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Martin Gerschwitz | |
|---|---|
 Martin Gerschwitz withIron Butterfly in Prague on 7 October 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1952-06-25)25 June 1952 (age 72) Solingen, Germany |
| Genres | Hard rock,progressive rock,heavy metal,arena rock,blues rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Keyboards, piano, vocals, violin |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Website | martingerschwitz.com |
Martin Gerschwitz (born 25 June 1952) is a German violinist,[1] keyboardist, singer and composer.
He was born and raised inSolingen, Germany. He began playing piano at the age of five, at the age of twelve he devoted himself exclusively to classical music,[2] in 1969 he founded his first band, the Avengers.
In 1972 he got his first big success: He won the "battle of the bands" in Solingen, where he metDieter Rubach (amongst other members of the popularheavy metal bandAccept), but turned down to play with them as he got the opportunity to play with German entertainerHoward Carpendale, from 1974 to 1977.
In 1978 he founded Break Point, a band playing rock and roll in the USAF Europe Club Circuit, recording an album in 1981.
In 1985, he moved to the United States. From 1987 to 1989 he was the keyboard player forLita Ford (who amongst others also supportedBon Jovi around that time, where a concert atWembley Stadium was shot); in 1989 and 1990, he played withMeat Loaf'sNeverland Express. In 1991, he played withVanilla Fudge on the album "Back On Stage", and in 1991 and 1992, he was a permanent member of "The Doughboys/PFR." In 1991 he also played withKingdom Come. From 1993 to 1998 he played in theWalter Trout Band, where he met drummer Bernie Pershey.[3]
In 1999, he was asked to be the keyboardist forEric Burdon &the New Animals, afterNeal Morse (Spock's Beard) left the band. In late 2001, their drummerAynsley Dunbar was replaced by his old friendBernie Pershey. Gerschwitz stayed with Burdon and his new Animals until late 2005 and played on four albums with them.
Since 2005 he has played with thepsychedelic rock bandIron Butterfly, both as a singer and keyboardist.[4]
In the 2000s, he formed "Martin Gerschwitz & Friends", includingDieter Rubach on bass, Jan Mengeling on lead guitar and his childhood friend Martin Schwebel on drums. They also recorded a live DVD at the SAE, Frankfurt, in 2004. He continues to play worldwide tours withIron Butterfly and solo.
