Grauzone
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Bern, Switzerland |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Bern , Switzerland |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, albums |
Grauzone (a German term meaning "grey area") was a Swiss music group originating from Bern, active during the early 1980s. They are primarily recognized for their 1981 hit single "Eisbär" ("Polar Bear"), which achieved notable chart positions, peaking at number 12 in Germany and number 6 in Austria. The band also attained moderate acclaim with tracks such as "Film 2" and "Wütendes Glas."
Formation
Towards the end of 1979, Marco Repetto (drums) and GT (bass) departed from the punk band Glueams to establish Grauzone alongside Martin Eicher (guitar, vocals, synthesizer), who had previously worked with Glueams. Their inaugural performance took place in March 1980 at club Spex in Bern. For live performances and recording sessions, Martin's brother Stephan Eicher (guitar, synthesizer), Max Kleiner, and Claudine Chirac (saxophone) joined the lineup on a temporary basis.
Although the band enjoyed commercial achievements—most notably with "Eisbär" charting in Germany and Austria—they maintained ambivalent attitudes toward their fame. After completing ten concerts, releasing four singles, and one album, Grauzone dissolved by the close of 1982.
Post-Grauzone Activities
Following the group's disbandment, GT and Marco Repetto initiated Missing Link (later renamed Eigernordwand), collaborating with former Glueams guitarist Martin Pavlinec and drummer Dominique Uldry. Additionally, GT participated in the futurism-inspired performance ensemble "Red Catholic Orthodox Jewish Chorus," which eventually evolved into I Suonatori.
Stephan Eicher pursued a prosperous solo career.
Martin Eicher issued a solo EP titled Spellbound Lovers in 1988. By 1989, Marco Repetto shifted his focus to a career as a Techno and Ambient DJ, musician, and producer, including involvement with mittageisen version 2.
Studio albums
- 1981 – Grauzone (reached No. 37 in Germany)
Compilation albums
- 1998 – Die Sunrise Tapes
- 2010 – Grauzone 1980–1982 (double album featuring remastered tracks)
Singles
- 1981 – "Eisbär/Ich lieb sie" (No. 12 Germany, No. 6 Austria)
- 1981 – "Moskau/Ein Tanz mit dem Tod/Ich lieb sie"
- 1982 – "Träume mit mir/Wütendes Glas"
- 1983 – "Moskau/Film 2"