were just too disgusting.If we are not in the restaurant had dinner - there was a woman who came every night and the staff really well and cheap cooked - we went there on the recommendation of the manager Rudi and again in the restaurant Fork man, where you could eat excellently. That it is concerned a gay bar, did not bother us in the slightest. The other guests left us in peace, and the service was at its best, the waiters polite and nice. As one evening sat an elderly gentleman atthe piano and played the greatest ragtime tunes. This impressed me greatly, and it has stayed with me to this dayin remembrance.

Fights between the GIs were commonplace. Almost every night, after 22 clock time, when we go to the break, again

entered the podium, it popped. I then fell to the task, turn on the bright lights above the stage and the dance floor and stop the music. Immediately, some built on wardrobes' of Americans around the podium, to protect us from harm. Perhaps the times were allowed to pay a demolished music system?Then came immediately alerted by Rudi, the U.S. military police on the scene and made again for peace and order.What I felt as strange was the following effect: we could hear through our echo unit to American police radio. This was certainly due to the fact that the Yankees with tremendous power station blew through the area '. Each timea Jeep the MP with such a device aboard drove around and radioed stopped our song and out of the speakers sounded just the announcements by the MP. Much to the delight of the Americans present.

On 22 November occurred the next disaster. We had just returned after 22 clock started playing when Rudi stormed at me and yelled, "Wolfgang light on, music off. President Kennedy has just been shot! "I was stunned with fear and could not understand their scope not even the meaning of these words. Rudi entered thestage, grabbed my microphone and held only in English and then in German a poignant speech to the guests.The reaction of the audience could not be more different towhat really shocked me.John F. Kennedy was a beacon of hope for the Germans and very popular, especially after his perhaps most famous words in the Schöneberg Town Hall in June 1963, the end of his visit to Germany: "Ish been one bearleener" (as it was then in his crib).Some made embarrassed faces, some began to cry, and others shouted hurray again, and the next moment the wildest brawlwas in progress. Since a chair flew across almost the wholerestaurant. The probably had to have been thrown with tremendous force, as the room was not too high.When after a while the situation had relaxed, Rudi said: "Imagine chairs on the podium, sit back and play soft music." After about an hour we went from the quiet and I had thick pieces of the faxes. Secretly, I snuck out of therestaurant, went to the nearest phone booth and called the

police? "! Such an impertinence, since Kennedy was shot, and in the Atlantic is danced" "Who said anything because" "A neighbor," I said and hung up.We had just started to play again, as two German police officers entered the restaurant and ordered us for the restof the evening playing music. Rudi said only: "This certainly have their crooks hatched!"

All in all we were really so good that Rudy committed us for another month. So we played in December in the AtlanticBar.Since rang one evening in late December, a song from the jukebox, which had me sit up: From me to you, from an unknown group called The Beatles!That sounded very different than what we had come to my attention until then. The guitar did not sound shrill metallic, such as in the Shadows or, specifically, the Spotnicks, whose sound we ever tried in vain to imitate, but soft and full.

Since harmonica was involved. The polyphonic singing in some passages highly creepy. The harmonic progression completely unconventional, not after the 12-bars blues scheme, as usual, most of our titles. It just sounded different, it was revolutionary.Somehow I felt instinctively that something big would happen to us!Of course we tried to replay this song, but failed to have the polyphonic singing, because with the choir we were overwhelmed. The only singer in the band and I were Charley, and Charley had often problems with the correct intonation.Shortly afterwards: I Wanna Hold Your Hand and She loves you and we were under pressure, because our audience demanded the same from us.One evening, someone had the Bravo here and we first saw photos of the Fab Four, the Beatles were there called. Their actual hairstyles were sensational. And this at a time when we were still with plenty Brisk conjured the bestElvis tunnel. They wore high-necked suits and half-high boots.

Then the guitar: it was semi-acoustic instruments are unknown manufacturer. The bassist played a left-handed Hofner violin bass, which dominated at that time, as Fenderguitars and basses the world music market, in Germany no one wanted.We just hoped that it would soon be forgotten, and looked excited to pastures where we should play next month. The Ice AgeTo our great fortune Beatlemania was not yet reached in theUpper Palatinate.As we at first January 1964 superstructures afternoon at Café National our equipment, and the boss remarked sympathetically, "Oh, all Fender instruments, you are welcome to bargain, and may play with me!"Well, what an honor! The disillusionment followed, as we took our property inspection: An ancient, dilapidated multi-storey Victorian villa, which reminded us of the house of serial killer Norman Bates from the Hitchcock classic Psycho. In the middle of Botany, with an endless fence around the huge property. In this villa we should live alone.If we already believed, our stay in Bamberg was a real dump, which was nice then please this one?We should occupy the first floor of a building where the electricity had only held many decades later, their debut. On the walls are wrapped in silk twisted power lines were on porcelain insulators, which probably dated back to the early days of electrical engineering (Oskar von Miller in memoriam). The rotary switches and sockets, also of porcelain, looked antiquated and little to inspire confidence, and the water pipes were installed surface. Thefuses and the electric meter were on a marble slab in an inaccessible height, about a wardrobe on the wall in the hallway.In the endlessly high ceilings it was bitterly cold.Minus 10 degrees Celsius showed an outdoor thermometer. Inside it was not much warmer. And since we were sleeping? That could be fun, as we know, are frozen very many!Mickey flopped on his future bed and slammed full of the head against the wall. The bed was just 1.70 meters long, which he had previously unfortunately not recognized!

In each of the rooms there was a huge fireplace and a piano.When I first saw the room where I was to spend the next fewnights, I had the strong feeling that they have been ever since! Everything was so familiar to me. I told the others that it shook their heads in disbelief and incomprehension.It was only years later I realized that it had to have acted in this experience a déjà vu.Every night I pulled some slats from the fence, put them inmy fireplace, poured alcohol over it and threw caution intoa burning match. Woof - lit the thing and after a while theroom temperature was minimal in the positive range. I went dressed in my bed and began to take time to undress me. When I woke, my blanket was in the nose through my frozen breath and covered with hoarfrost. It would be a miracle that at that time none of us caught a cold.

Every night after 22 clock we honored the police, not to listen to our sound, but because we had allegedly played too loud and had the neighbors complain.Monday was never busy in the shop, so we took in consultation with the CEO once free Mondays to go to Nuremberg because Hans wanted to get a new amp.Also that night, the police arrived because of some complaints about our volume back on time after 22 clock in the restaurant and were amazed when they saw the empty podium. From then on, she never came back!On 15 January shortly after 22 clock, suddenly came back a man in uniform - this time a postman - to the stage and asked: "Who among you is Wolfgang disciples" "I, what is it" "A write-in Express letter, please sign here! "I openedthe letter, which came from my parents, looked inside, and felt he had to pass out, because I was suddenly very easy and everything was spinning before my eyes.It was my call-up: 2 April 1964, near Nuremberg, 1st Air Force Training Regiment 2nd, Company ...But that tore the bankruptcies, pitch and series of glitches from not!

I forgot to mention that we already across when we arrived in pastures on an icy intersection skidded, and only a

mound of snow that had piled up against the winter, broughtour involuntary glissade to a halt.The very next morning we waited for the next nasty surprise: Micky was at night before going to bed to the toilet again and his, legacies were 'there, frozen clean, in the brimming bowl. Usually makes you look beyond such mundane human needs no idea, unless you're an astronaut andeven for the well taken care of. But for us it was a serious problem because we are now in our accommodation could not even go to the bathroom. We washed and shaved us from then on always in the kitchen of the nation as well asthe water pipes had frozen, and used the toilets there.Then we tried to improve by means of electric heaters to the climatic conditions in our bedrooms something by day and night, they turned left. Here, the overhead lines warmed considerably on the walls and on the backup drive inthe hallway it sparked enormous. It is not surprising that one night we were in the dark. However, this was not about a short circuit, but the fact that they had us locked down the stream. I then climbed the next day to a high cupboard in the hallway and have risked their lives bridged the counter. From then on we left the heater off and heated only on the proven principle picket.One day the failed engine of Hans' Porsche is serving. I donot remember how he had brought him to Schweinfurt, becausethe engine did absolutely no power anymore.On another day, the bell rang in the afternoon at our door.It was Mickey who opened, and only his lightning fast response, it is thanks to them that nothing happened, because at one stroke put an ax to his head in the doorway.The perpetrator escaped undetected in the darkness of the staircase and also the called to help police were baffled. They went empty-handed again, have not given us without thewise tip to the future to be on guard. Then we would even have thought of ...All in all we were glad when the part was over and we were grazing far behind back. We drove our 17 M in a completely foreign world in which everything was different than what we had previously met.

Way Up North

The next two months we spent in the far north, in Schleswigon the Schlei. It was also the first time that we have, since we were professionals, working for a German restaurateur.The difference from what we had experienced was unique:The North German language sounded interesting and had something exotic for us, just as common there imaginative 'name: Jens Jensen, Hinrich Hinrichsen, Wilhelm Wilhelmsen or Hans Hansen.Likewise, official 'greeting, the day and night was valid: "moin moin moin-or."A little later there were three sisters to our closest circle of friends: Anke, Gönke and Frauke.Anke told me that she was ever in Bavaria: "In the restaurant of the Nuremberg main station it as an accompaniment to roast, so funny balls' ..." We call those things in Bavaria dumplings and dumplings!The breakfast eggs tasted like fish and there were far and no Americans.I saw my first striptease - completely without '.The girls were very permissive, not so uptight as in Lower Franconia. And if they did not, we noticed that her whispering, talking to himself, Platt ', or Danish.This in turn spurred us on, they retaliate in kind. So we rummaged out our widest Schweinfurterisch, that was us everheard, and also because they understood only, station '."Wass has gesacht of?" Was heard more often then.The ballroom at the hotel stamp mill - that was the plant outside of Schleswig - was very nicely decorated. The huge stage had heavy red curtains left and right and great lighting.Our twin room we stayed in was also free, nicely equipped with properly functioning central heating. That was us after Friererei in pastures very important. Moreover, the rooms were cleaned regularly from room service and it made the beds every day. Outside the windows flew by seagulls and the wind blew continuously day and night.Our boss, Mr. Callsen, we got on brilliantly from the start. We were obviously just as likable as he us. When times nothing was going on, he came to the stage with the words: "guys making conclusion happens to the counter and let us toss it!"

Monday we had always been free, but still got the same salary as in southern Germany. The songs from the music boxes and their interpreters were almost totally unknown tous. As names were as follows:The Searchers, Tony Sheridan and the Beat Brothers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Liver Birds, The Rattles, The Phantom Brothers and of course, The Beatles, which we were in the meantime a term.Beck's beer from green bottles tasted unusually bitter, butgood. It was well suited to the harsh climate.Of mustard to the meat balls in the takeaways was hellish hot, so me the first time I innocently took a bite, the airstayed away what amused the host delicious. Nothing was as before ...

It had even got round to Schweinfurt after that in the cityof Hamburg should be a famous temple of music, had already occurred in the all the international music business was anybody. Longingly we wanted our first cause, play-free Monday, because we could not wait, the legendary store personally inspect it.We then stood before the portal of the world famous Star Club, Grosse Freiheit 39, two years earlier, with the slogan: "has the emergency to an end. Music is the time of the village had gone! "Opens.When I saw the name on the large illuminated panel above the entrance read, I froze in awe. As was written: Here guest appearances: Bill Haley, Tommy Roe, Joey Dee, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Vince Taylor, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Brenda Lee, The Everly Brothers, Johnny and the Hurricanes, but a few to name, because the list was endless.The interior of the former cinema was in the back seat of groups, and in front of the huge stage, which filled the entire width of the room, there was the dance floor, movingto the countless couples under comical contortions. I was always in the mistaken belief that, after we had been like,peeled out of the egg 'on the stage, this world-famous stars would occur at least in platinum suits. But far from it.The musicians were, much to my dismay, around in their street clothes torn. That we would never dare!

Behind the stage at the back of the famous skyscraper skyline could be seen, which has graced the album covers ofcountless Star Club Records. On pedestals were the drums and the amplifier of the musicians. As we entered the storejust was a singer in the series (the groups alternated every hour - up to eight bands in the evening), who sang not only stunning, but also a master of his guitar.I asked one of waiters rushing after the name of the musician and the answer shocked and reproachful: "Well, that's Tony Sheridan" (du Village Potter, he was thinking at that).In the next hour were Bobby Patrick Big Six of Liverpool's turn and then Kingsize Taylor And The Dominos, all came up with the sound, we knew from the jukebox in the stamp mill.Then a man stepped up to the microphone with the words: "Ladies and Gentlemen. The Searchers from Liverpool! "Thunderous applause followed.We were thrilled to hear this but already known group live,because in the jukebox at the Tivoli that time there was already a record of them, twist the Star Club. We were overwhelmed!

On the following Mondays now we explored the other clubs that we knew from hearsay, such as the Kaiser cellar, or the Top Ten, where the Beatles made their first appearance in Germany. We crossed of course once the infamous Herbert Street, the main street of St. Pauli red light.Since in small windows sat the scantily clad ladies, waiting for customers. It smoked, knitting or reading it. Employed there older colleague 'would tow my car really - much to the amusement of my dear colleagues.I was at the time of Benjamin of the band and my dear friends told me to have to have fun at my expense! Maybe they had recognized her aunt on me. Who knows? Anyway, I took the flight in horror.

Back in Schleswig, we bought black turtleneck shirts that we wore shirts under our stage now instead of jackets to usvisually the new trend a little bit to adjust.The time passed very quickly in the north and the temporaryend of my career was fast approaching. Then the federal government initially not to weaken too much, I was tight

from now every meter walk to get used to impending forced marches.

The absolute highlight during our time in northern Germany was a one-hour performance at the Star Club on a Monday night in late March!As my successor Robert came from the Netherlands and the Prophet is well known in his own country is, we were announced as Dutch group! Of course, without pay, for it was at that time a great grace to be able to get closer than 'normal' unknown musician the sacred stage boards of the Star-Club in general. Unfortunately, I can no longer tell who it was then managed to get us there purely.The applause the audience gave us was not to be despised, and showed us that we could keep up with the stars who wereat home in this store, and we definitely did not need to hide behind them! My twentieth birthday on 30 March we celebrated with champagne still quite large, we had bought on a butter steamer between Flensburg and the Danish Kollund.Then came what could not be helped, unfortunately - and I reluctantly took leave of my colleagues, friends, and the stirred to tears girlfriends who all promised to wait for me ...

Intermezzo BundeswehrIn step - march!The airbase Roth was an idyllic spot right in Nuremberg Reich Forestry. The postal address was for reasons of secrecy Kilian village settlement. The senders of letters to us why it was not allowed to leave our ranks with the envelopes. As if the Russians, the existence of that airport would not have been known at the latest - but couldbe so naive not to think so - because:Once, when we were during a combat exercise in an open area, thundered suddenly, without warning, two Soviet MIG jet fighter flying low over our heads. The exercise made even more realistic. I was truly impressed!The silver shining on the wings and vertical stabilizers the red stars were clearly visible. Our company commander,

Lieutenant Mattern, hopped in a triangle and cried for a radio to report this outrageous incident immediately.But we had none of it and I was sure that the comrades had meanwhile flown over the Iron Curtain unmolested on their way back before our company can ever have anything against it. This is a band interceptors would have to be in the vicinity.I did not know how often our F104G Starfighter pilots had done the same thing, but in the opposite direction, only toa few, memories' of the GDR to bring home.That was then, of course, perfectly normal and also top secret.The shrill whistle of a whistle woke me unmercifully by five clock dreißig from sleep, followed by the roar: "Second Kompaniiiiiiiie - get up!" We ran to the washroom, subjected us to it, and they went up in no time at our hotel. Then we went at a run toward the dining room for breakfast. Ever everything took place here on the double. Anormal gait there was apparently unknown!After the soldier 24 hours a day on duty, was also sleepinga permanent part of the roster. It was not enough that one from 22 clock in bed and his eyes were closed. No, you had to sleep. It did not take long until I was able to obey this command unconditionally and obey.That did, however, once unpleasantly than we after four weeks were allowed for the first time home: I met with my friend Horst in the Vienna woods and on time by 22 clock with me fell down the blinds. It took the greatest effort to stay awake, so I hastily adopted and went home to bed.Back to the Federal Government, I bought in the cafeteria or a pack of cigarettes, then ebb reigned in my wallet.From then on, I started to scrounge through the rooms untilthey said one day: "off cigarettes, the disciple is coming!"That had me so annoyed that I from this point on with smoking was stopped and for the next 17 months for Non smoking.In an adjacent building of the barracks there was a comrade, the nanny state, like me, had laid the musical career temporarily on ice. He descended from the area and there was a well-known pop singer.

From somewhere I drove on a guitar, my Fender unfortunatelyI had to return, which I regret today. Of my military pay 60 marks a month, I could not pay ready.The two of us met in the lounge when the roster allowed andgave much to the delight of his comrades, an occasional concert. He sang, and I accompanied him on the guitar and sang, if necessary, the second voice. So I was not so much out of practice.One Sunday I visited a room colleagues, of course, in dressuniform, a neighboring village, where a guitar band in the open air gave their skills to the best.When I heard the boys, it itched me enormously in my fingers and I asked if I could enter times. After initial doubts they agreed and I played with a couple of titles. Then they thought that my style is wild about them! So whathas happened to me before. Somehow I was learning this province but a giant step forward.Ever had those in young men dreaded so basic training for me is relatively harmless. Compared with my training it waspure sanatorium. I had not the slightest problem with it because I was always very adaptable. If the service again seemed unbearable, I looked forward to the next break or after work, as I had during my apprenticeship and successfully practiced.Only once I had trouble when I do. During a training exercise, many miles from the air base, in the middle of the forest, received a package from a friend, which contained Arden for Men Eau de Toilette and other nice, heavy things Packed like a mule with military equipment, I had this loving and well-intentioned gift haul even with home. That broke my then almost the cross.

A very popular gag while marching was the singing of marching songs. Supposedly to strengthen the lungs.If we had time, exhausted, with his last strength, from a song is too high, it said immediately: "from song, but you're not eunuchs or the Beatles" The ask of me so reveredBeatles with eunuchs at a level suggested the barrel from the ground and I was like, "Oh you bloody philistines!"

But the rigors of basic training went quarterly to end at some point and it was the subsequent transfer to our

locations. My breath away, the fate in the south of Bavaria. And from then on everything was very different andmuch better than I was on-board radio-ground radio technician in the Air Force I park in the 6th Regiment 1 Season worked.

