Amon Duul, II
In 1968, this act took shape from a pool of entertainers associated with an ‘alternative’ commune in Munich, Germany. More often than not bathed in swirling coloured lights, the troupe's modus operandi mingled radical political lyricism (in German and English) and the realization of musical moods through open-ended improvisations. Renate Knaupe-Kroaetenschwanz (vocals), Chris Karrer (guitar/ violin/vocals), John Weinzieri (guitar/vocals), Falk Rogner (keyboards), Lother Meid (bass) and drummer Danny Firchelscher were present on 1970's PHALLUS DEI but the line-up was by no means fixed—particularly with the comings and goings of Rogner and Meid as well as augmentations by such as Kalle Hausmann (keyboards) and saxophonist Olaf Kubler, the group's record producer. As Amon Duul II, they amassed an extensive booking schedule beyond Germany where they were promoted in similar fashion to Can, Faust and Hawkwind (whose Dave Anderson had played bass in the first Amon Duul). While their lengthy works could rarely be edited tartly enough for singles, a combination of knotted-brow appreciation and freaked-out cavorting by Europe's college audiences ensured that album sales followed in the wake of regular tours across the continent—and even some critical interest in North America—but the group failed to reach a wider market.