Steeler (German band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Bochum , Germany |
| Products | Music albums |
Steeler was a heavy metal group originating from Bochum, Germany, active between 1981 and 1988. The original members included Peter Burtz on vocals, Axel Rudi Pell and Tom Eder on guitars, Volker Krawczak playing bass, and Jan Yildiral on drums. The band's name was inspired by the Judas Priest track "Steeler," featured on the album British Steel.
With the initial lineup, they produced two albums: Steeler and Rulin' the Earth. After Volker Krawczak was replaced by Roland Hag on bass, Steeler released two additional albums, Strike Back and Undercover Animal, before ultimately dissolving.
Following Steeler's breakup, Axel Rudi Pell embarked on a solo career in heavy metal, continuing to collaborate with Krawczak on bass and maintaining a notable presence in the genre.
Peter Burtz moved into music industry executive roles after his time as vocalist. He served as editor-in-chief of Metal Hammer Germany from 1989 to 1991 and subsequently took on the position of head of A&R at EMI-Electrola in 1992. Between 1997 and 1999, Burtz held the role of Managing Director at EMI Germany. Later, he transitioned into radio comedy production alongside Elmar Brandt, earning the 1999 Deutsche Comedypreis for "Die Gerd-Show," a political satire that garnered commercial success with several Top 20 singles, including the number one hit "Steuersong" in 2002. Presently, Burtz manages Jan Böhmermann, a leading German television presenter and political satirist.
Past members
- Peter Burtz – lead vocals (1981–1988)
- Axel Rudi Pell – guitar (1981–1988)
- Tom Eder – guitar (1981–1988)
- Volker Krawczak – bass (1981–1985)
- Roland Hag – bass (1985–1988)
- Jan Yildiral – drums (1981–1988)
Discography
- Steeler (1984)
- Rulin' the Earth (1985)
- Strike Back (1986)
- Undercover Animal (1988)