ErdingOur technical officer, Captain contactor was a big handsomesoldier, who looked like the French President Charles de Gaulle. Therefore probably came his nickname, Charly '.When I was at his message and introduced myself, he put a fatherly hand on my shoulder and said, "Young man, be sure you ask some of the basic training requirements for us to be here, but they may never get. Because, my young friend, remember one thing: We're not in the army, but in the Air Force! "I was speechless, but at the same thought: "disciples, hereyou're right."I then realized the next morning at roll call. Everyone wasdressed as his belongings were dropped against opening fromhis locker. The interest, however, no one.

Our spit (company sergeant), Master Sergeant Horschke, a former fighter pilot of the Wehrmacht, the familiar terms each meant welcomed me with the words: "So you're from Schweinfurt? Since they have shot me once with my Me 109th I came just to Nuremberg, then flew apart the box! "On this airfield, with the former code name, nature park Erding ', shortly before the end of World War II, the firstGerman Messerschmitt Me 262 jet aircraft were stationed.After that it had established the U.S. Air Force.

When I arrived, there was a fighter squadron of the Air Force and their officers' club was open Monday for German soldiers.In the said Officer's - Club I enjoyed the first really good burger of my life! I drank to 'Whisky Seven' - a long drink. A mixture of Four Roses Bourbon and Seven-Up on, crushed 'ice.This was a culinary experience.Even the ketchup and mustard from the red and yellow plastic bottles tasted there incomparably better.

The dimensions of the entire system were huge and everywhere the smell of burnt fuel from the countless planes that took off and landed there every day, sometimes even at night.Erding was primarily repair airport and the machines, even fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force came from all parts ofthe Republic of maintenance.When I once missed the bus that took us back to our workshops and promoted, I had to almost a half hour march at attention in order to reach my workplace. My path led mepast a collection point for all sorts of bizarre Bent sheet, that came from aircraft, which it was not permitted to get in the normal way solid ground under their chassis.I had the impression that this stack of week up to week andwas reminded of the many comrades who had left it with certainty their lives.Once, there was a tragic accident: Someone probably had doubts about the reliability of the Martin-Baker ejection seats, with which our jet fighters were armed. He catapulted himself through the roof of a hangar in which the machine was for maintenance and was killed on the spot He blew up an approximately two-meter hole in the ceiling. He knew exactly what he was doing, because as soon as the planes were rolled out on the floor and get into their parking positions, the seats were immediately secured by pins with red flags against accidental release.

The main entrance to the air base felt like out of a movie scene. The early 60s there was a Hollywood production, which was filmed in Germany: Town Without Pity, starring Kirk Douglas and Christine Kaufmann in the lead roles, was about a young girl who had been raped by four drunken American soldiers brutally. The defender before the military court, although it did so sorry tried to impute the blame for the crime to his clients for whom he felt only disgust, to protect them from the electric chair. According to American military law was on this fact then the death penalty. Place to support them in their difficultsituation, the time the locals with fingers pointed at them. Disappointment and despair, the sixteen year old was at the end of life.

The strip was based on facts, although this was denied vehemently, and was a taboo subject, no one wanted to talk about. I was deeply moved to action.The record with the soundtrack Town Without Pity sung by Gene Pitney, is in my collection ever since.

For the first time in Erding, I had reached a moral low point.I had to leave the Blues and not feel like the barracks after work. My civilian clothes I had left with my parents because I was tired to pack every time when NATO alarm the clutter to provide address labels with my parents and leavethem at a collection. Given that there was always much too short and that I was staying unnecessarily. Namely because we had our accommodation rooms completely because no one knew if we were in an emergency ever gone back there.Later, I simply stacked the stuff on a chair in our room and hung off a note: In the case of defense to the Red Cross. That was not correct, but no one could do something about it, and after all there was just as untouched as I had left it.In uniform, I did not want to present to the public, so me my roommates beknieten also help. But at some point they made serious: Someone lent me a pair of pants and a matching shirt.Furthermore, I wore my going out shoes and then saw it fromhalfway mannerly. With renewed confidence I set out with his companions towards the city center.Erding was a typical garrison town.By the Beautiful Tower ', passing a uniform tailoring, one came to the center in which lined up a place to the other and their music boxes filled the beautiful summer evening with a colorful Geräuschmix.The chimney of the world famous brewery in the town center was smoking incessantly, day and night.The population had long since accustomed to the presence ofinnumerable Bundeswehrler, where the pay was very loose andnot always behaved exemplary. Or simply ignored their existence.

Shakin'all over

I deceived, or were it not for the sounds of a guitar band to hear? From a basement restaurant namely those familiar sounds broke out. I like nothing inside and down the stairs, always the guitar sound on! And indeed, four young boys were playing there, my 'music.I immediately up to the podium with the obligatory question, if I might enter once.The boys had beaten thousands of excuses why it would not, and I just gave up.The next day I saw the bassist of that group in the dining room of the air base in uniform and spoke to him immediately. He recognized me and even told me that yesterday was their first appearance and they were afraid to make a fool of me. They had also a big problem: your guitarist would also have to fret, however, far from Erding, and they had no replacement for him.

This problem was Kurt Neumaier. He had driven the formationof the band with sufficient ambition and even more patiencewith his limited musical collaborators. It was the first group of its kind in the district of Erding.No one in the band had before this gig wider experience of stage performances. The appearance in the cellar bar, whichI experienced was the second ever. And so I heard out of the words of bassist that the departure of their guitarist would probably blow up the whole band.Kurt was the founder, organizer, arranger, lead guitarist and singer in a person. Played, was what he chose, and the other directed just after.And replacement for him was not in sight. Since it rang immediately with me, and I wondered how it would happen if I would take them in the solo guitar part?He said he would discuss it with his buddies and I show it.The very next afternoon while eating sent me Günther Dilger, that was the bass player, the positive news.

Now the boys called The String unfortunately fans and I just thought, an even dooferer band name which would probably occurred no more. (This teasing lingerie, for you can easily become a fan at that time was not yet invented).

So I thought about how we should read the future and came up with The Rakes!This word has several interpretations. They range from rake, rake to rake. Now, anyone who understood this, think its part. The latter term, our drummer Jörg Reiter did honor: He hada girlfriend, which he now and then at night was paying a visit to her parents' house: He forced his way through the open bathroom window and honored them secretly in her crib.What would he have done if he had met the Lord Dad on his back way through the house?

Just opposite the main entrance to the air base, on the street, there was the Metro bar, now a Beat shed that datedfrom the time when countless GIs Erding made uncertain. Theowner, Mr. Roman Merin, allowed us happily to rehearse in alarger store, as soon as possible because I wanted to come back.After I had no more guitar, I built me a line. The body, which I missed a metallic finish came in the carpentry of the air base. The neck came from Hofner and the pickups I wrapped itself

 I spent an entire Sunday in order to customize the two pickups by hand. Each 4000 turns of fine copper wire hair. I wrapped myself in my sleep and counted yet.The final product did not sound all that bad, certainly better than many instruments purchased. Then I began doggedly to practice new songs, because I wanted the group to give a new look, which they sorely needed.For the boys, I had to be like from another planet, becausethey hung on my lips and looked at me with wide eyes when Itold him about my adventures as a professional.After several weeks, we were able to play knotless Beat, and courtesy of my squadron leaders and permanent night starting we had our first gig in the metro. It was a complete success. Unfortunately had to Peter Green, our roughing as the rhythm guitarist were called then, point 22clock left the restaurant because he was not yet eighteen. That changed to happiness in the following month.We played tracks from the Stones, Searchers, Dave Clark Five, Kinks, Rattles, etc. A girl named Hedi melted like

butter in the sun and adored me when I kissed her And then I sang from the Crystals.We played even with a holiday ban on dancing. Our fans had served the dance floor with chairs and listened enthusiastically to our music, which was also its. After 23clock I went out due to lack of the songs and I handed my playlist into the audience with the words: "From now on request concert!" That was awesome! The shrieks of our friends was, as we learned the next day to listen to after Erding (the airport and the metro were just outside).

After that we had. Appearances Altenerding, Aufhausen, Markt Schwaben and even in Landshut And always voted the checkout. Our mess sergeant, is a great supporter of us taught me every time ago the most amazing food parcels whenwe played over the weekend outside.Who would believe today say, we once wanted to hitchhike hitchhiking with our devices up to Landshut, because none of us had a car. In vain we tried to squeeze the big drum in a BMW Isetta. Eventually we stood still complete before the local Ludwigshöhe, ready for our performance.I also remember one of our former fans, Hansi Reich, who was later mentor of "Vultures", a school band, the local high school. To my Erdinger time, was the local brewery, "The Weißbräu" my knowledge, has a smaller, regional operation. Through my visits to locations where it naturally always had something to drink, I have witnessed the spread of their products and the expansion of the brewery to a large international companies first hand. As far as I was able to witness this and learned this rise waslargely Hansis work with his advertising agency. His sloganfor the brewery I could later reinterpreted for me personally after "in Schweinfurt, home, home in Spain."

Since I had been guilty of nothing, I was, after I was six months soldier already automatically promoted to corporal. This is my military pay increased to 80 - DM per month.Then I was in the meantime not so much need after I am during the week in the metro even operated as a disc jockey. But I had my drinks for free, which was not too badeither.

Then I took part in a training course for radio repair, called ABC, (OJT). On 19 November 1964 I successfully before a review panel from the test, which equaled the trade test. Unfortunately, this was in the private sector not later acknowledged, but took my acquired knowledge to me any more.In general, I noticed very little of soldiering, clothing except the as our unit work done exclusively technical service. My specialist supervisor, Mr. style was a civilianemployee, the me, if he was working for me, politely asked,"Lord disciples, because what I had. Do you have desire "The food was good - the chef had a weakness for Italian. There were more dishes that were usually only found on the menu of pizza.Our accommodations were former officers' quarters from the time when there were only Americans stationed. Williamsville the settlement was called, and was outside the barracks fence, but belonged to the terrain. Access wasnot to pass without inspection. So it was not possible, short time to disappear without permission. We split into two or three of the rooms that we were allowed to set up asyou like. Was waking up and taps it not also!Since carpets were on the floor, we've brought from home. Cozy lights and bedside lamps were part of the inventory. In our room we had a stereo system and the jazzy records. The amplifier was naturally build yourself, from me, how could it be different to be.

One afternoon - I was lying in the bathtub to make city fine for me - the duty NCO appeared with the words: "disciple immediately to the chief, blue dress uniform witha helmet, belt and combat boots!"I was scared to death, because that usually only happen when one is, Specimen Bock had shot '. Which inevitably followed the disciplinary sanction of one such, had masked 'note. But I was not aware of any debt.Nevertheless, I walked into the boss room with mixed feelings. Our commodore greeted me with the words:"Corporal disciples, you are resting! On behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany I befördere you herewith the main corporal! Congratulations Mr. Corporal and you bring your uniform tomorrow immediately in the closet and let us

sew your new badge, because I want you now no longer seen walking around as corporal. At ease! "He handed me the certificate. I thanked him, was relieved and happy to have this honor, for Corporal was then a rank that was not mentioned too often, especially when dealing with conscripts! In the jargon of these soldiers grade team was named General.The promotion was based on my passing with good AAP. He also served with the 130th - doped DM pay per month after Ithereby also for the 1 Radio technician was appointed.I found myself more often in the coming days in view of my three oblique bars on the upper arms of the uniform and wasflabbergasted when newly arrived recruits saluted as they saw me. In our area, because there was no greeting duty. They greeted only people who were sympathetic one, raising the palm of his hand to his cap, and of course direct superior, because it was a question of decency.Meanwhile, I was at the Erdinger population, especially among the young, fully integrated and I felt quite comfortable and at home. From all sides has been given me awarmth that I had not known until then.Only few people were aware that I full-time "of the FederalRepublic of Germany and faithfully served the right and thefreedom of the German people bravely defended" (this was our pledge). It then circulated the rumor that I was working in Munich and who did not know better that I left in his faith.

Once in winter I slipped on the icy steps to the cafeteria,but landed on his feet, but was then no longer able to turnmy head. Of the cervical vertebrae was blocked. Without further ado, they put me, as I was in a jeep and took me into the city to a chiropractor, who einrenkte the vortex again. Here I met a friend who fell before the astonished eyes almost out of his head when he saw me in my army-ticking.Now and then I thought with horror of the day of my release, which was fast approaching. At the thought of having to return home, I felt a great sadness and I looked into a deep vacuum. Especially since there was a girl in Erding, of the struck me especially hard to say goodbye.

What could I do in Schweinfurt? To that question I could not answer. It was pathetic.

I was certainly the only one in the entire German army conscripts, who insisted to do his duty until the last minute to be able to, because most of them have been fired a few days ago and went with joy.Before they had to kick me out then, I went voluntarily, because weiterverpflichten I did not want, even though my superiors had the welcome. Even our commander, Lieutenant Colonel Freymann, spoke to me at times. He even offered me a cigarette. That would have not benefited much, because our unit was shortly after my release, as I later came to his ears moved to Landsberg-Lech.The famous then the handle would have been in the toilet.

Back to the prosIn Schweinfurt arrived, I tried to contact my 'make Vampires. I had no idea where they put it, and if they everexisted, because I had heard throughout my military serviceanything from them.So I visited Mickey's mother in Bergrheinfeld who then toldme that they played this month in Nuremberg in the Scotch-casino. She showed me some pictures and I saw with amazement that none other than Mickey from the old master was more here. On an autograph of them shone right above the Star-Club Records logo and I was floored. They looked nice and had hairstyles, like the Rolling Stones on their first LP. That impressed me a lot because I was not allowedthe federal government to let their hair grow.

The next day I bought a train ticket to Nuremberg and went on the same day there. With a strange feeling in my stomachI entered the Scotch Casino, which was found above, Plärrer'on the left side towards the castle. On the surrounding, directly adjacent to the building roofs Plärrer was the blue neon sign "hear and see with millions GRUNDIG" read. Isat mentally always elapses between millions and see and hear!Micky recognized me immediately and rushed over to me and introduced me to the rest of the band.

They had obviously heard a lot about me and were happy to finally get to know me personally.

Harald, the second guitarist was immediately appealing to me. We have been friends since that time and meet regularlyfor many years. Since 2001, we celebrate the New Year.Joe, the lead guitarist, was an ace on his instrument and the music they made together inspired me completely, because their program was up to date.I then stayed two days with them, with Micky and I slept together in his bed. I did not mind because I was at, covenant learned 'to sleep in the most unlikely locations, once even standing. Cautiously, I asked if they could not do me again, but had not much hope.Ede, the bass player said he would get out in December anyway, the others only knew nothing about it and if they would be right, I could take his place. That was music to my ears and I just hoped that Joe and Harry would be in agreement. In Micky I was sure about that.

The next two months I spent as a car radio mechanic in the Bosch Service on Marienbach in Schweinfurt, because I needed money for a completely new system that the boys werelooking forward, continue to make music with me. There I met Atcy, the former drummer for Ted and the Hurricanes, inthe battery compartment eked out his sad existence after the group had disbanded. This was not the life that I wouldhave liked. Since I had it comparatively very good.So I drove to the end of November Crailsheim, where the vampires occurred in the meantime. Together with Joe I immediately went on to Stuttgart from Barth music store where I grew me a Selmer bass amp system, a Höfner Beatles Bass' and a Shure microphone.

From 1 December 1965 we stood together in Bonn taboo, whichbelonged to Blatzheim hotel chain, on stage. It benefited me the experience I had gained when I Charly gave the bass playing. Was not time to rehearse it, so I played with fullfrom the first minute.None of the guests could not believe that I had never played bass.

In Bonn, we also got to know the news photographer WolfgangLenz, was willing to take our management. His motto: "Beatles - Vampires - Rolling Stones" did not just against us.In the short time he shot dozens of pictures of us, an asset to my current archive.During this time, was a title of the Berlin Lords on its way to storm the German charts: Poor Boy.For me, the Lords were poor guys because they obviously hadno idea what they were singing there. Their English was horrible - and on vinyl! I am also disturbed their visages arrogant that they set up photos on display. When we one day someone asked why we did not play Poor Boy, was allowedto listen to what the!

Thursdays talent competition was with a view of a recordingcontract. A kind of American Idol in miniature.The audience evaluated the candidates and a jury, who made it to the next round. As some had brought all their relatives and friends to vote. For us this was an ordeal, the future disk stars, who saw themselves as most do, to accompany. Who came with notes and then sang over in completely the wrong keys and the sound. Until we found thekey then sung, they finally caught up with the right peopleand the search game started all over again.The jury consisted of a disc jockey, and an employee of therecord company, completely unknown to me. They both threw ourselves every now and then pitying looks when things do was to bunt again.

Once we were abused by a parent to the worst one. The womanclaimed in all seriousness that we had messed with our unqualified strumming her daughter hopeful future. The girlhad tried to sing with marble stone and iron to the top of the charts. Unfortunately it was not known that there must sing to the beat. She was long finished with their bawling when we were playing merrily.We could follow suit yes can, but in such cases we intentionally switched on stubborn, just to prepare a quickend to the suffering! The managing director, Baron Mellentin was not initially done too much of us. No idea

why. That changed quickly, however, and we got along fine after a short time.Our accommodation we had in the city of Bonn. To get there,we had the endless Rhine bridge crossed on foot. We did that once in lockstep to the beat of Yesterday Man, who rang just because of our portable radio.In nearby Blatzheim hotel we were able to price our house to take our meals and the Rhenish humor was fully on our wavelength. Since I first heard the following dialogue: "Here's moves" - "Turn around, then press it!"At the bar, we ordered more 'ne Bescher. It was a Kölsch in, test tube '.

The New Year will stay with me forever in my memory: At theend of the show we packed up everything. For the transportation of our plant and the suitcase to the nearby train station - we do not have a car back then - someone had organized a van. Then all of us attended this evening the guests and all the staff at a big hello to walk to the station. Allen v. anticipate Mellentin Asbach with a bottlein his hand. The visitors had taken her glasses and poured v. Mellentin for increasingly strong.The train stopped just short and should proceed immediately. So we have enough time left to stow our belongings to a number of guests sat in front of the railcars on the tracks to prevent the train driver on Continue.Who took it with humor rheinländischem and waited. The nextafternoon by 15 clock we should in fact play in Nuremberg in Scotch casino to tea dance.MarathonOh God, what the place was filled with smoke! Unfortunately, I had recently started smoking again. Still stuck in my Scotch-casino just off the air. And we should play and sing all night - and during the next thirty-one days?After the third day I heard Joe and on to the end of the month with smoking, because what we inhaled passively was much more than was good for us. It went far beyond the limits of endurance.This January 1966 was the busiest month ever in my whole career. We played every day from 4 bis 20 clock clock in

the morning. Sundays and public holidays - and there were many in January - 15 to 19 clock. Then an hour break and again 20 to 4 clock. Always 45 minutes at a time then we took a break of 15 minutes.

