Alphaville are a German rock group, specialising in either mysterious, lyrical ballads or heavy electronic rock, depending on your point of view.

They are not widely known outside of Europe, though their first single, "Big in Japan", was a major international hit in 1984. Their third single, "Forever Young", is also well-known.

Compared to most bands who have been around for almost two decades, Alphaville's releases have been few, with a total of five albums by the group and two solo albums by Marian Gold, the group's vocalist.

In addition, there are five compilation albums (one of which was only released in the US, another was only released in East Germany), one limited-release album, an eight-CD compilation entitled Dreamscapes, a live album entitled Stark Naked and Absolutely Live, and - most recently - a four-CD compilation called Crazyshow.

Currently under development is the group's sixth album.

Band members:

	Ricky Echolette Instruments Real name: Wolfgang Neuhaus (The "Echolette" was an old microphone model made by the German company Sennheiser.) Born Cologne, 6 August 1960 Joined Alphaville in January 1985 Left Alphaville in 1997 See also: Songwriters, Musicians
Marian Gold Voices Real name: Hartwig Schierbaum Born Herford, 26 May 1954 Released two solo albums: So Long Celeste in 1992, and United in 1996 See also: Songwriters
	Bernhard Lloyd Machines Real name: Bernhard Gößling Born Enger, 2 February 1960 Remixed most of the group's tracks for Dreamscapes Now also one half of AtlanticPopes See also: Songwriters
Frank Mertens Keyboards Real Name: Frank Sorgatz Born Enger, 26 October 1961 Left Alphaville in December 1984 Formed Lonely Boys with Matine and Felix Lille Currently performing & creating as Maelstrom See also: Songwriters