text: Formation (1975–1981) Krokus was formed in 1975 as a progressive rock act. The group's original lead singer, Peter Richard, left before the first album was recorded, leaving lead guitarist Tommy Kiefer to handle lead vocal duties for the band's self-titled debut album. Chris von Rohr, originally the drummer, switched to lead vocals for the follow-up record, To You All, remaining in this capacity into the late 1970s (along with playing keyboards and percussion).
  The new line-up was completed by guitarist Fernando von Arb, bassist Jürg Naegeli, and drummer Freddy Steady, who had released the "Rock Is Here" single as a trio under the name 'Montezuma' in 1976. With this line-up, Krokus became successful in Switzerland, touring throughout the country and releasing a third album, Painkiller, in 1978.
  After seeing AC/DC in concert in the late 1970s, they changed their musical direction and adopted a new AC/DC-influenced sound. Von Rohr's vocal abilities were limited and the band hired a new lead vocalist, Marc Storace, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money, in 1979, and recorded and released the album Metal Rendez-vous in 1980. This was their first hit and brought the band international recognition.
  The 1981 follow-up album, Hardware, was recorded at Roundhouse Studios in London and featured such songs as "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City", which became an enduring part of the band's live repertoire. Lead guitarist Tommy Kiefer was forced to leave the band because of heroin addiction early in the tour to support Hardware and was replaced by newcomer Mandy Meyer (ex-BM Smith). (Kiefer committed suicide on 24 December 1986, aged 34, after failing to conquer his heroin addiction.)