I felt like a human jukebox. We earned a not bad, but this was unbelievable. It was so exhausting that I sometimes thought to 2 clock in the morning I break down. But as soonas it was 4 clock, I was fit again. Thanks Preludin and Captagon, which we threw more often associated with Cognac,we weathered many a murderous night.The guests could not be more different. From 20 clock came the girls working during the day at Grundig in production. Who stayed until about 22 clock, as most of them were not yet eighteen.During the next hour, it was then a little quiet.After 23 clock appeared the girls working at night on the Frauentormauer to enjoy their well-earned breaks or after work. They were followed by countless blacks and pimp and crowded the store. I was reminded of the novel, think UncleTom's Cabin 'by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Towards morning onlyteeth and the whites of the eyes were visible. Otherwise, Isaw black '!I joked: "The blackest black of my life!" The amendment contained a known advertising slogans detergent company. Who behaved as if the store would be theirs, "Hey You play Soul Music Men, will you!" From tomorrow you play: "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, otherwise we suggest you Käskuchen broken instruments" to be trifled was with them, not birds'. We had time to watch how the had one of their, fellows' bumped off on the open road. As heard on the fun. When the police and the MP came of course we did not, so wewould not suffer the same fate! There was an end to seriously funny! There was some decline, at war with each other. For example, the Gay-poppers whose trademarks were schmalkrempige Stetson hats, they also decreased not in thepub.

One of the few sympathetic blacks was Phil, who had a chin like a pelican of the bag under the beak. The had a great soul voice (feat), and sang with passion tracks by Joe Tex,Wilson Pickett and James Brown. Whose voice was so

urgewaltig that he really needed no microphone and it reinforced our instruments almost drowned. Compared with Phil, we were the purest boys choir with our Piepsstimmchen!When it was time for the break then, he even sang the pausesymbol. Something like translated into German:

Friends' love, do you think not, the band has been plagued enough? We allow them a, Break '. Who agrees to immediatelycall Yeah "Then with even louder voice:". Brothers What's wrong? I can not hear you! Everybody Yeah, yeah, yeah. We'll be back soon! If someone wants to give pleasure, let him throw a nickel in the jukebox, Since I Lost My Baby press. Thank's so loud brothers, we'll see us! "The Soul was in his most primitive form. Phil told us that his father was minister. We thought he would be politicians, until we found out that he was in a church. Perhaps as a pastor?Then we discovered by chance one evening a lucrative side income: This type was the money really much too loose in their pockets. So we armed ourselves with flashlights afterwork and crawled under the bench to pick up the dollar, because the masses were around. Especially on pay day, twice a month, this operation was very interesting. The cleaners will have asked to determine why this lucrative source had dried up so suddenly and permanently.And I was once an expensive ladies watch with a dial adorned with Brillis.The next evening, a lady made representations that described for me the clock exactly. Since I knew she was the legitimate owner and gave her honest as I am now time to return the good piece. In gratitude, she invited me the next afternoon to his home for coffee 'a ...

Overall, I saw the sun twice this January. That was becauseit was still dark when we went to bed and when we woke up, it was dark again!In the camera very close to us at the same time played the German band The Rainbows that we visited once in a break since he was not unknown to us:The fact had recently received a record that goes far beyond the country's borders, was unexpectedly a million

seller: My Baby Baby Balla-Balla was the mature plant. The guys could have been filthy rich, if they were not tied to older contracts, they had to meet, and from which they did not get out. I've never seen a bunch of looser loss on one stage! So what happens when you contract too much on the safe side go. With such a positive development in their career who had certainly never expected when they signed for years to come.

January is coming to an end and this cup went past us. The day was approaching the final bill. One of the two Jewish owners took before the payout. The man was a walking safe. For all his jackets and pants he pulled out thick wads of money with hundreds of which he flipped through it several before us on the table. Of the bags had been lined with tens of thousands of Märkern.In the showcase near the entrance we could see for ourselves that would occur with a Spanish band called Los Bravos. We did these unknown colleagues sincerely sorry!

From bad to worseAnsbach, the capital of the district of Middle Franconia - again a typical garrison town - with about 29,000 inhabitants and 10,000 U.S. soldiers, was the next stage ofour musical odyssey.Ms. Schernack, a lovable old lady, our landlady, was very concerned for the welfare, their boys', "Be me just be careful at night. Ansbach is a dangerous place! "How right they are so, we should very soon lesson the hard way.The Florida Bar - again a typical Amikneipe - whose owner, Mr. Perekalski also had the Star of David on its national flag, reminded me strongly of the Astoria hallway, in my musical career on 1 Began September 1962.The place was just as dark and behind the podium at the wall, the huge painting of a beach scene with palm trees and so was only there were also some palm trees made of paper mache, the leaves floated above our heads and the whole thing made even more realistic and three-dimensional.Eventually broke times as a palm frond from and Micky, who was sitting just below it disappeared in a huge cloud of dust.

Perekalski always exhorted us with the words: "Boys do not play so loud that Nahbarn hamm complained to the Pelezeh" Well, all right? Got that?One GI told me once that there was a barracks in the old First Sergeant, who had dabbled in the D-Day in Normandy. The vaccinated, 'the newcomers with the words: "You are here in a country that was defeated by us. Ye Dared performin public as you want, so you get us out of trouble! "(As if it was a heroic act, a dying downed opponent to strike amortal blow, as was done with Germany). Well fine, I thought, that explains so much.Us the Yankees were not very comfortable and peaceful minded, because it preferred the barmaids in the store, instead. Those who laminated the whole evening for them andexpensive drinks were issued to compete with us on the way homeSo it happened again that I felt a huge blow behind my right ear, saw stars and passed out. When I came to, I was lying in the gutter, and the rain water was flowing over meand through me. In the distance I saw Harald, the roaring behind two Americans ran forth, but unfortunately they caught. Harald was already well together 'and the two wouldnot have gotten away scot-determined, if he had gotten to take it. I had not yet fully recovered from my shock when suddenly my vision was getting close. When I got a very short while longer saw anything, I panicked. My colleagues took me perplexed by the arms and led me to our apartment and sat down in an armchair. I was beside myself with fear.The thought of not being able to see - to be blind - it drove me to the brink of insanity. In retrospect, it is no longer possible to tell me how long this condition had lasted a whole, as my eyesight gradually returned. My relief was indescribable, I was overjoyed to see her again.

At other times, at night, when I was just on my way home, Imet a Amischlitten, and when he was at the same level, it popped. Just above my head shattered the plate glass windowof a shoe shop, where I had just gone over. Lucky that the shooter was aiming so bad.One evening Joe got a visit from a young woman, whom he hadmet in the previous month to know in Nuremberg.

When she realized that Joe wanted nothing more to do with her, she gave herself the edge '. At some point I noticed her glazed look and I sat down at the break to her at the table, in order to expel her the sad thoughts. But she onlymumbled and was not nearly responsive. Suddenly she reachedinto her purse, and revealed the .45 service pistol of her Lord husband, because she was married to a MPler."If Joe does not love me, I'll kill him," she stammered, waving the gun around in front of my nose. I wrenched her the cracker, removed the cartridge from the magazine and gave her back the thing.Nachzureisen us was a big mistake. That was simply not common and usually ended in tears.

Now I want to introduce the interested reader nor our ingenious method by which we made sandwiches, we took very much to us when we take occasional hunger tormented:In our rooms, there was a space heater - a so-called artificial sun - which looked like a radar screen. With an electric heating element, which was screwed into the centerof the reflector.We fixed up our wardrobe and let it radiate down. Then we made another two bedside tables with marble tops, so that the distance between the incandescent lamp and the upper plate was approximately 20 cm. This we scrubbed previously spotless with scouring powder and then greased it with butter. Then we placed the slices of bread with ham, sausage, pineapple, etc., to them with cheese.Tasted quite excellent!Eventually, there was a loud bang and the halves of the shattered marble slab crashed to the ground.That, grilling landed 'in the underlying, top drawer.To mimic therefore unfortunately not recommended. So pleasedo not try this, because for accidents or damage caused thereby, I reject any and all liability.

To finally no longer rely on public transportation, we bought the dealership broadsword a used VW bus with registration number AN - E 224thWe made excursions, exploring the area and enjoying our newfreedom to the fullest.

What we also filled with joy, was the prospect of being allowed next month again perform in northern Germany, wherethe clocks were different. Namely in Elmshorn in the oasis.

The Oasis ...In the front area of the restaurant with the L-shaped footprint, there was a long counter behind which the owner - his name I forget - entertained the guests. The bye timesby a visitor with the words: "Come on good your farm!" By this we wear today is still high.One entered the actual bar, then left again one saw a counter, behind the little mouse-Juppi - his name I've noticed me - the gay nephew of the owner, ran the tap. He looked really meaty and could just as well that you can make with a glass in his hand, in a glossy magazine advertisement for a good brand of whiskey. He was the heartthrob of many female guests, where his passion for thestronger sex was unknown. I was once witness to him three Graces' so mocked.Jupp was very cool and said only: "It is right that I do not care for women. But I know that there are many beautiful women who also like to keep an eye I risk. Only her three part because unfortunately it is not. "On the opposite side of the bar was located in front of thestage and the dance floor.As seating, there were comfortable leather chairs. Always four pieces at a small round table.On the large round podium was in the back part of a second round pedestal for the drums.Mickey accidentally slipped times with his stool too far back. Suddenly there was a roar as if a stack of crates anddrop Mickey was gone. He did a backward roll, tore it with his drums and luckily landed on his feet.Above the stage hung a microphone from a cable. We thought it is used to transfer our music in front of the restaurant, but I was wrong!We played three titles, then we could make a five minute break, but should not leave the podium. Smoking, drinking and entertainment during this time allows us.In such a break, I had to look at the office and was astounded to hear the voices of my colleagues from the speakers of a tape recorder. This was in the shooting mode

and its large coils turned slowly. Such Stasi methods with us in the West, and why? I was horrified, but I thought at that moment: "Well, wait, I'll give you"The next afternoon - we were alone in the restaurant to sample - I exploded and said microphone with a fine wire I bridged the discreet microphone on the, mute '. The same thing I did with the plug on the cable. The next afternoon,I saw a man, an electrician working in the gray coat, whichlooked after the instruments with unexplained errors and seemed pretty clueless.I put on my brave and innocently asked hypocritical if not what would be okay, but got no response. The day after I registered with glee and discerning eye that the micro was renewed its cable. None of us ever spoke of this incident. We were warned.Our rooms were in the basement of the building and the first floor had the barmaids their dormitories. Since therewas already times that we musicians met us at night in the stairwell.

Monday and Tuesday we had free. A kind of poetic justice for the rigors of Middle Franconia.On the very first free Monday we went to Hamburg, was only a stone's throw away, and it could hardly be expected to enter again the Star Club. What on earth is happening here but in the meantime?The stage seemed much smaller and behind was a shirred curtain the whole gave the charm of a rural beat shed. During the week, as we learned, nightclubs operating. Bandsplayed only on weekends. This seemed to us the beginning ofthe end, and actually the star of the Star Club was unstoppable on the wane. On 12/31/69 finally closed its doors with a concert by Hardin & York.Once a group of young people sitting in front of our panel.One girl said, plenty of arrogant, "Well let's hear your own style once!" Basically, she was right. We were able to mimic the songs that we played on, faithfully, but, strictly speaking, we did not have any personal style.The thoughtful and we agreed we thought about what we should do differently. Joe started from then, to put their own ideas and improvise at will. That made the whole thing

worse. It was suddenly upon us. And Harald Blue sang his songs at once the way of him always had.However, on the ability to write their own songs, we were still light years away. I was 22 at Birthday, the end of March, it was snowing like crazy and we thought with horrorof the journey ahead, as from 1 April we should guesting for 2 weeks in Luxembourg.

LetzebuergWe came from the deepest winter in the northern German Luxembourg spring.The change in mood, which we learned was enormous. Everything was green and flourished and the city was an indescribable smell. We felt like a new person and were motivated. Only once was real crappy weather. It was on Good Friday. Somewhat typical for this day.

Since we were free, we went to Verdun to visit the battlefields of the First World War. There, depressed mood,and the haze that hung over ruled the barren landscape, everything made it even scarier. We read with horror the multilingual tables which described the trenches and bunkers, which were seen there. The carnage must have been unimaginable.We thought of the millions of people who were forced into this madness with their lives.My grandfather Charles disciples had to serve there as a young lieutenant, his emperor. Fortunately, he was one of the minority who survived this madness unscathed.We were glad, and visibly relieved when we einrollten againin Luxembourg.The disco at the Hôtel Luxembourg, where we appeared twice for one hour each evening was chaired by Ferdy, the disc jockey, with whom we got along immediately. He was also owner of a driving school - and on top of that speaker at Radio Luxembourg - where he broadcast the motorists traveling moderated.

Ferdy took us to the Letzebuerger (as that is in the local language) day and night life, and brought us many other forms in culture. I enjoyed my first there snails with hot garlic butter. Of course, with the official snail cutlery.

He moved with us through all Neppschuppen that existed there. Once we landed at Chez Nous. There swarming with beautiful ladies, all accompanied by their suitors. Ferdy was watching us the hint, and the later the evening was, the deeper were the voices of these, women dream ', schmuckbehangen there and hung out with pooch on her lap. Diagonally behind me at the table was sitting a wannabe playboy with his 'Lady' and babbled incessantly by Gunther Sachs, Brigitte Bardot and the likes.

Another highlight during our stay was a visit to Luxembourgand a tour of Radio Luxembourg.This legendary station is located high above the rooftops of Luxembourg in the castle itselfA drawbridge was reached through the main entrance to the premises where the studios and the technical broadcasting facilities were located. We met the then-known presenter Camillo personally know and smell its live broadcast in, attend Studio Four '. 

The Vampires with CamilloAfter our stint in Luxembourg we gave concerts in northern France and in Trier, where they told me the band members from a great singer who came from there. Det was his name and that was the right man for us, because that would have a fabulous, negro voice '. The Soul was up to date and we had some soul tracks in their repertoire. Unfortunately no one could tell us just where Det was unable to find. All weknew was that the band with which he toured, The Gents was. 

When in SpainTowards the Sun"What a bummer, Wolfgang. Imagine our job in the next monthis broken! "With these words, I Joe woke up one morning in late April, when we had finished our tour just. "What happened," I asked Joe with sleepy head. "The Star-Club in Cologne has gone bankrupt!" There we would not, will perform in the coming month. "And now what do we do?" "I donot know, let me think," said Joe.

We sat down and deliberated. "What do you think, if we had a month's holiday in Spain?" Joe had two years previously played with another group in Zaragoza on the American air base and was pleased with Spain. His saying: "links the mountains, the ocean right" he announced, whenever we played San Antonio Rose. Do not know what moved him to do so.Since we had more than a thousand dollars per man, we saw it as a risk, and suddenly we found this idea actually not bad Sun"But what we do with our stuff," I said. I meant our equipment."Of course to take, what else Maybe we can do it and see what to play", said the other.I was quite comfortable with the idea, because it was for me to some questions asked."And where we want to sleep, where to eat? Because when we go to eat every day and the hotel, now the tide is, "I said, still skeptical."We could not even feed on crops," replied Joe."You've seen better ideas," I said."What's the chatter, let us risk. If all else fails and we run out of coal, we can have prematurely "back, was Harald's comment.So we were on our way. We got ourselves an old army tent, wanted to sleep in the Harold and Mickey. Joe and I were tospend the night in our VW bus.I wrote my parents, an activity that I do. Gladly and regularly comply, to tell them that my next letter will be determined with a Spanish postage stamp And actually induced a mark with the portrait of General Franco, my nextletter to her.We stowed our plant, fueled bus, bought a road atlas of Europe and had soon after French soil beneath our wheels.

On the first day managed Micky, who owned the only one of us the license to come up in the near Nimes, of course, viahighway. We picked a spot not far from the road to put up our tent and spend the night, because it was getting dark.A bloodcurdling scream tore me suddenly from sleep. God, what was that? With extreme caution, I looked out the side window, and relieved I had to grin: There was a donkey, it

was obvious boring, next to our bus and the tent and greeted us with a warm Iiiaaa.Harald said as he tried to reach for his ear: "Hey guys, are you scared us!"In the next village we bought baguettes, fromage and Rouge to strengthen before we continued our trip.At the temperature in our bus we realized very quickly thatwe were getting closer to the south, as it became increasingly warmer. The goal of our next stop was the Spanish border, which we wanted to cross to Port Bou near the coast.At some point during the trip I stuck his nose in the air and said: "Friends, I may be wrong, but I think it smells like the sea." And indeed we reached shortly after the narrow spit of land between Sète and Agde.In the marketplace of Cerberus were many young people as wedrove by at dusk.I grabbed a handful of autographs and threw it out the window at the crowd. Immediately, some brandishing their mopeds, followed and overtook us up on the winding road to the border. They stopped us and made it clear that the transition was closed at night. We should turn back and wait until tomorrow. In a risky maneuver turned Micky the bus on the narrow road - no guardrails - when it went rightstraight down and deep down - model-like - to see the frontier station of Port Bou was.Joe and Harald, where the rose seemed too dangerous, for safety reasons from before. Mickey's driving skills, however I trusted blindly sat and enjoyed the thrill.We were looking for a car park and the youth rendered us company. We ate French bread, drank and smoked Gitanes Rouge, which she. Brought us from home and together we sangsongs from the Beatles and the Stones, Joe accompanied withan acoustic guitar Entertainment was unfortunately not always possible, because no one understood the language of the other very well. Then I thought: "Music is the greatestlanguage of all. It knows no borders or languages and everyone understands them. "We cross the border the next morning went smoothly, becauseJoe publicans somehow made it clear that we wanted to Morocco. For this reason, they spared the heavy and time

consuming 'to control us. Then we drove along the Costa Brava to Barcelona.It was not so long ago had to have still been single-lane coastal road, because at short intervals we saw something like passing places for oncoming cars.The drive through Barcelona with the hectic traffic was forMickey pure horror, and a few kilometers behind this huge city, he parked the bus close to the beach to take a relaxing break.I jumped as I was, into the sea to refresh me, and I felt great. On this occasion we found all that none of us had brought a swimsuit.In the evening we reached Sitges where we einrichteten the sea on a beautiful meadow for the night. We sat close to the water, drank wine and threw rocks into the sea, on the crests of waves reflected the light of the full moon, as the Guardia Civil are two policemen who responded with green uniforms and black patent leather hats. After we did not understand them and they are also not, they sat down with us and drank the red wine, which we offered them. Joe strummed it on the guitar.The next morning - it was Sunday - I finally understood what they wanted to make clear to us in vain:We had, without realizing it, in the middle of a golf course opened our camp and the golfers had to play to our bus and around the tent. Flight-like we went from there ..."We consider that we reach today Zaragoza finally!" We crossed just a kind of desert landscape. Everything was yellow, dusty and far and wide was nothing green to be seen. The sun beat down mercilessly and the heat in the buswas unbearably slow. Joe wanted to remove the doors to speed up the exchange of air, but fortunately this was not to be solved without any special tools.Suddenly a man stood at the curb and motioned us to stop. He expressed Micky a wooden stake in his hand and said something which we do not understand. We wanted to throw the stick even when we stopped someone again after a few miles and gestures demanded by the piece of wood.It was a road construction site, tracked, and that was the traffic control. In our country, we would have to set up a construction site traffic.

