Bonfire
This heavy metal band was formed in Ingolstadt, Germany. They came together in 1985 from the ashes of Cacumen, which had featured Claus Lessmann (vocals) and Hans Ziller (guitar) in their ranks. Other early members of Bonfire included Horst Makr Thorn (guitar) and a nameless drummer, who was sacked and replaced temporarily by Ken Mary from House Of Lords. Edgar Patrik (ex- Sinner, Tyran Pace and Paul Samson) joined in time for their third album, while Thorn was replaced by Angel Schaeffer (ex- Pretty Maids and Sinner) in 1988. An early introduction to UK audiences was convened at 1988's Reading festival. Afterwards they completed recording for their third album, POINT BLANK, produced by Michael Wagner, which gave them critical and commercial success in the UK and Europe. Despite this, Ziller departed leaving the '90s line-up comprising Lessmann, Schaeffer, Patrik, Michael Voss (guitar) and Jorg Deisinger (bass). Despite working in a similar vein to the Scorpions they failed to achieve the same sort of crossover appeal. Lessman split the band in 1993, teaming up with Ziller once more to form a folk rock group in the aftermath.