Immediately after our journey he had to pass oncoming traffic and we were amazed: "How to do it too!"

ZaragozaIn the evening we finally reached our destination and neighborhood based on the campsite Helios. This system was only accessible for members or foreign tourists.That same evening, we headed to explore this great city on the middle reaches of the Ebro. We passed through the noisystreets, where thousands of people were out, visited several tascas (specialty pubs) and tried this and that thefilth on the floors of these premises was indescribable, asthe Spaniard threw their entire waste down. There lay napkins, toothpicks, snail shells, cigarette butts and piles of etc.. Now and then a waiter grabbed a broom and pushed all the garbage out to the street.That night overtook me then, what is often referred to as in Egypt, Mummy '.After we had already spent a week in Zaragoza and representations on the air base were without achieving anything, I suggested that we organize a time trial, so we were not too much out of practice.So we built our system on the open air bus or a tent and began to play. Which we did from then on almost every day. Soon after hundreds of people were sitting on the wall thatsurrounded the facility to listen to our music and enthusiastic us to donate thunderous applause. They gave uswine, food, cigarettes, and some even gave us money for these shows.Even the place holders are issued in recognition when we left a part of the space rental.Then we asked a young man who spoke English very well, if we would like, on Sunday to give a concert in the Auditorium of the University. He would arrange everything. We were thrilled and were dressed in our fur pants, matching shirts and Beatle boots, which we had bought in Hamburg, beat-fashion-shop 'Heinemann, on the huge stage. The hall was packed to the rafters and the primarily femaleaudience screamed during the entire presentation so deafening that we heard almost no longer know what came outof the speakers. We threw handfuls of autograph cards in the set, which beat so fast.

Thus, had the Beatles have felt at their concerts. Such an enthusiasm we had never experienced before! Words failed us. Here in Spain was our future, here we had to settle down. This was aware of at that moment. These exploiters inGerman pubs where you had to work as a human jukebox could,in the future we remain stolen.After unfortunately for us in Zaragoza offered no further opportunity to perform, we packed and headed for Benidorm, because this place was us as a term tourist center.

Since our savings were nearly exhausted, Joe rationed meantime even our food and cigarettes to reduce spending toa minimum. With heavy hearts we sold Harald's 12-string guitar to at least fill up the bus. There, in the south of Spain, we were sure we would get determined commitment. Buteven that proved to be a flop, because they had committed their bands even last winter. Joe showed us a calendar of events in which we discovered the photo of Indonesian band that we knew well from Germany: the Black Dynamite. Here inSpain they called themselves Los Indonesios and obviously They played in Madrid in Florida Park So get yourself down to Madrid because we were confident that they could help usand would.

The Twilight of the GodsCompletely unnerved Micky tried on the six-lane Gran Via switch from the right to the left lane, turn left because we had to. Eventually we stood still in front of the portalof the Florida Park, in the center of the city Retiro park and had a little clueless. As a man came up to us and with our five Spanish words we tried to get into conversation with him.He asked, "Do you speak English, parlez vous Française, youspeak German, Dutch praat U?" "We are German," was our reply. "Well then, we speak German. My name is Doğan, I am a Turk and the owner of the Florida park, what can I do foryou? ""We are a German beat band and seek opportunities to perform in Spain," I said."Let's see, maybe I have something for you: Tomorrow will take a celebrity wedding and I have no music. Would you be willing to play for the young guests? "

Skeptical as I am now time, I thought that was probably theright thing not beat that. Here I tried to imagine that is how it would have gone home in Germany: Beat at a wedding reception? - Impossible! Somehow I ran it all too much too smooth. "Yes, yes, I like the Spaniards. You are exactly right. See you tomorrow! "As we stood in front of them, in our dark blue suits, and played our beat, as if it were our lives.The guests sat quite Coliseum moderately in a semicircle around the stage, which ranks in ascending order. The countless youths were from totally excited and freaked out literally!During the intermission, a man in his fifties came to the podium and introduced himself in German with the words: "Excuse me, my name is Fernando Morcillo, I have under Adolf Hitler in, Blue Division served '. We have a recording studio in the street Vallehermosa Numero 14 - I am the owner. They come next Thursday at 12 clock for test shots? "Similarly empty slogans of us were familiar with Germany, so we did not even go there.Belatedly we finally arrived and were still there already waiting impatiently.The recording room was a room with soundproof walls and ceiling. And lots of Neumann microphones were available (the best studio mics worldwide. To date none). We came from astonishment.Then we all went to lunch at a restaurant across from wherewe spent the next three hours with starter, main course anddessert with vino tinto. After we smoked our cigars, our Brandy and then had enjoyed our coffee with anisette, we went back into the studio. "Now you play even something so that we can accommodate you!" For the first time we could listen to our music, and it does not even sound bad. "They have to play their own songs, so we can make on the plate,"said Señor Tenorio, the enterprising producer. "Let's write Wolfgang, texts. You speak the best English ofall of us, "encouraged me to my dear colleagues. I sat at the side door of our bus, a block on the lap, and stared atthe blank sheet in front of me. "You get in the front so easy. Finally, the hand and foot is supposed to have, "I said.

In the meantime we had at the campsite Osuna, who was just outside of Madrid, based district.Right next to the plant, there was a huge residential land,which seemed uninhabited. It immediately caught our curiosity. Only wearing shorts and flip-flops, we overcame the fence to take the matter a look. The park like setting was totally wild and everything took a neglected.In the garden center, we discovered a pavilion in which a concrete staircase led straight down. Now we wanted to know: I went back, brought a flashlight and we climbed down. We saw a tunnel that had probably served as a guest, because the left and right of the aisle could be seen a kind berths.On the wall was written: Hans and Jose 1937th What did thatmean?Well we went to the actual house, the doors and windows were boarded up. No obstacle for us. Inside the plaster itself was scraped from the walls and the stairs had no more steps. We went up anyway. I was the last to arrive on the second floor and suddenly cartridges are under my feet on the sandy bottom. I bent down to pick it up, because behind me there was a metallic sound: click-click. Startled, I turned around and looked straight into the barrel of a gun that someone had on me. The man behind it was wearing a tan uniform and on his upper body, a wide leather belt hung like a sash, with an oval brass plate. I called my colleagues, who had not noticed. Which looked as shocked as I was. The man told us with gestures and incomprehensible words, to go down, always aimed the gun atus. That we ran no risk, was not difficult to recognize on the basis of our clothing. We had to sit around a tree, as a second man joined him. Of us prevailed: "Pasaporte, Passport," Joe said, if the only have our passports, we getthem again. We said, "Tourist", pointed in the direction ofcamp and made to "nothing to understand you." After about an hour they let us finally draw.

I was back there because of a song text and it did occur tome absolutely nothing. I scribbled males and abusive to paper.

Suddenly, I had the "divine inspiration" and wrote the first stanzas. The reading is then as follows:

       Well you got something, yeah       That's something I need, baby       Come on now, give it to me.       That's something you know, yeah       That thing that I need, baby       Give me your love now, baby please ...That this text, depending on the interpretation was not G-rated and in the worst case pointed to a sexual state of emergency, did not bother me in the slightest. I thought, "no one understands anyway!"And because it went so well, I wrote three other texts: Hold On, Change Your Mind and New Love.To this end, let Joe come up with the melody. We practiced the rhythm, the song inserted at specific points to choir and finished was our first original song that we immortalized immediately. The result was an EP, a 45 plate with four titles. (EP = extendet play). My feelings were indescribable when I on the record cover of the label Sesión, among the songs the names of the composers: "disciples - Schilken" she read. It reminded me of Parlophone Records, on which at this point: "Lennon - McCartney" was read.

Then we had to audition for the representatives of the great clubs of Madrid, and signed the lucrative contracts they offered us.

When we had our first gig at Club Caravelle, a Sala de Juventud "(Youth Dance Hall, the Star Club is very similar), we could not believe our eyes: The whole stage was draped with swastikas and the amount of healing screamed Hitler. Shame we would like to be buried in the ground, until we realized that this was a well-intentioned,friendly gesture. Hitler helped Franco to power, and was therefore very popular among Madrileños the course.From then on, things really took off with us. We rented a luxury apartment with a maid, just behind the Bernabeu football stadium, 82 in the Paseo de la Habana No.

From the opposite restaurant Casa Pepe we could deliver to us and were a constant nuisance for the porter of the house. Bothered him the many beautiful senoritas who visited us constantly, and the mountains of fan mail, whichhe had to hand over us.

The Spanish girls at that time were very formal '(like). For, more 'pronounced it took luck.In Casa Pepe we saw on television the final of the World Cup, in which Germany lost against England. The Spaniards were shocked, hugged and already gave drinks to comfort us.Here we were interested in football not so much.

We picked up quite a few plates were passed for the purposeof advertising by all radio stations in Madrid and enjoy our lives to the fullest as stars, with fans on the streetsran after us. Once we were even with Something You Got before the song Yellow Submarine by the Beatles in eighth place in the charts.Joe was happy about it so much that he invited us to eat lobster. After that overtook me again, Mummy ', and during a trip across the endless freeway without stopping the option somewhere. It was hell for me because it pushed up and down and just went well again.One afternoon seemed Señor Morcillo, the full-time directorof a Madrid Crime Commissioner was, in our apartment and made us a proposal to include the scooter company Vespa a musical commercial. (The recording studio CIMA SA, in whichwe recorded our songs, was his second leg. Morcillo was also the composer of a love song, which was known in the Spanish-speaking world each. Maria Dolores was the title, and he had this song for his wife, Maria-Dolores,) written.It would be a good thing, because we would then be heard constantly on the radio. Unfortunately, we should adhere precisely to the specified text and the melody, what we dislike, because that was our style, not the least to do. At all costs we wanted to sell it!Only the text to me was kind of stupid, not to mention the music entirely. In German, the fact would have heard this: Vespa for the mountains, the beaches for Vespa,Vespa for the country and for the city.

For the whole family Vespa ... For the whole family Vespa ...Vespa - Vespa, Vespa - Vespa.Vespa yet modern, Vespa still potent ...thank you enough. Song from!For practice, he lent us a reel tape recorder from his trove, but anything we produced it, was a radio play, in which we took Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun for a ride. Of course that was only intended for our ears.

By my then girlfriend Francisca, Peggy Galán-pastor who moved in the highest circles of Madrid, I met the brother of Belgium's Queen Fabiola, Don Jaime de Mora y Aragon knowpersonally - a Spanish actor, playboy and also a well-known, colorful Personality of the European aristocracy andthe glamor Society. With him, I drank the first tequila in my life, to which he had invited me.Peggy's father was a well-off lawyer who was very fond of me, even though I'm not Catholic. Of us would if we were married, giving an apartment in the best part of Madrid forthe wedding.Peggy's parents always spoke of, nuestro protestante '- ourProtestants.But the fate was different with me, otherwise my book wouldbe here at this point to the end.I can not imagine that I would have done with my music on.Peggy's family had bigger plans with me ... There would be no police omnipotence in the form of gray, green, and othercolors, dressed in uniforms have been a constant presence, you would not be able to believe to live under a dictatorship. If the hunger plagued us at night or the cigarette went out, it was not automatic, we visited the truckers restaurants outside the city, which had opened theday and night.

There we spoke one night to a young man: "So what you look like, but you're certainly not Spanish, what are you doing here?" We told him that we are German, and we are in Madridas a musician very well liked. Our Spanish had made progress in the meantime, otherwise it would not have been possible for this conversation. After trivial blah-blah then suddenly he came to the point: "And what do you think

of Franco? The man is still, una grande mierda, verdad ',' a lot of shit, right? "

As for me, all the alarm bells ringing and I let him know that I am not in the least interested in politics. That Franco was a great statesman, but and I am a guest in his country very much felt.

Behind closed doors, you are then told this joke: "Who is the greatest chemists of the world? Franco, for the making of pesetas shit ... "Franco's secret police was known with such nasty methods toget people to jail. Who their caudillo (leader) publicly defamed, threatened the four years plus one day a military prison. The same was true for drug offenses and illegal weapons possession. There were even 6 +1 and while this wasnot served a day could not be thought of dismissal. Promptly got up and the young man sat down somewhere else.

On 1 October 1969, during a military parade, in which I am advised by chance, on the anniversary of his rise to power,I got Generalísimo Franco, the first and only time in the flesh to face.Thousands of people the roadsides lined Gran Via in Madrid,on the military convoy moved slowly towards the Plaza de España.First thundered a formation of Air Force jets that colored smoke strip with the Spanish national colors, red yellow red, behind the painted sky, low over the parade.Then followed parades for all forces, followed by representatives of the state, the police and the military.Recently the Caudillo himself appeared in a black Rolls Royce convertible, which he was sometime given long ago by Hitler.A picture of misery as he raised his hands to wave, becausethe old man in the dress uniform was almost too weak.For me it was hard to imagine that this senile man acting so much suffering and misery to his people brought that with his policy did not agree, and that in the course of his ruthless dictatorship had thousands of his opponents onhis conscience.

The crowd clapped and cheered wildly as soon as he came within sight.Behind every tenth visitor about was a policeman by Franco's special unit, the Policia Armada - gray uniform - with a helmet on his head to watch the people.A man who was standing to my left, applauded not, probably in protest, and suddenly got the policeman behind us a hugekick in the pants, so that he stumbled into the street and collapsed to the floor.This happened to me after this observation, of course not, because I clapped, beautifully behaved as it was expected, in the hands.To cheer but I saw no reason and stifled me this gesture ofrespect and admiration, which fortunately nobody took me nauseous.    At this point I would like to insert my translation of the first chapter of the 2001 book published in Spain: 'The Foreign Legion, foreigners in Spain musical of the sixties', of Alex Oró.

La Legión extranjera ....'The Foreign Legion, foreigners in Spain musical sixties' accurately describes the political situation at that time:España it diferente - Spain is different: The Swedes come, the workers go, minister Fraga bathes in Palomares and the youth can grow hair."Welcome!" That was the title in July 1968 in La Mañana, a daily newspaper in Lleida was (then Lerida) appeared and inwhich a certain Uzquieta young tourists welcome was that clogged the beaches of the Spanish coast during the dog days.Reading between the lines, the text emphasizes the apparentcontradictions with which the Franco regime was confronted in the early sixties. Tourism, to date a marginal phenomenon, has evolved into a mass movement that millions of pesetas in foreign exchange was allowed to flow into theBanco de España.The young tourists, who flocked from all over Europe to Spain, destroyed the belief and behavior of thousands of Spaniards, especially the instance, Spanish macho '. Uzquieta claimed that "holidays are lost without Northern

Lights holiday. They dance as members of the Bolshoi Ballet, drink like Don Cossacks, can cook like sardines andmake up to more than the gin in your glass. Moreover, they are blond, athletic, young, and they enjoy our lives by their sight, to make our country unique.They inhabit our beaches, and appear where they can find more people around them, as. Before a bank counter on paydayHere we have a very fine example. (...) It is among us, illuminates our streets and the swell of our seas. Welcome!and to seeing you again next year for their well-being ... and the Notice! "From today's perspective, there is no doubt that this article was chauvinistic, ossified and politically incorrect. But as Spain was in the sixties. Emerged from the war, which had, with all its misery, oppression and settlements, Spain turned into a long and dark lethargy in the form of a political dictatorship and economic isolation.But at the beginning of the sixth decade, the government felt compelled to respond. The state finances came into thehands of technocrats who designed the economic stability plan, followed by the plan of the building and development.Gradually, the situation improved. Seat 600 automobiles replaced the strange powered two-wheeler that looked like they were made out of materials from the junkyard. There was work, but unfortunately not for all those willing to work in the country. Europe needed Staff for Reconstructionand Spain had little or unskilled labor in abundance, whichis why from 1960 to 1970, nearly 3 million Spaniards left the country in order to survive.While one were forced to leave, came others, because they wanted it that way: There were tourists with their Forex filled the coffers of the country and he therefore allowed to import goods of daily demand.The attraction of Spain gave rise to before the Civil War, a kind of tourism, but the pronounced boom started from thesixties, thanks to the many million (6 million in 1960 and 24 million in 1970), and in search of sun, beach Sea traveled to Spain. A human invasion, signposted as we mentioned, for Spanierlein represented a sociological revolution and the regime for a rethink in terms of customs

and traditions inevitably made. To illustrate these claims,at this point the memoir Jorge Vila-Fraderas quoted, one ofthe great experts in the tourism sector, the industry consultant manager Salgado main responsibility of this industry.The Franco's elected officials debated the internal contradictions that troubled him:As responsible tourism minister was on the one hand his jobto accelerate this, on the other hand, he feared the negative consequences of tourism development and its influence on Spanish society, due to different habits and practices. Especially in terms of sexual morality. Moreover, the political risks that contained these foreign influences.Said Fradera recalled how a group of road workers near a newly opened tourist center, close Cadaquez, speechless with amazement, unable was to continue working when the first bus arrived with holidaymakers because the workers donot even determine their own wives had ever seen with so little clothes on!

And why do we tell all this in a book about pop and rock groups, you may wonder? The answer is simple: Out of the millions of foreign visitors who traveled to Spain during the sixties, there were many young people who came to spenda few days and then remained for a long time. Some broke their tents completely from their homeland to settle down here. There were musicians, who were traveling to our country. With the intention to be successful in order to meet other people, or just to play music during their holidays here It is thanks to them that the Spanish pop of the sixties took the top places in the international charts, eg Los Bravos or pop tops.Through them with the latest musical trends and movements of European youth reached much faster in Spain than would normally happen. (The End, Tomcats, The Vampires). Few knewanything. About the Franco regime and learned later firsthand the negative effects of a dictatorship (Pop Tops,Tony Ronald) Most stayed only a few months or years, but some still live here (Tony Ronald, Mike Kennedy, Phil Trim or Det Ferring). These artists got together with the local youth, transferred their ideas and took over the habits of

their host country. They came at the same time at the moment, as was part of the youth in the process already, goon confrontation with the government, because it was tired of constant repression and censorship. On the other hand, they were open to the new culture and their political ideas.The government apparatus activated all the mechanisms of its well-oiled machinery to transform haired revolution whose main actors the langmähnigen Ye-yé's (then in Spain denomination for Beat musicians and their fans) with their terrible weapons, the electric guitar, which considers justthe work of the devil be had to nip in the bud. The press was controlled with an iron fist, the flagship in the campaign against the loss of decency and morality, which provoked the new dances that subversive hairstyles and light clothing that invaded as from abroad. The weapons of the youth, however, were the innovative "electric" forms ofcommunication through the lyrics of her pop music.The newspapers and magazines then rushed against everythingthat had long hair and came from abroad.In particular against The Beatles, this vile longhair dachshunds, the collective mass hysteria unleashed. They are invited to all the fury of the government and information system and bounced with the same force on the Spanish Ye-yé's that were abused as hooligans, criminals and insurgents.

On 10 March 1966, the Minister of Information and Tourism and the North American consul Angier Biddle slipped into their strange swimsuits to the beach of Palomares (Almeria)to splash around in the water.With this demonstration of resilience they wanted to prove to the public that the four nuclear bombs, which were two months earlier fallen into this area of the sky (after a B52 bomber and a tanker aircraft of the United States had collided in the air) for the population and the Tourists should bring here next summer its currency among the people, posed no danger.(Three of the bombs fell on land, without having detonated.The first was found intact. Detonators the other two exploded on impact and there were traces of plutonium in the zone measured at Almeria.

The fourth explosive device was lost at sea. All efforts ofthe U.S. armed forces, this locate using radar, sonar and mini-submarines were unsuccessful. After 42 days of intensive search, the bomb was still untraceable. There wasa fisherman that zone, Francisco Simó, the vorfand the atomic banger in its network and is known since that time as the, bomb Paco ').Of course this incident the merciless Francoist censorship fell victim to the dreaded one nuclear disaster ', he wouldhave been released. This was based on a law from 1938, which allowed the dictatorship to control all journalistic publications and strictly prohibit necessary.The commendable action of the minister was still in vain, because the had nuclear Clap already taken years earlier inthe form of musical and tourist invasion, and the responsible authorities saw no way to prevent it. Tourism and pop music were two factors that ushered in the change in Spain and accelerated especially after Franco's death. It is indisputable merit of all those musicians who came from all parts of the world to Spain. Every one of them is a small grain of sand on the road to normality in this country. They all deserve our recognition of our thanks ..."

So much for the situation at that time, we were confronted with the clueless and innocent suddenly.Then investigated and we also used to contact with the other bands. The few who were eyeing us jealous and envious, we were on the left.Club Monaco played in a band that interpreted Spanish pop, and as our opening act was her appearance. Your beautiful singer was seen exclusively in the company of her feisty mother who stayed scrupulously sure that none of the, Señoritos' her daughter came too close. Standing each time as a guard dog in front of her dressing room door when she was changing. It would happen so can that someone of us musicians, accidentally 'the girl had seen half-naked. Thatwould be a catastrophe came.

This band Los Pekes asked one day desperate to me if I do not they could help out? Their bassist was ill and would turn out for a while. About their confidence I was

delighted, and so I stood there for the next two weeks, before their appearance, in a dark blue suit with those on stage. Then they wanted to pay me, but I politely declined.This kind of music was a challenge for me and a new musicalexperience. As a thank you, they gave me two rods Camel anda bottle of whiskey.Known, the donkey is on the ice when he is too well. We went to Casa de Campo, the natural park of Madrid, was probably because we were too. There, on this vast hilly area, in the north-west of Madrid, with olive trees, but otherwise sparse vegetation, were the television studios ofTVE (Television Española) and a lot of horse farms, where you could rent horses by the hour.

After all happiness on earth is supposedly on the back of these noble animals, we wanted to find out for ourselves what we are to date still had no idea. So we hired four horses, to finally get lucky in these tumbling."Help, it's because deep down," I thought, as I had done the climb and in the saddle. It was quite different than ona bicycle or motorcycle. They had us there, gave a brief introduction, as we told them that we had no idea of riding. But theory and practice are worlds known.Then had my four-legged, transport 'life of its own and made me Greenhorn what it wanted: No sooner had we left theranch through the gate, it bent down and began to leisurelygraze. I clung desperately to the saddle horn to not over the horse's neck to get off '. Furthermore, the people amused there delicious and gave the horse a sharp slap on his backside. And indeed, clip - folding - cliff - clop, hebegan to move, and we rode off leisurely. After we had beenriding for a while, started the whole thing even to please me and I relaxed visibly.Harald rode sideways beside me when the horses suddenly as if on command her nostrils into the air and stretched, as if stung by a tarantula, at full gallop thundered away.In a panic, I tried with my feet, I cling to the belly of the beast, let go of the reins and umkrampfte the pommel, not to fall. The sunglasses hopped on my nose and I was afraid of losing the expensive piece.Then I saw to my horror that Harald no longer stood in the stirrups, and the next moment he was flying in a great arc

from his horse sideways past me and beat on the hard floor.Eventually we managed to bring the fish to hold to look after Harald, because we did not know how he survived this crash. He lay on the ground, his face was bloody and scarred.He whined and complained of pain in her arms. We immediately took him to a nearby hospital, where his arms were X-rayed and put in plaster, after he had begun both wrists.The poor thing could not even then wipe your butt itself.His girlfriend at the time took care of Angelita, catered to Harald, who was also logically temporarily pulled from the market musically.So we had no other choice than during the coming weeks, without him our concerts.That taught me a lesson, never again to sit on a horse's back and all the luck in the future of this earth to look elsewhere. After four long weeks, Harald had recovered to the point that we were able to perform together again.

Al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiya (Kingdom of Morocco)One night, we were just coming out of a cinema, standing infront of our manager. He had wanted us in this metropolis and found, and made it clear to us that we had to immediately bring our instruments to the airport because wewere playing from the next day for two months in Casablanca. Such surprises were at that time of the day.The next morning at nine clock we reached literally at the last minute our plane that was waiting with engines runningat the beginning of the runway for us. Only the fact that we were booked as VIPs, it is thanks to them that they can not go without us flew. When boarding I suggested then fully with my head on the low door frame of the first classand saw stars for a moment.Seville was a stopover to handle the customs entry and exitformalities. Then we flew over the Straits of Gibraltar forNorth Africa. Landing at Casablanca we could through the small triangular window of Caravelle recognize the innumerable white houses, which helped the city to its Spanish name. In the national language is the biggest and densely populated city in Morocco-From-Dār al-Bayda.

At the airport there were difficulties because Joe was the only one had a passport. With our passports we were allowedto enter the land. Only after we had the German Consulate General issued a, travel document in place of passports', we were allowed to enter.Rora the club in the Rue d'Antibes, in which we should guesting October and November, was in Ain Diab, a suburb ofCasablanca. There were huge land, which were protected by armed security guards who patrolled there permanently. There we got to know quite a few girls, daughters of the best home who learned German in their high schools and withwhom we could talk just fine.One once told me that she was very sad because her parents wanted her to marry a man who already had two wives. Up to four women were the men allowed there. Only the king had six! "Why can not it be here as you do in Germany?" She complained.Housed we were at the hotel Notre Alsace, 59 Boulevard de la Corniche, the beach promenade of Ain Diab. I mention it because this name sounded so strange and exotic.With the owners, an Alsatian couple, we could also speak German. Marcel, the boss gave us valuable tips to survive the next two months, without prejudice, "Boys, keep away from the Arab women, you will catch plague and sulfur" or "not float out so far, it is not otherwise back alive! "Theflow of the Atlantic was enormous, in fact, so we refrainedentirely on swimming. "If ever alone in the bazaar, only inthe group, because that has not already so Many survived! The times there have robbed a Norwegian captain's uniform, raped and then stabbed to death! "" How beautiful Morocco Without these Moroccans, "etc.Marcel, whose favorite activity was the preparation Alsatian specialties on its large gas stove, spoke highly of his, Messerschmitt '. It was a large propeller, who acted as extractor behind a guard over his stove. Who developed a huge wake thanks to its high speed and growled like a plane.On one of our walks on the beach we had the idea for the song: Walking in the sand shots, we were rehearsing on siteand on our return to Madrid immediately. The album cover was decorated with a hand-colored photo of us, walking in the sand '.

In Rora we had to play with lowest noise level. The Mickey brought to the brink of despair, as a drum now time developed a basic sound that is not to fall short. He wouldhave tumbled with toothpicks.We had it easy in this regard. I turned back to my amp until I heard the strings of my bass buzz louder than the sound from my speaker. To the rumble of the microphones notto respond by singing plant, we hung our microphone stands unceremoniously on the stage ceiling.During the week, never much going on, the weekend the club was packed. Since it swarming with French youth who had to live there with her parents.Since we are during these two months quite economical behaved, had accumulated at the end of a pretty penny. Whenwe learned that only 20 dirhams per person were allowed to be exported legally, I opened our amplifiers, speaker covers and our guitars and filled the cavities of these devices with our savings.Thus equipped, we were still a week on stage. Had the tax collector at the time we caught smuggling money, we would have wandered for years in prison in Morocco and that was not funny!

Back homeUnmolested we reached again in early December, the Iberian Peninsula, after we additionally have a Johnson Super Sea Horse outboard motor running, 'had the Joe had won at pokerand we, well packaged, declared as double bass. This, double bass had 'the Verladearbeiter by forklift hoist ontothe aircraft because it was too heavy to lift.Because we owed our landlady Doña Manuela de Leccea, a member of the Spanish nobility, the last two months' rent, we drove immediately after arriving by taxi to her villa topick up our keys. So that they also could be sure to get their money, we showed her the wad of money that we had to umwechseln yet. The taxi driver got stalked eyes when he saw how I took the money of a speaker, which he had carriedon the roof of his car.

Because we wanted to spend Christmas with our parents in Germany, we flew on 22.12. to Frankfurt. In customs clearance upon arrival said the officials, after he had

looked through our passports ". Since you were lucky that you have not arrived yesterday and have arrived also about Spain" When we asked him what would have happened, said He said, "Then you would have to spend 24 hours in quarantine,because you had previously spent time in Morocco."Micky and I sat on the train to Schweinfurt, because we hadknown the same goal. Joe and Harold's parents lived in Hanau. It had much closer. As agreed, we met at 27.12., 24th at Mickey's Birthday, themain train station in order to beat a trip together.Harald suddenly shot up: "Am I seeing things? Over there itis Det "In this vast crowd of people he had discovered the Trier singers, of whom I had heard so much about.We shook hands, told him of our existence as disk stars, gave him some of our records and asked him if he had no desire to join us. He said he would have to think twice about that and would call us.Det needed because of a breakdown of exception, take the train. If it was not a stroke of luck ...After this, Harald fixed with horror that he had forgotten his ticket at home with his parents.The time until departure was unfortunately too short to go back and get the ticket.So he had to forcibly take the plane the next day.A little later in the departure hall of the airport then Mickey had tremendous stress because unfortunately two of his friends were present to him a happy birthday and say goodbye also due.This he had visited during our Christmas vacation in Crailsheim, and Trier.Independent of each other, both girls were on the same fatal idea of traveling to Frankfurt, to see him again.Under a pretext, he shuttled between the escalator downstairs and level 2, up and down, because the two were not even know each other.Lissy was staying down and Jutta waited up for him. Furthermore we amused ourselves royally texteten him each time to match, witty 'observations and good advice when he showed up again below. Schadenfreude is well known, the most beautiful of all joys!

He sweated blood and water and was visibly relieved when hefinally, totally exhausted, sitting on the plane.

The trip came to us a pure nightmare: 12,000 meters in altitude over southern France, we crossed a hurricane area,which was not flying around. The only no one knew ...After the food was served, I went to the on-board toilet, to wash my hands. Suddenly it rumbled in the machine and I sat on the floor. Startled, I clambered to my seat and buckled me. The plane was shaking like a giant fist, so that the plate stood out on the trays and cutlery flew away. The wing on the left, which I could see through the window next to my seat, moved on and off in rapid succession, like the wing of a bird, and I was like: at anymoment it breaks! Micky sat next to me, a refreshing towel on his forehead, otherwise green in the face.The Advent wreath hanging above the center aisle, rotated from the ceiling. The passengers started praying when suddenly the lights went out too. Then went to a red emergency light and I thought: "That's it"Chalk bleach in the face, I left Madrid Barajas Boeing and thought with relief: "Well, that's just it went well."On 6 January 1967 we brought Det from the Atocha train station. Who had in the meantime received his draft notice,and that is why our invitation 'gratefully accepted.Before the club Consulate, where we made guest appearances,hung a huge poster of us, he too was on the seen. That was the artist who had created this work, taken from a photo byDet, which he received from us. As we passed immediately toshow him. Det was enthusiastic, although he looked at the picture as a corpse. Something he had never experienced.But what was that? Det was homesick and would prefer to go back!This in turn inspired me to write a text called Homesick.Unfortunately, this work lacked the finishing touch to the plate maturity.I was like, 'If you really want the federal government, then get yourself down. It's not too late. All I can from my own experience or give some good advice, as you said there, better and safer than standing. "This feeling wobble lay fortunately quite fast. From then on, however, events began to be:

January 1967On 12 we took in the studio on three titles: Sunny, Get OffMy Life Woman and Gimme Some Lovin, the latter of the Spencer Davis Group. This movie was unfortunately never published, although they were quite well done.On 13 married our producer Señor Tenorio. The celebration took place at the Hilton Hotel quite pompous.Took over the musical program of course we.On 14 in the morning we flew to Barcelona in the TVE studios in Hospitalet our smash hit Walking in the sand fortelevision recording.On 15 we went back to Madrid, where we performed in the evening at the club's Nicca.On 16 I suffered a dizzy spell, from which I luckily recovered quickly.On 17 we played a gala at Club Victoria.On 20 January, we gave an interview to Radio Peninsular, which was broadcast live.On 22 we were in our apartment by the music magazine journalists interviewed TELVA (similar to the Bravo).On 25 We received new, even larger Posters from our record company.On 30 We were at 18 clock on radio in Spain, then back at the club's Nicca.On 31 around 1 am in the morning we gave an interview in the studios of Radio Madrid.

I noted then all events in calendars that have gone into the turmoil of my musician currently not lost fortunately. Otherwise I would now unable to these dates after more thanfour decades as precise list!

In the meantime, prepared us for the record company to a music festival, the Second Certamen Internacional de Conjuntos Musico-vowel, the 2nd International band competition, from 1 until the 4th February in León took place where they think we should necessarily put our skillsto the test.Each of the participating groups had to play three tracks: A piece of your choice, then the mandatory title Déjala Dormir a leonesisches folklore pieces that each group had

to arrange themselves. The third piece of a previously unpublished original composition.Since Det this time barely spoke Spanish, we wrote to him the text of Déjala Dormir, just as you pronounce it, in a big box, so he could read during the performance.Our cover of your choice, how could it be otherwise, was walking in the sand.Déjela Dormir we arranged in the style of Michelle or Nowhere Man by the Beatles, with a lot of choir La-la-la.Our own, yet unreleased song, we called (Let's sing) Vamos a Cantar. With Spanish text Unfortunately was never immortalized on board.

February 1967On Tuesday, January 31, we went to Leon, capital of the province of León in northeastern Spain, where we arrived the next morning at 6 clock. We moved into quarters in Riosol, Avenida de Palencia # 3, in which all participants were accommodated.In the evening we stood to classify for the finals on the main stage of the theater, where the festival took place.In the middle of the stage was a huge bouquet of flowers, we put behind it, for Det clearly visible, the box containing the text. The theater was sold out for every performance to the last seat.On 2 we gave an interview for Radio La Voz de León (the voice of Leon), which was broadcast live.On 4 afternoon to record Walking in the Sand ran on TV thatwe are on 14.1. were recorded in Barcelona. We went into a nearby pub for us to watch.As the guests realized that those who flickered across the screen, just as, dwelt among them, there was no stopping them. For a moment we feared for our lives, because they rushed us and crushed us almost with enthusiasm. Only the called police to help save us from our predicament.In the evening there was the grand finale.We reached at least the third place, according to the band and the continental Los Pop Tops. This prize was endowed with 25,000 pesetas, then a lot of money.We were not completely satisfied, because we felt that our audience efficacy was greater than that of the two other

bands and our music needed to fear no comparison with those.However, in 1966 the group Los Indonesios (Black Dynamite),a foreign band at this festival cleared the first place. Thus, it was an impossibility, and the Spanish national pride will not agree that this year again foreigners would have been an absolute victor.

In addition to the cash reward we received from the organizers a certificate of genuine parchment handed. Leonesic with the coat of arms in silver on a blue velvet Upon closer inspection, I was not shake the suspicion that at the point that represented our status, that had become herumradiert 3.Obviously, our classification has been revised downwards, as well as in Spain for the third place bronze medals in competitions are presented.Why, then, a silver coat of arms for the third place?

Of 6 to 12 guest appearances we again Nicca's Club. Obviously we wanted to see some of Madrid personally, because every time the store was packed. The festival had over Spain followed with tension - feat, for there were only a TV channel.In November, before when we made guest appearances in Casablanca, let us sit up a song that was going to be a worldwide hit. The title Black is Black by Spanish group Los Bravos, which we immediately expanded our repertoire.Their singer, a Berliner named Michael Kogel aka Mike Kennedy, entered the club's Nicca and sat right in front ofour panel.Det who knew Mike from Germany volatile encouraged him to come on stage and be with us Black is Black to sing, which was now in all the charts of the world in the first place.Mike said: "Begin to only times when I please, I get on!" We did not really go down, as Mike jumped on the podium andmicrophone Dets attacked. That was awesome! The guy had dynamite in his voice.Shiver ran down my spine, as we this worldwide hit, I had such a great ear, played with the original song. The publicwas outraged. They could not believe what is happening before their eyes as on the stage.

From then on, we became friends. Mike was glad to finally be among compatriots, which he liked, and he could talk to them, like him, the beak had grown and hung in every free minute around with us. Much to the annoyance of his managerAlain Milhaud and the rest of the band. Mike even came backand back to our gigs to sing together with Det Black is Black. This increased our success and our reputation enormous, brought us but if the displeasure of his manager,who saw a gross breach of its agreement with Mike. Because Mike was allowed to occur under the contract exclusively with the Bravos.He visited us once, when I was just cooked spaghetti. He raised all the pot lid, looked inside, and said: ". Carry That I now"On the ground floor there was a supermarket where eindeckteto Mike with food. Laden with two bags he came back and said, "slip over and make me free time two plates, it's my turn!"Then our phone rang and someone asked for Mike. He said plenty of indignant: "... I also want to have my free time.Lick my ass! "And hung up. Immediately it rang again. I answered it and was associated with Alain Milhaud: "Please tell Mike when he is not currently in the airport antanzt, I'll throw him out. He's crazy good? Who knows that we fly today to England to record, and without him we might as well stay at home! "Sheepishly Mike took a taxi and left.On 19 we played a gala for the magazine TELVA.On Sunday, the 26th, we played our songs success of the festival: Walking in the sand and Déjala Dormir in the concert hall of the station Gran Musical. The songs are from our record label, to an audience, a live recording. This was done primarily for the archive of this station. Onthe plate was then later the screaming of the guests heard.

March 1967From 1 we played back in the club Consulate, along with Dave Dacosta and the Spanish band Los Canarios.On 9 We were again on TV in the show Hi-Fi on the stage.On the 12th, a Sunday, at 14:30 clock, we gave back the Gran Musical honor.On 13 We were again in the recording studio to record new tracks.

Of 20 to 27 We had no play. As we drove to the nearby mountains for skiing.On 30 I celebrated with colleagues and friends my 23rd Birthday.Then we had gigs in clubs Kursal, Versalles and Victoria.

Now I will try to play the following processes in short, because it is beyond the scope of this description, list all the details. I will limit myself on the key events:On 6 April, a Thursday, we had another recording session inthe recording studio. Harald was comfortable on the couch and made no move to rise. "Let's what's going on? We need to the studio! ""Oh, I do not feel like playing without me, let me be lazy!" That was probably a bad joke, I thought. For this shot, we had extra commits a British saxophonist, because the title Do not Fight It (not opposed to fighting) expiredin Soul style. He stayed at home and we actually played thetitle without him, which fortunately is not noticed on. From then on it went downhill with Harald musically.He had fallen in love with a young Turkish film actress, who has been riding in the Western Pancho Villa, and participated in the strip along with Yul Brynner and RobertMitchum. The film was made for Paramount Pictures in Almeria.He had moved in with her and said that after he went with it very well, to have to hide from our music business. Fromthen on, we played our concerts without him.Eventually, he took his leave of us, and finally moved Seyyal Taner, the name of his girlfriend, now in Turkey is still a celebrated singer and actress, back to Germany.In 1968, she married in Hanau, on 9 November 1969 saw her daughter Melanie the light of day.After the failure of her marriage Seyyal returned to Turkeyafter Istanbul, starring in numerous films.It applies since the 80s as the Tina Turner of Turkish pop music and appeared in 1987 as the representative of Turkey to the Euro Vision Song Contest in Brussels. Unfortunately,their energetic performance as Tina & Türker Lokomotif camewith the jurors to not good, because they came in last place with 0 points. This placement she has still not

digested and retired in subsequent years of the music industry.Meanwhile, she lives in Bodrum, brings sporadically released albums and playing with some telenovelas.

Lucy in the sky with diamondsOn 12 Evening of April I was sitting with a toothache, which I tried to stun with brandy-conditioners, in the chair, as Det accompanied the British model's Norma showed up at our apartment.Mickey, Joe and Harald held on that evening in Piccadilly, where a guest a great band that they wanted to listen to absolutely.In said Club Picadilly, the former Nobel Disco No.1, I was once Paul McCartney over almost up close without. Stand a chance of being able to talk to him because he was shieldedexcellent In addition, the privacy of the guests had in thestore was the top priority and everyone in it. The visitorswere also handpicked by a bouncer '.After we had eaten dinner together, we talked with Dets acquaintance and said, "Listen, I speak some German, I got hold of a German aunt!" (Na perfect).Suddenly she asked Det and me abruptly: "Have you ever taken LSD?" Det, cocky as ever, replied in the affirmative,although was not true and I truthfully denied.So she took a small silver box and pressed a hidden button,and out fell a pill the size of a sweetener tablet, which they broke into three pieces. "That's enough for us. Swallows it and you will see. "I just thought, what would happen in this tiny amount already big?It was not long until I saw crawling on our parquet floor that moved in waves, ants. It must have looked strange if Iwalked across the floor, because I always tried not to get in the troughs. From then on, my feelings and emotions weremore confused. Colors and geometric shapes changed in quicksuccession before my eyes. I heard strange sounds and saw the father of the thought ': Before I use a phrase that I saw develop slowly say, could ever was, the gone again and it came the next. And I probably had to have babble incoherently. The time must be rested, because when I looked at my clock, at first I thought it was broken, because the second hand rarely even moving.

Then I saw the Spanish language in the form of a large glass ball. In it there was a small dark segment. That was the part that I mastered.

With astonishment I found myself, as I painted strange drawings on some leaves on my legal pad. Is probably the pen leaked, I thought, because my hand was suddenly blue. The next moment she was clean again. What did that mean?Meanwhile, the fellow had come back with my friend Peggy. They were shocked when they saw us in that condition. I could not do anything with them, because they did not live in my world. Who were and what they wanted? By meThen I experimented with music: for pieces of the Shadows Icould not feel a thing. Anders was the latest LP The Beatles Revolver. Suddenly I understood what they wanted tosay. Afterwards I realized peripheral circumstances of thisrecord was created.Our apartment was on the fourth floor. I went into the halland looked down. The spiral of the railing squirmed deeper,into infinity. I went quickly back to the apartment, because it was uncanny.To Det, who stayed with Norma in the bedroom, I developed telepathic abilities. I felt when he reached for a cigarette. Although at that time I even smoked, I could notimagine at this moment the least among them. Det thrilled kept calling: "It's like fucking!"This condition lasted for about eight hours and then slowlysubsided. I went during the decay phase to the house dared me not, however, to cross the road because I could not predict how quickly or slowly approached the car.The next morning I was at the dentist and I felt miserable.I had an unimaginably terrible hangover, the aftermath of this, Trips'. I felt like I was returning to an indescribably wonderful vacation in the cold rainy city of Schweinfurt to my crummy job at R & S. I was devastated.It is well known that LSD does not depend, however: To avoid this state of depression, there are only two possibilities: 1 reloading, and then very soon 'to ascend really hard drugs, or, as the 2nd Variant, the teeth clenchto deal with it somehow. I chose the latter and kept this one off, went through noise in mind. It was the first time,

and it was the only time in my life that I had contact withdrugs.But for weeks afterwards plagued me occasional momentary delusions. The feeling suddenly to be in it ', is referred to by experts as a flashback.

On 2 May I bought for 6,800 pesetas (at that time a worker earned about 8,000 Pts. Net per month) a turntable Swiss origin, brand Lenco, whose speed was continuously variable.This was essential for practicing, because the keys did notalways agree with the pitch A (440 Hz).This record player I still own.Meanwhile Det became our frontman. At the same time he tried to take the helm of our, shuttle to 'per se. In contrast, we had basically nothing, because Det could talk well, and what he said happened, with great conviction, even if it was the greatest nonsense.Just once, I was compelled me to earth to have to get his feet back a little closer than I thought he had misheard.This happened during an interview when he told bodied, likehim, of course, along with us on a walk on the beach in Casablanca had the idea of walking in the sand.Aback by so much audacity, I was like, "Yeah Det which was just two months before you came to us."

The shadowOn 6 May came Det with a newspaper clipping to me and said:"Imagine playing Shadows today Ponciano" I was blown away ', because it was a unique opportunity, the venerated by meso, shadow' experience live . We drove there, only to find disappointment that all the tickets were sold out.As for us, nothing could be done because the maximum numberof visitors was stopped by the police and that did not matter who we were.We walked around the building and came to the stage door, in front of the members of a Spanish band that we knew well, and who appeared as the opening act of the Shadows, standing around and waiting for her appearance.We talked with them, when the door opened and Bruce Welsh, the rhythm guitarist of the Shadows came out and joined us.

My colleagues and I asked him Det. Ago as members of the famous German band ever toured in Spain I said: "All wild semi-Sun Much worse is it that today would surely be the first and only chance is, you experience to finally live. Ihave been late fifties, one of your biggest fans, and now something like that. "" No problem, "Bruce Welsh grinned and took us inside, where we were allowed to experience first hand the very front center stage in The Shadows. For me it was a dream come true.

In the course of May, we were playing for the umpteenth time in the club-Nicca's, when one evening the manager witha bottle of Johnny Walker, four glasses and ice came to thepodium and asked if we played songs by the Rolling Stones?When we said no, he said, was the whiskey. By a member of the Rolling Stones, who was among the guests, and this would buy us And actually sat in the back of the club, surrounded by several people, the Stones bassist Bill Wymanin person. This is an opportunity I could not miss me, a world famous musician, whom I had known for years only by countless records and press reports to meet in person.During the break I took my glass, went with mixed feelings and also awesome to the table, sat at the Mr. Wyman to me on behalf of my colleagues to thank personally for the whiskey.He tells me that he and the singer Glyn Johns and the London group The End, with whom he is friends, stayed on promotion tour in Madrid, because he who in Spain would make it a success.These names were entirely up to me at this time unknown. That changed in a short time later and we made friends withthe members of The End. The Hi was great when we later met again by chance in Barcelona. Gordon Smith, the saxophonistwas a very rustic type. His girlfriend was beside himself with fear, because Gordy hosted a live snake in a bucket inhis room. Thus escape the snake could not, he had placed a newspaper on the bucket ...

Then we played on radio El Gran Musical, at the U.S. Air Base Torrejon, in the theater of Valencia and even in Zaragoza. Of 22 to 27 We then made holidays in Benidorm. Which we had earned.

On Tuesday, the 6th June, we went in the morning to Barcelona, where we are at the 7th should play for the opening of the nightclub Romano di Capri. We almost hit theblow when we after our arrival to 22 clock there were representations. There it looked as if the building work just taken its beginning:The workers went on each other's feet, the floor was covered with sawdust and wood portions of the ceiling hung down countless cable and since we were in the evening on stage? Not on your life!But it happened before signs and wonders.The next evening we were standing on the stage of the flashing and sparkling disco where it smelled exquisite freshener. I even smelled of Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior,which was to remain in the coming years my favorite eau de toilette.Det noticed once when I climbed into the car to him: "Oh, Christian is" He was not that far off the mark, as my father would have prevailed in 1944, Christian would have been my first name.During the breaks we surrounded the elegant invited guests,clad in tuxedos and evening gowns, clinging to their whiskey or champagne glasses. There we played until 22 June.The concerts followed in semi Cataluña, and we quickly realized that we had there, the much better opportunities to develop, as in Madrid, which is like a desert island in the central Spanish plateau.

Calella de la CostaFrom 6 July to 31 August we made guest appearances in Calella. There we were at the club on a daily basis Bergantin, only interrupted by numerous concerts on the coast or inland. The owner of the premises of this great garden with a covered stage was also the mayor of the town.Calella was a typical German tourists stronghold, in other words: folk festival around the clock.Since there were restaurants that advertised with "food like your mother." There, we saw the German tourists at 36 ° C in the shade eat their pork knuckle with sauerkraut. Since I was already nauseated just by inspection.

We bought a solid Zodiac dinghy, to really get the benefit of our outboard motor.I called this combination: Nutshell with afterburner, because the car was with its 85 hp far oversized. It thundered me once with the upper body on the gas tank, so Ithought I had broken my ribs while all. The sea that day was particularly restless and Joe drove unreasonable as ever, with full throttle.

We hired a former fisherman's house in the north of Calellanear the beach and outside the hustle and bustle.With a large garden, 6 meters deep well (in the times Joe is abseiled) and orange and lemon trees that bore their second straight fruits.Geckos climbed up the walls and talked the insects from theneck - and other sensitive parts of the body. It was idyllic.There coming and going there was like a beehive, and every night was announced 'Party', mainly with German holidaymakers ...

This shook my faith in the loyalty of the fair sex to its foundations, for many of those who had started their holiday alone or with friends wont, stable relationships athome.Some were even married, or were on the verge.Until that time, I was living in the delusion that only menwould be able to something, but was quickly taught a lesson.This fueled again and increased my distrust of the weaker sex. For no sooner arrived at the resort, brought Summer, sun, beach and sea, all that good intentions were immediately thrown overboard.We had, of course, nothing wrong - in our view, their behavior was actually quite commendable.For me it was a new experience, even in the times to be dredged.

I was still romantically involved with Peggy, but the fact that you be faithful in a relationship, I thought at that time very little.

Especially as the temptation was too great and ever presentto remain permanently steadfast and resist.

We inspected all the pubs and made friends with Jordi, the owner of Kiki's Bar. The liked the casual way, as we put onthe day. Who had a white painted Willy's Jeep, he left us and with which we, the narrow streets of Calella made uncertain.With Jordi we went now and then at dawn to Barcelona at thefish market, where we obtained supplies us with the freshest delicacies, which he prepared us as a result.As I was enjoying the first rays where Jordi when skinning made three knives blunt.

Calella there was also a barber who enjoyed international fame, for he had been to London, Paris, New York, etc. all under his razors and scissors, which was anybody. In his extensive photo album saw the famous contemporaries, photographed together with him and provided with numerous letters of thanks.This could for example Figaro My acute hair loss with various concoctions, which he prepared himself to stop, after he had examined the roots of my hair under a microscope and found the cause of the failure.Otherwise I would definitely been around for decades, topless.

A face in the music fascinated me most and I asked Señor Vila, that was his name, who was this distinctive master because that was there ready with Cordobés (the flat, wide-brimmed hat Andalusian).He explained that this was the most famous fighting bull breeders in Spain. "If this is the opinion, his mustache would again be trimmed, then I get a letter with a flight ticket Barcelona - Seville - Barcelona plus taxi money and plus salary for a whole day" (you deserve it anything).When we went the first time in the winter to Calella to letus embellish by Josep Vila, 'we were shocked: How in the world looked like this place? All the bars and restaurants were boarded up and the only living things that we got to see were two dogs that were chasing a cat. It was depressing. But that's beside the point.

Calella we also met the Dutch saxophonist Lodi van de Bliek, who from then starred as a time with us and enrich our sound with his skill.We swam now fully on the Soul wave that grew in popularity,and that was exactly the right man for us. Then we expandedour occupation with the German musician Kurt, Paul 'Waldhecker, a brilliant saxophonist and arranger geur, we know there is also a tourist had learned.Of 11 to 16 September, I treated myself to vacation in Madrid, because we had exceptional play and there was an Señorita named Francisca that I wanted to watch again.The round-trip flight with Spantax in an ancient Super Constellation would be material for another chapter, but I do not want to overdo it. Then found the usual galas held in dozens of cities. On 24 November we again stood before the television cameras of TVE in Madrid Casa de Campo.Paul abandoned after removing make-up and walked onto bright orange in the face through the center of the capital.Spain was at this time not yet sent in color, and so there was melted in the black / white television the best contrast. Outside the studio, however, saw the ridiculous.

Costa Brava, CatalanaThen we said goodbye to final of Spain's capital and left us in December 1967 in Castelldefels, down ten kilometers south of Barcelona. The home of the most famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudí was, up to my departure from Spain in late 1972, also my home.Until his death in 1926 Gaudí coined the cityscape significantly by numerous buildings, whole streets and parks in the Art Nouveau style. His most famous work, devoted to the Sagrada Familia, the temple of atonement, the Holy Family, with its parabolic himself spiraling into the sky giant towers, symbol of modernism, was the world famous landmark in Barcelona. To his unfinished masterpieceand legacy Antoni Gaudí four decades, only in his last twelve years of life.When he died, he had completed only one of the towers, the crypt and the eastern facade. He described his work as 'sermon in stone'. There were and are no plans, as Gaudí worked, from the gut '.

What, however, this came posthumously, is controversial: Nosign of the bold imagination and ingenuity of the Master, inspired by nature, religion and mysticism.So much for the culture of this Mediterranean city (1.5 million people), and it fascinated me, because I was not interested exclusively for music and girls. We rented two apartments in apartment house near the beach El Alba, where we spent the next few months.Our, rambles around the houses' we did one night in early 1968, the acquaintance of two Dutch girls, whose parents owned an apartment building in Castelldefels, which they rented out during the summer, on a Dutch travel agency, to tourists. With her family, we made friends with very soon.As we had in the winter on the weekends to pursue our musical commitments we made useful during the week in El Elefante, that was the apartment house.With lots of color we let the Elefante in a new light, repaired patio chairs and everything else was still broken.Ms. Erkelens the owner returned the favor with snacks and drinks, and Det supervised, "said the eldest daughter Susanne, Suze ', with whom he has been married since 1971. The Sisters of Suze, 15, and Marie Catherine, Toosje '13, were at this time is still too young for us.In some corner of the house was an old piano. This sparked my ambition to beautify it. I daub it quite in the style ofJohn Lennon's psychedelic colored Rolls Royce. Then looked great. January Erkelens, the boss was very proud of this work of art and sold it for a lot of money one day, after he had told the prospects that this was the work of a famous foreign artist. He had thus probably not wrong.Mr. Erkelens I also learned that Dutch people are very stingy. They come before the Scots and Swabians. If I knew why so few refrigerators in Holland would be sold, he askedme one day: "Because who are afraid that the light inside does not go out, if they make the door." One day there was a knock on our door at El Alba and outside were two girls: Tere and Elisha, we knew fleetinglyof Madrid. When asked how they knew, then, where we lived, they thought they had hung on our posters everywhere, read the address of the agency, and had not undergone our

whereabouts. Madrid they had left behind, because they wanted to look for work in Barcelona and would like to, if possible, hatched with us for a while.In their infinite goodness presented Micky and the exhausted Det Señoritas their beds available, so they couldreturn it immediately. Of course, along with them, because where else the dear colleagues were supposed to sleep then?The two were a couple of weeks and then moved on again.During this time we had a real living community, even afterJoe's girlfriend Rosi, who had come from Germany in the spring, also lived with us. She stood a little later in ourperformances as Go Go Dancer on stage and enriched our performances visually, because she was very pretty. Once, when we made guest appearances on Menorca, the organizers had printed even own posters for them.Suze then gave her to his 21 Det Birthday, the end of February, a young shepherd, which we called Otis. Since theWG was complete.

Sometime even Peggy came to visit and we spent a weekend full of tenderness and passion together.When she arrived with us, I would not have recognized almost since their appearance was totally changed: Her longblack hair was dark blond and much shorter. Instead of her glasses with tinted lenses she wore contact lenses, and then their stylish outfit - absolutely never! I was blown away.Still, I had this strange feeling in my stomach. I felt intuitively that since what was wrong, but these thoughts repressed again immediately.When they parted, she explained to me that our relationshipis now finished ...That hit me like a blow, and, although I had secretly been expected that it would happen sooner or later, I was shocked and deeply saddened. It took quite a while, until Igot halfway resigned. At least she had the decency to inform me of this bad news face to face.In our throwaway society nowadays so what goes in some cases even by text message, if any. Years later, when we were staying to television recordings in Madrid, I had to think of our time together. So I am

stuck on the phone and called her parents, whose number hasstayed with me to this day in remembrance. And I was very excited. These were very pleased with my call and said thatthey had regrets the decision of her daughter. "Wolfgang, what happened is doing us really sorry, because we have always appreciated you," said Peggy's mother.Although I would want to know what happened to Peggy, but her parents did not say anything and I did not have any questions for the simple courage. I do not know to this day.

Jailhouse RockIn early March, Joe and Paul flew for a few days in the home, because we had no play. On 13 March visited Mickey, and I Det. Cinema in Castelldefels and we watched a movie with Louis de Funés where I slid laughter of my cinema seatand landed on the groundWhen we left the theater after midnight, where there were acouple of young guys who were wondering, which of us Det Ferring. They were from the criminal police in Barcelona, though there were a few inconsistencies, and to clarify this, would come Det. Micky and I followed the police car, then back to Det take home with them. They took him to an office in the notorious police station in Via Layetana and unfortunately we could not hear what was being spoken there. Sometime after two clock in the morning I knocked onthe door to ask what was going on for now. They told me that Det must stay overnight there because the prosecutor would just take the thing tomorrow could and we should comeagain in the evenings. Det Allerwerteste went to the ground-and he said something about the seduction of a minor. Then we could make no sense. The next night we asked about and they asked Det Mickey also the office. As I sat alone in the hallway, I put the ears and listened at the door, because I wanted to know what was going on. I heard the name of our Madrid, guests' and slowly dawned on me terrible.Anyway Micky had to stay there, when I heard the "other" (me) to get well in, I took flight, although I had to do with anything really nothing.

I went straight to family Erkelens order for Franco's henchmen to be untraceable for now.We sat down together and discussed what we could do for my colleagues. Suze was anything built as when she learned of the infidelity of her beloved Det.The next day I visited the lawyer Señor Pedemonte in his old-fashioned furnished office. He was a small, unobtrusiveman with horn-rimmed glasses, which I described our plight.He did not look like the shining star lawyers who were known from TV series, but enjoyed an excellent reputation and was recommended highly by our agency.He took a few phone calls and informed me that my friends were moved temporarily to the prison in Barcelona. The whole thing was "muy dificil" very difficult because they are suspected of kidnapping and child predation. Then therewere many years in prison.Teresa and her friend had run away from home, what could wedo not know, and their totally distraught parents had turned in desperation to the police. The rest was a matter of research by the well-organized, powerful police apparatus. At that time women were in Spain until age 23, men since 21stThe two were 21 and 22 years old, so the law still a minor and the Spanish judiciary was relentless on this point.Also, I had intimate relations with a number of Spanish women who without exception, were minors. " But where no plaintiff, there is no judge. Something, probably my sixth sense kept me from back then but at the two, in this matter, fail to act '. For when they came to us, was still wide open, and anyone with whom if at all.Together with the law and I visited Det Mickey in jail because he had procured for us a talk time. The two were, ". Dificil, muy dificil" cope with the nerves', because thething looked really hopeless for them and every other word out of the lawyer wasWe were all determined no children of sadness, but secretlyI thought, that's what happens when every x-any woman who runs one on the way, jumping into the box.

It was thanks to the cunning of the lawyer that Micky afterseven and Det after eight days again came into freedom. He succeeded, the public in crime, indecency '(Escándalo

público) weaken and they had served their sentences thus. Det who was detained total of eight days, came out shaved bald. On the seventh day they had him shaved his head and put him in a German in the cell. It sat there for life because he was guilty or not, involved in an accident in which a traffic officer was killed. In his panic, then the idiot committed a hit and run, rather than to surrender.

Joe and Paul, who had returned in the meantime, we should play some galas were, was outraged and our agency pissed because she had to work with the greatest tricks to spare bands to see for ourselves and our clients that only the Vampires wanted to appease.This had greatly damaged our reputation and we felt even a long time after that.Det wore on there first time at our concerts Rosis black slouch hat, to hide his bald spot (because you realize at first, such as slow-grow hair.) From 14 May we were back for a few days in the recording studio in Madrid, because we had worked four soul tracks and perfected. There were two original compositions: Your time has gone and I can go down. Furthermore, two of us arranged Soul Title: Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding and A Shot of Rhythm and Blues, a traditional piece.And we had committed the brass section of the band Los Canarios and the British organist of The Fashion Group. Thearrangements for the wind Paul had written.At the end of the recording, there was disagreement and anger with our record company. Without further ado, I clawed me the master tape with the ready-mixed shots and was gone. (After 30 years, the rights of these compositionswere made to me. Together with Wolfgang Völkel of, Break-A-Way Records' I released this song in 2002 to a 10-inch vinyl record, which has been sold worldwide. One of my share, I could few times to go) eat.

15th during the summer months, up to and including September 1968, we played with breaks again in Calella, where we acted in the past year so successful.One evening we went to the gig ready, but where was Det? Nobody could remember seeing him in the course of the past

day. As far as we knew, he left in the company of a German holiday, the previous night after the show, the Bergantin.The club owner, at the same time Mayor of Calella, rang to the Guardia Civil, and learned that a German there in her, dungeon 'scorched.We go for it. And indeed, these were to ours, prodigal son '. Dirty and greasy, we took him in reception and he reported that he had the night before with the girl standing in front of the hotel entrance, as he barked at a patrol of the Civil Guard to go to sleep. When he replied that he was not yet tired, they grabbed him unceremoniously, took him and punched him up.In the cell, there was no light, and for the necessity onlyone hole in the ground. The finding in the dark and had to make, however, a feat that also dominated Det not and accordingly he looked then too. After he showered and moved, we could start with some delay our show.

Shortly after we had him get out there again.The reason: Dora, his former fiancee (or whatever) from Germany, visited him in Calella, along with a colleague, and was frustrated when she realized that his interest in her was now zero.Now the lady was a professional striptease dancer, artist name Phaedra, who was considerably older than DetThey not only looked great, but was on top of everything all the tricks.She complained to the police that they had robbed Det, and after the police made beautiful eyes that were no stopping to let the unfortunate victims justice.I once went with her in her Opel Admiral through the narrowstreets of Calella, when an elderly couple excited vacationers, it is an outrage to clog with such a big ship in the streets.Dora shouted through the open sunroof: "Send your old lady on the line, then you can not afford a car so" That was Phaedra live. After the jail, unfortunately did not work and Det could not be persuaded to turn back to him but really wanted to miss a lesson, she even tried one night, with a few glasses

of champagne and dim lighting, on the couch of her hotel suite to seduce me.Micky, who managed in the bedroom next door to her friend was because less successfully.Either she was on the same-sex line and therefore had no need, or he just did not fit into their prey scheme.Det I took that off, trips to foreign climes', from which he Dora course at the first opportunity, reported luckily not bad. It was actually quite right, because now he finally had a good reason to be pissed at them.Eventually they moved from there, and we never heard from her.

One afternoon we were looking forward huge, suddenly emerged as a saxophonist of the group Los Indonesios (BlackDynamite) with us. We greeted each other warmly, because Harry Koster and his men we knew from Germany. They were also those who had guided us indirectly to Madrid. He told us that he. In Stuttgart, where he had moved after his bandbroke up, the ceiling had fallen on his headHe asked if he could play for a few weeks because he had learned in Germany that we made guest appearances in Calella.Det at that time had enormous trouble with pimps Frankfurt,where he, before coming to us, one of her, Horse 'for theirown purposes, diverted' had. Who also tells you where to find him, came to third arrived in a gold metallic colored Mercedes with number Berlin and demanded damages.Now Harry had a dream figure, for others to toil in vain for years in gyms. His back was V-shaped and his upper armsconsiderable. He was on 16 May was born in 1932 in Java, and grew up there, before he moved to Holland.His appearance with us on the stage held, comrades' from before major stupidities, because he also had a look at it,which did not bode well for potential adversaries. That these guys felt instinctively.Harry and I once lived in a hotel room together. He said goodbye to 10 clock in the morning, he would swim a bit. Afternoon after four clock he came back and scolded like a fishwife: "So a impudence here one may not even swim," he cried. Apparently he had seen my blank look, for he thoughtthat he would swim for about four hours straight. Then a

police boat came, would have charged him and brought back to shore. "Did you want to swim about in Africa?" I asked, astonished.He told me that they were as children in Java always swam from one island to another. Therefore the condition. Anyway, thanks to Harry Frankfurt's pimp moved from empty-handed and were never seen again.

Of 14 to 30 August we made guest appearances in Madrid, Toledo, and in Bilbao.On our drive towards Euskadi, the Basque Country is the name in the local language, we got us a new and completely unknown side of our adopted country know. As drove through landscapes that reminded us of Upper Bavaria and Switzerland. High mountains with snow on the peaks, lush green meadows and deciduous forests as far as the eye looked. The man of great stature, blue-eyed blonde. And then, Basque, one of the oldest historically documented languages that does not have the slightest similarities to Castellano, the, high Spanish '. They heard only one of thecommon languages in Western Europe not to Indo-European family. Basque, we learned, is a language of Celtic origin.It may have been introduced by the Vikings.According to our guest performances we returned to Calella to bring our contract to end. This was followed by galas inall parts of the country.End of the year Joe left the group and went along with his,Rosie 'to Germany back in their hometown of Trier.The gap that he created was of the French guitarist Dominique LeBeau, whose cradle was in Tahiti, closed more bad than good. From that strikes my memory, because the following weeks and months were not very edifying. In other words, we are literally fighting for survival.Domino, who was recommended to us by a friendly group, had a soft spot for Jimi Hendrix, and was thus not necessarily on our wavelength.But what would we do? It was not easy to find a replacementfor Joe, because good guitarist grew in Spain, unfortunately, not in the trees. Of necessity, we changed

our style again and went to the rock rail. Me this music was simply too heavy ', although it was on the rise.Suddenly, Mickey and I the only ones that dated back to theearly days.

Castelldefels 1969Earlier this year two men were standing in front of our door to tell us that we were in breach of Spanish customs regulations, we drove by with a non-imported and unregistered vehicle on Spanish roads. Mickey had a vehicleowner to hand over the car keys and sign a waiver. Then they seized our loyal Volkswagen bus.Foreigners who were staying longer than half a year in Spain, where it went about an occupation, had to introduce their vehicles. In contrast, we had violated for years, that was a fact.Unlike the former head of Esso / Rotterdam, who had a villain Castelldefels. He drew his pension from abroad and therefore could drive his Porsche with Dutch license plate perfectly legal in Spain.We have now had the opportunity to introduce our service tothe original price and to register. But since we were recently involved in two accidents that had left traces in our product tremendous, he was us that money is not worth more. Should repair it but then be happy.There was an older German named in Castelldefels Henke, which were said, he would work closely with the customs'. He was the owner of the restaurant patio on the Paseo Marítimo, which he leased to German.If then, after more than six months, still with their German flag drove through the area, they suffered the same fate as us.There is a saying: "God protect me from the storm and wind - and Germans who are abroad."Because what truth to it.

The glee in the German colony of Castelldefels knew no bounds, as Henkes black Mercedes with Spanish flag one night with a bright flame.We went inevitably to a junkyard, where we a used Citroën bus with barcelonesischen Features: B-275022 acquired low. That was a, corrugated iron garage ', as the French police

had earlier deployed. I called him Huevo (egg) although he viewed from the side, more reminiscent of a pig.

In March 1969, I went with a friend and Domino from Castelldefels to visit for a few days to Germany to my parents that I had not seen for years. Domino we delivered from Paris and then drove to Frankfurt, and Schweinfurt.On our way back we were unfortunately not realized, that was the start of vacation in France. On Sunday we were fivelong hours in front of the French / Spanish border, until we could finally cross this. We needed namely in Gerona, which was on the way, occur.Finally, with fluttering nerves, we arrived at the venue atthe very moment when the event was over. The rest of the group was close to despair, because they were expecting us back hours earlier. The thunder of the organizer was indescribable. To appease the colleagues, I reminded them of the misery which they had in the past year brewed with their vacation behind bars. In this current case, it was really just a botched Gala!

Evolution of the VampireIn early summer, we had a gig near Barcelona, a Spanish band as the opening act.When we saw the guitarist, we were stunned and speechless, because he could have been visually the twin brother of Joe. Only his hair was jet black even longer. He impressed and fascinated us with his incredible playing technique. I appreciated the boy so about 17 years. And I was therefore quite right.During the break we started talking, because we could vividly imagine integrating it into our ranks. This was finally the guitarist for us, we had to make do without forso long.Here we come again Dets eloquence to good. He talked for the longest time with the father of the guitarist who accompanied him as a chauffeur, and tried to convince the old masters of our plans.The next day appeared Antonio Fernández-Ponce, Tony briefly, to the sample and expressed its willingness to join with us immediately. From then on we were rehearsing almost every day in a friend's house, and during this

session we created a number of original compositions. (Domino left the group at the same time and moved to Zaragoza).Now Tony knew in Barcelona, God and the world ', which for us was a great advantage, because we fervently hoped for a new recording contract. The thing with Sesión Madrid had gone and we had never heard from them again.But what would life be without the famous coincidences:During one of our first gigs with Tony spoke to us a guy who introduced himself as the manager of record company barcelonesischen Ekipo.His name is Artur Mas and he had the idea for his company with a new label called Dimension, to call progressive music 'to life. We were exactly according to his ideas, thegroup would qualify.This, however, a name change would be inevitable, because he had to give the group a completely new image. Vampiros than we would have fizzled in his opinion. He was right.

In October, we completed an agreement with Artur Mas and called us from there on evolution, also an idea of Ekipo.

Now we had to quickly into the studio to open up with a newsingle dimension of the catalog of progressive music.The bosses of our new record company allowed us to refine our warehouse in their future titles for plate production.There, young women were busy records in batches ready to bepacked. This Muchachas were overjoyed experience of them sorevered Stars privately and within reach to be allowed.This in turn inspired us, with them from time to flirt a little, which left some blushing modestly, even though theywere married for almost all.

Then appeared in December in the Spanish record stores our first single. On the A side Fresh Garbage and on the B-sideYou do not love me, baby.

The show must go onIn early February 1970, we were on a five-day tour for Television Española, where we are at the fifth and 6 occurred in Madrid. When I left my hotel in the morning, I met Mickey and Det, who had risen before me to make calls

to their girls in Elefante in Castelldefels. They took me aside, dragged 'me into a pub and ordered a double brandy for me. "Sit down and drink from!"To my question, what would that mean, she ordered another one. ! "Put it down" "So what's going on, out with it" "Wolfgang hold you: the day before yesterday on the 4th your father is dead, We are sorry! If we can do for you ..."I was dumbfounded, unable to say anything now. It took a while until I had regained my composure and was able to think reasonably clear. "And how do you know that? '" Mr. Erkelens has just told us that. Your mother called there because she did not know how to reach you. After they knew of our tour, they even tried to take over TVE Madrid to communicate with you. However, there were too stupid to forward it to us. "" Wait here, I must call. Will see if I can reach my mother. "

I went to a nearby post office, as international calls at that time were a problem and had to be notified. Since my parents did not have their own phone, I tried a neighbor inthe house to reach my mother. You just came back from the funeral of the cemetery. She looked very composed, as we were talking and she told me of his father last hours. "What I do now is, I come home," I said. My mother just said that I would make it no longer father alive. I should continue to fulfill my obligations and move on.It was not I who stood in the spotlight on stage. Everything went completely automatically. In my mind I was elsewhere. "When the heart you break even, make a smiley face!" At this saying came to mind during this time often.Many months later I was tormented by my conscience and I was wicked allegations. It took a long time until I was finally able to come to terms with the death of my father. For a while I even suffered from depression, but I took offwithout assistance and medication again.

End of March, we were almost daily in the studio to record our new original compositions. Earliest at three clock in the morning we finished our shots. We realized that we werethe most creative after midnight, so we started just after 22 clock in the studio working.

1970 was our most successful year in terms of admissions, record production and sales. Also we had this year. Our main stage performances and the most important events in radio, newspapers, and televisionAfter wandering through the valley we were approaching inexorably and with giant strides the peak of our success to date!After the end of the recordings for Fresh Garbage left and Paul, whose alcoholism us constantly caused problems, the band and was replaced by Adolphus Vernon Brown, who called himself TJ (Tony James). A colored organist, born in Jamaica, who toured with the band Carl Douglas explosion bySpain.This group was known in the seventies in Germany with the hit Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting. His Hammond M 200 with Leslie speaker was an absolute asset to our music and opened unprecedented new opportunities for us. Our sound was downright explosive from then on.

On 24 April drove Mickey, TJ and his Swedish girlfriend andI to Perpignan as we needed for our new bus front axles. Juan, our car mechanic in Castelldefels, had given us good advice, if possible, to get in France, as they were much cheaper there than in Spain. In addition, we would save theexorbitant import fees.At the first intersection of Perpignan I remembered my highschool French and asked the policeman there directing traffic: "Pardon Monsieur, parlez vous Spanish?" He glancedat our license plate and asked back: "Parlas Català" "una mica "a little, 'I replied.Then he described us in Catalan, which was already familiarto us now as well, the way to Citroën office.The autonomous region of Catalunya, now ends in the north while at the French border, but her speaking reaches deep south of France. On the west side of Spain is similar to Basque.For Citroën said the seller in good Spanish, off the record, as we had expressed our desire, "My brother dealingin used car parts because you can save your money. Tell hima nice greeting from me and he will help you! "Then he described to us the way to him.

A typical older Frenchman with Basque beret on his head, cigarette butt in his mouth and two sheep dogs at his side,came to meet us there. As we advanced our cause he looked at TJ from head to toe and asked in English if we were Americans? Yes, TJ lied and said that we were from New York. Then he murmured: "It is good that your people had freed us from this, fucking Germans! '"On the way back Micky grinned: "If he had known where we come from really, he probably would have chased his dogs onus, instead of us favorably to sell spare parts."

From 5th May we made guest again for a few days in Gijon, city and seaport in the province of Asturias on the Bay of Biscay, in which we had in the past a number of appearances. The poor, with about 260,000 inhabitants smalltown is famous for foundries, textile and paper mills, oil and sugar refineries, tobacco and porcelain factories. Gijón goes back to the ancient Roman city Gigia. Early 8th Century it was conquered by the Moors. Later that century, however, it should be one of the first cities that reconquered the Christian troops. Only at the margins, for much history.From there we were once, two years ago, drove our VW bus inthe 30 kilometers from Oviedo, because there were the discoFuente de Champán that betrayed as their name, had a sparkling fountain in the foyer. This fountain we wanted totake antesten inspected and.That would be basically nothing unusual if we did not at that time a total of 32 people in our bus, seated 'had. Besides us the Pekenikes and pop-tops, were both in complete occupation and all accompanied by their girlfriends on board. Simply because the suspension and theshocks had failed, and was sitting on the bus on the axes. Mickey drove with care. If we were straight into a police checkpoint, we would have had enormous trouble.It must have looked funny, when we got off, because that was, and had no end.I myself had made it back to the engine, easily ', and there had even the most space.

Speaking Bus: Micky decreed for me already almost beyond the capabilities of a test pilot, as he sometimes rocked our vehicles across the country.Once we were on our VW bus on the way home from a gala event at the Costa Brava, in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of the night when Mickey suddenly appeared with his right foot into the void. The Bowden cable, which the accelerator coupled with the throttle of the carburetor in the rear of the vehicle was pulled beneath the pedal. The engine chugging at idle and the bus did not move a millimeter more. Now were once again our imagination and the art of improvisation in demand.Without further ado, we pulled the rope from his long thin steel shell, ran it around from the engine compartment to the bus and knotted the end of Mickey's mirrors. There was just long enough.Micky had to give gas attack through the open side window and hit the rope with his left hand down. Without significant delay, we finally reached Castelldefels.From 10th May we made guest appearances in Valencia, the next day in Alicante and Elche, then in Elda, Petrell and Madrid on 16 to 26 again in Bilbao, the largest city in theBasque Country. Once there we went on the rack railway, which had its maiden voyage in 1915, to the mountain Monte Archanda. There was a legendary, eponymous Argentine restaurant. The steaks we enjoyed there, served on wooden boards, were also legendary: the piece to 400 grams! To a marinade of olive oil, garlic and parsley. Our life took place mainly at this time in your car, with which we wound-down in a short time thousands of miles, andon various stages and in hotels. That was hard work!Meanwhile, I switched to the collection of newspaper clippings, because there were almost daily and on some of us to read. As appeared in the largest daily newspaper La Vanguardia in Spain, an article titled "The lazy hard worker" - how true!

The foresight, I sent all these souvenirs of post my mother's home. Fortunately, my old lady could never part with anything. And this circumstance, it is thanks to them that I have now have a nearly complete collection of

letters, plates, photos, newspaper articles and other memorabilia!

Playboy Club, IbizaOn 13 June we flew to Ibiza where we performed the next three months in the Playboy Club of San Antonio Abad nightly as an attraction. Our equipment, we received replacement delivery by ship. This was cheaper than if we had taken it on a plane.The Playboy Club, a large facility in the open, with tall trees, a covered stage and a covered bar, behind the disabled are several waiters each had a capacity of a few hundred people.The store was a gold mine, because every night it was packed. Predominantly with young tourists from all over theworld, who spent the money that they had saved up during the year, with full hands.Left and right of the stage there were pedestals on which ranged British go-go girls during our performances, the rhythm of our music and therefore financed their extended holiday.When we moved home from 20 July, a former fisherman's house, which was just outside of San Antonio on a hill. We had it. Till the end of August for a total of 3,500 Pts rented. The per man about 40 DM were to damaligem German money value.While Tony and TJ had been billeted in a boarding house in the town center, there lived Micky, and I Det.Since we often sat night after night with friends and family on the doorstep outside to talk and philosophize. That was neat for us to leave.We enjoyed the balmy night air and the vastness of the starry sky, stretching from horizon to horizon. A bottle ofvino tinto and compulsory Ducados, my favorite cigarette brand. I bought there in cans in packs of 50, because they were on the beach protected from sand and water.As soon as it was then gradually brightens in the east and the red fireball rose over the horizon out, we went to bed.Here, the night would have been more restful sleep, for July / August it was in the house during the day uncomfortably warm, even though it was white-washed white

as snow. There was no longer think of sleep and so we went on the rocks of Cala Bassa, on the beach of Port des Torrent or the creeks around San Antonio else were called to relax.The climate there was still very pleasant, because always afresh breeze blew across the island. Only once during our stay there was a brief thunderstorm cast. Then the earth was steaming and it was oppressively humid.In the very first week we met at the marina a good friend from Madrid, owner of several prestigious boutiques, which was very excited about the reunion. He said it träfe well, because he had for five weeks in France, and if we would agree, it would give us the keys to his Mustang and his motorboat entrust so long. Then we could in fact take over the supervision, of course, use the vehicles and he would instruct anyone else with it.We were thrilled. There were again, as so often in the past, the chance and the luck on our side.With the Mustang, we took trips and explored the island by land. By boat we did the same, only by water. There were around Ibiza few uninhabited islands we were headed, to have a look up close.Once we made situated picnic on the rocky island of La Conejera, west of San Antonio, when suddenly from all sidesgreen salamander, about 20 cm long, coming towards us. These were attracted by the smell of our food and had not the slightest fear of humans. We kept them out of tomato, they took us out of his hands and it even climbed on it forus.Then we bought masks, fins and snorkels to take the wondersof the underwater world in inspection. The water was crystal clear, and when the eyes adjusted to the darkness that prevailed at greater depths, they saw pass by there big fish and schools of fish.The seaweed floated majestically back and forth, sea urchins wandered across the sandy bottom and sometimes you could see the tentacles of squid, who were hiding under rocks. The sunlight that broke off in the waves of the water surface conjured the most fantastic patterns on the sea floor. I was overwhelmed and taken, it was beautiful!One afternoon, while strolling through San Antonio said, look at an example of peers and asked us if we were German.

After we got to talking and told him about us and the reason of our stay, he told us he was the owner of a nightclub near Cologne.Unfortunately it would have turned out the coal, but he hadto urgently return home. If we could lend him the money forthe trip, he would give us his Ford 26 M to leave as a deposit.Since we were nearing the end of our commitment, we agreed with Walter Anton that he could pick up his car in Castelldefels, we lived.

Should be almost the same time we made the acquaintance of an interesting personality who, as it turned out a little later, for the Det 'winning the lottery':During the last few weeks in the Playboy Club was there every evening to an Englishman who has songs from Donovan, Bob Dylan, etc. recited and accompanied it on the guitar. This optional 1-hour break, we were naturally delighted.Jacques was the name of this singer, one afternoon came to us, seemed upset and said that he desperately need our help. He would have his motor scooter caused an accident inwhich another scooter rider had come to harm.There were a German tourist who would be injured in the hospital from Ibiza town, where no one would understand him. We should not hesitate get there with him there, because he did not understand what the man wanted to tell him, because it spoke very little English.Glad of any change we headed immediately to look after things. Together with Jacques we entered the darkened, air-conditioned hospital room and stood before the Lord, who was sitting on his bed with eingegipster shoulder."I am pleased that you have taken the trouble to come here," said this. "My name is Rudloff, I am a soldier in the Federal and was supposed to return home yesterday and now this."I just thought, if you're a soldier, then at least an officer, because this man had a noble way to express themselves and seemed somehow aristocratic."My problem is this: I am currently not able to travel though, but I must still try to get to the mainland, would pick me up there namely a transport aircraft of the Luftwaffe. Unfortunately, foreign military aircraft do not

land in Ibiza and during the current season, it is impossible to get a free seat in an airliner, or take a ferry with my handicap. That is why my family have not labored in vain. My wife and daughter are flying yesterday with our regular machine back to Barcelona and persist at the moment with friends. "

Inwardly, I snapped to attention, because if a soldier is picked up by a military aircraft abroad, in which he finds himself, for purely personal reasons, it must be certainly a big shot. This effort would I care who, when I was still a soldier, never made. Because I had to see for myself, as I come back home.Carefully I asked what his rank and Mr. Rudloff explained that he had the rank of colonel and commander of the Southern Group, based in Munich. This answer did not surprise me in the least, that was logical in the circumstances. We promised that we would put all the stops in order to get him to fly to Barcelona and that we would be pleased to answer as soon as possible with him.Immediately we went to the office of Iberia, where Det succeeded with his inimitable powers of persuasion to get aVIP booking for Mr Rudloff, after the facts have dramatized. There, they told us that in such cases until shortly before departure always a place in the Flyers wouldbe kept free.Delighted Colonel Rudloff took note of this good news, and said that if he, in turn, could do something for us, he would be a pleasure.Det told him bluntly that he would get in the German consulates no longer passport because he had deposed beforestarting his military service to Spain. That would, however, back a long time. We could make many offers from abroad therefore assume, unfortunately, since he could not leave the country without getting into serious trouble. "Well, I think there can make something," said Mr. Rudloff.And in fact, just four weeks later Det was the proud owner of a brand new passport, which he showed to each and in thebars before he is put on the table so everyone could see him."There is an additional problem. My car is in a parking garage in Barcelona and I do not know how I can get the car

back to Germany because my wife and daughter do not have a driver's license. I have to leave the car to pick up from one of our drivers. Another option I can not see. "" What would you think if we were to go by your car to Germany? "Micky said spontaneously. "Our commitment ends in less than a week, after a few days anyway, we wanted to go on holiday at home, that would be an opportunity." "That wouldbe very kind of you, I need not trouble our motor pool. I would leave my daughter with money on gas and other expenses in Barcelona with our friends. The course then youwould have to take to Munich. "" If you trust us so far, wewould do with the greatest pleasure, "replied Mickey.About a week later, in early September were Micky and his Marie, Sylvia Rudloff and I in the white Mercedes with the license plate of Colonel M -. EJ 707 on the way towards Alemania First, however, had Mickey and I go with our complete system and Walters 26 M with the ferry back to Barcelona.Early in the morning we joined in the endless queue outsidethe office of the shipping company in the port of Ibiza Town to get hold of tickets for the trip on the same day. Were other options do not exist.Some of those waiting had not harmed a bath or shower really, because they gave off unpleasant, unbearable smells. In conjunction with the increasing temperature is an absolute insult to the bystanders.The rest of the band since it was easier because they were allowed to fly.In such a case we could always opt for the opportunities the lot, who fell to the less comfortable option of traveling.No sooner had we left late in the afternoon the harbor of Ibiza Town, came on storm.While Mickey and the only one I visited the dining room, the remaining passengers were crowded to the railing and, fed the fish '. Micky had taken an anti-seasickness and gave me this rocking from nothing.After 12 hours we reached the crossing at eight clock in the morning the port of Barcelona.

Just arrived in Castelldefels, again focused on, colleagues' by Spanish customs on the doorstep to confiscate the Ford.Det it could not help just do not continuously connected tothe dark blue metallic sled, good for everyone to see, to drive through the town.Really would have been to hide the car in a garage, not to tell anyone and wait for arrival Walters, because, "God protect me from the storm and the wind ..."We had a Ford in the yard of Juan, park our car mechanic, and the tax collectors to hand over the keys and the vehicle registration document.Immediately, I ran to the post office to Walter phone to report this misery: "Walter immediately grab your spare keyand the vehicle registration document and come down here assoon as possible, your car has been confiscated by customs.It is still not too late, we can still do something about it. "In the afternoon we took Walter from Barcelona airport and pushed when it was dark, secretly his car from the yard. Walter jumped into it and drove to the north and away.The next morning did the publican of us know what to do with, then, would have made her 'vehicle? It would no longer grounded in the yard where we had parked it yesterday.With stunned expressions innocence we assured them that we would not have the slightest idea what had happened. Grim-faced and saying that we had betrayed them, while of coursewe protested loudly, they departed thence.Since we had not Juan initiated into our plans could say with a clear conscience, to have nothing to do with the whole business. His truck stop had no fence and no gate andis therefore not protected against theft. Since everyone could come and go. They would have to leave the car just somewhere else. Him not to blame, and for the disappearance, he could be held responsible under any circumstances.Was probably nothing this time with the premiums and the Judas.Walter visited us from then on a regular basis and we have been friends ever since.

Not too long ago, I visited him in his, now known by the WDR TV, Grill restaurant in Pulheim near Cologne a visit.

He lent me his entire collection of Los Bravos records, because I wanted to play these rarities on CD.In 2001, in November, I met up there with Mickey and Det, which I had not seen for more than 20 years. And while Mickey and I were sitting in Walter's living room, waiting for Dets arrival, called oddly enough, Mike Kennedy from Mallorca. He wanted to talk with Walter, to his circle of friends he can count for many years.Walter Micky wordlessly handed the phone and this Mike asked for a warm welcome, "Boy singing some Black is Black", which to our delight this promptly did. It was about this unexpected contact as baffled as we are. The circle is complete but time and time again.

On 4 August 2008, we were there again as a guest to celebrate Walter's Steakhouse in its sixtieth birthday. Even Det had traveled with his wife from Spain and enrichedthe evening with a number of vocal performances to playbackhis current band. The whole thing was a class reunion, or rather, a family celebration of the same. Suze appeared in the company of an attractive woman who greeted me warmly tomy great surprise and asked: "Well, Wolfgang, do you recognize me anymore?"It was Rosie (our florets), which I had not seen for forty years, and shame on me, was not detected, even though she is as pretty as it was still only a little older, like we all do.Autumn 1970In the evening hours, on our trip to Germany, we reached Macon, where we were looking for a hotel for the night, as Mickey felt no desire to cover the distance to Munich nonstop with a foreign car.To make the course at this point no misunderstandings and all speculation to eliminate the culture: Sylvia Rudloff and I slept in separate rooms. Brash so I could at the thought of her papa, whom I was to meet again soon, but nothis, even though the girl had liked me.I do not know how they saw it, because I did not have the impression that I was unsympathetic to her.

When we returned the next morning after breakfast, leaving the hotel, we were amazed, because the square in front of the hotel had, like a flea market, a cheese market established. I counted over 60 different varieties, I wish I had all tried this. They were wrapped in some exotic packages:Straw, grape leaves, ashes or in small baskets. Since the corresponding offer in Spain was downright miserable. Aboutthe scent, however, lay over the place, you could be divided on this issue.We continued our journey and arrived in the afternoon the border, where we held fast the French publican two long hours. Micky and I wore shoulder-length hair and dark brownwere burned, what the border guards led well, drugs to lookat us. Since we were on that point, however, beyond doubt, they gave their unsuccessful search after they are disassembled the car halfway to grudgingly. The German tax collector who had obviously noticed the accused, only a quick glance at our passports and wished us a safe onward journey. I had quite a few cartons of cigarettes and a few liters of wine in the trunk, not interest anyone.In the evening we reached Munich, greeted us warmly and relieved Colonel Rudloff.In the state capital at that time was a major issue. All the hotels were booked so affordable. After several fruitless phone calls Mr. Rudloff said: "We do it differently. Marie, you can stay in the room with my daughter and I will both quartered in the medical field my barracks. Since there is certainly a vacancy. Just say please anyone how you got there. Come with us, we take off the same. You keep my car and come back here tomorrow morning. I let myself get out of our car service home. "We said good night, thanked him for the courtesy and went to the washroom to make us ready for the night. Since it weekend (Sunday) was, we got anyone from the soldier to face. We put out the light and slept a prompt.

Middle of the night suddenly the light went on in our room.Sleepy, I looked up and saw one about the same age, who laydown in one of the empty beds. "Where did you come in the middle of the night here," I asked the guy. "I wanted to stay with my girlfriend, showed up unexpectedly as their

parents. So I had no other choice than to come here. I am stationed in Mittenwald and do not know how to middle of the night there. But who are you, as you look for? "Micky, presence of mind, as always, replied promptly: "Top Secret thing, sorry mate, but what we are allowed to talk to anyone."He was satisfied, though his face was one big question mark. Then, when we awoke in the morning, he was already gone.We went to the parking lot in front of the commander building, sat in the Mercedes and drove to the output of the barracks. The guard saw the car of his boss, tore up the turnpike, saluted and eyes went wide when he saw us sitting in the car of his colonels. Could probably not believe what he had just spotted. Nevertheless, he let us pass through.

Colonel Rudloff had a hearty laugh when we told him of our nocturnal adventure and leaving the barracks.After we said goodbye, we went to the train station and boarded the train to Schweinfurt.Years later, when I lived in Germany again, I happened to see in the evening news of the Bavarian television a reportabout a certain Colonel Rudloff from Federal, which was then promoted to General. This sparked memories of course.       Back in Spain we were from 16 September on a promotion tour, along with the Spanish bands cerebrum and Pan y Regaliz, and the lead singer of the world-renowned Californian band The Walker Brothers, John Maus aka John Walker, with whom I bumped into the breaks with Johnny Walker.Along for the ride also was the American singer Oliver (Jeanjean, Roses are Red, his best-known titles). We touredMadrid, Valencia, Alicante and Barcelona afterwards. This event was organized by our record company for promotional purposes.On 18 9th overtook us the news that Jimi Hendrix had come mysteriously killed. We were shocked, because it brought usthe impermanence of all existence, the well before such great stars like him not halted, clearly in mind.

Only the Spanish colleague Angel, the singer of cerebrum said, sarcastically: "Less competition!"On a picture postcard of 20 9th I wrote to my mother, literally: "We are well on our tour arrived yesterday in Alicante. We have three bands, so about 30 people in a big bus. Besides us all Spaniards. We have so much fun, I have not laughed for years. It's like what happened with our school trips. So far we played in Valencia in the bullring,in Barcelona in Montjuïc amusement park, around 20,000 spectators. So many people in one place I've never seen. "

This amusement park, I went along with the famous French rock singer Johnny Hallyday, France's answer to Elvis', in a break roller coaster. He went there on and also was accompanied by Sylvie Vartan, his wife, who I got to take this opportunity also to face. She was a huge star in France, a famous chanson and pop singer and actress. But she remained behind the success of Françoise Hardy, France Gall, and above all Mireille Mathieu. The two I had a term from the French pop magazine Salut les Copains, which I bought like it was always the latest fashion trends, inspired us and in this regard the backward Spain were unfortunately too short. But only marginally.The driver of our bus was beginning to not speak well for us. We were obviously too loud and funny. That changed, however, quickly, and as he at some point in the backseat lay sleeping off his intoxication, Micky sat unceremoniously behind the wheel and rocked from then on the bus through the country, having had no permission because he had no Busführerschein.

After my return to Castelldefels I went along with a German, who was also living there, for dinner at the restaurant La Pava near the Autopista, the motorway-like road between Castelldefels and Barcelona.There I met for the first time Elfi that one year later, mywife, and who also lived in Castelldefels. She worked as a manager in the hotel Rolke and lived in a small house in the Paseo Marítimo, the beach promenade of Playa Bluff. We got closer and eventually I moved in with her in her house.