Until 1995, Alphaville's live appearances were notoriously few and far between; this was primarily because Ricky and Bernhard weren't keen on playing live. In 1993, Bernhard and Marian - accompanied by Rudy Nielson and Hansi Behrend - played in Finland and Beirut. Then, two years later (and more than a decade after band was formed) Alphaville had their first tour... They've barely stopped since!
The live band's line-up has changed over the years, but here's a rough guide...
1993
Berhard Lloyd - keyboards, Hansi Behrend - drums, Rudy Nielson - guitars, Marian - vocals
1995
Martin Lister - keyboards, David (little Davey) Goodes - Guitars,
Alex (Manmountain) Slavic - bass, Robbie France - drums, Marian - vocals
1999
Martin Lister - keyboards, Rob Harris - Guitars, Alex Slavic - bass,
James Mack - drums, Marian - vocals, Bernhard - keyboards
2000
Martin Lister - keyboards, Rob Harris - Guitars, Shane Meehan - drums, Marian - vocals
2001
Martin Lister - keyboards, Christian Marsac - Guitars, Shane Meehan - drums, Marian - vocals
2004
Martin Lister - keyboards, Christian Marsac - Guitars, Pierson Grange - drums, Marian - vocals
2010
Martin Lister - keyboards, David Goodes - Guitars, Jakob Kiersch - drums, Marian - vocals
2016
Marian Gold - vocals, David Goodes - lead guitar, Jakob Kiersch - drums, Carsten Brocker - keyboards and machines, Alexandra Merl - bass guitar
Information on this page is taken from the official Alphaville site: Check www.alphaville.de for more details.
Marian Gold - Vocals
I started playing guitar when I was 10 years old, playing mainly classical guitar. I remember seeing my friend walk down our street carrying a box with what I knew was an electrical guitar in it. I remember thinking to myself I'm going to have one of those. My early inspirations were, of course, 'The Beatles' and 'The Rolling Stones'" and 'The Electric Light Orchestra' for some reason. I played in quite a few local garage bands without too much success but great fun!
In 1986 I joind my first professional band called 'The Boogie Brothers'. We played music from the Blues Brothers movie and dressed up like them, cooool! Not!!! Since then l've worked with East 17, PJ & Duncan, Sean Maguire, Kym Mazelle, Luke Goss, Bonnie Tyler, Barry Manilow.
I also recently played on Marian's new solo album with Rupert Hine producing. It was great fun to do and I think its going to be a real hot album. Music that I listen to at the moment includes Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Soundgarden, William Orbit, The Shamen, Alanis Morisette, Pink Floyd. That's all folks, take care!
Jakob Kiersch - Drums
Carsten Brocker - Keybords
Alexandra Merl - Bass
Visit Alexandra's website!
Former Band Members:
Martin Lister - Keyboards and Backing Vocals
Then Martin formed his own band "The Congress" and had a recording deal with EMI. Again a couple of singles where released and much touring done. After that Martin decided to become a 'hired gun', to work for others as musician and programmer. Martin has now fifteen years experience in the music industry, which includes touring extensively throughout Europe, America and the Far East and numerous recording and programming sessions.
He worked for artists like Peter Andre (live md,
programming/remix), Gabrielle (programming, album
sessions), CJ Lewis (live), Julia Fordham (radio live piano
session), Paul Carrack (writing/ programming), Colorblind
(recording/remix), Cozi (recording/writing), Rage (European
tour), Wired to the Moon (recording), Darkman
(live/programming). In 1995 he became the musical director
for Alphaville's touring band.
Sadly, Martin died in 2014. He was much loved by Alphaville fans who enjoyed his kindness and humour as much as his musical talent.
Shane Meehan - Drums, percussion
Studied drums with father Tony Meehan (of The Shadows fame). Left art college to tour and record for Matt Fretton. Joined London funk band Microgroove in early 1990 and Brighton's Beats International in 1992. Worked for Eusebe, speed rapper JC 001, Freddie Jackson, DC Lee and American soul duo Charles & Eddie. Between 92 and 97 toured extensively with many artists including Ottis Redding III, opera singer Andrea Botcelli, British soulman Noel Mcoy and American rappers US3.
Recorded for producers Norman Cooke (Fatboy Slim,
Freakpower), Mike McEvoy (Sting, Steve Winwood), Jamie Laing (Tina Turner),
Glen Skinner (Toto). Between 97-98 toured and recorded for Definition of
Sound, Blur's new signing Liz Horseman and British R'n'B diva Elisha Laverne.
Current home recording projects have led to PC based games music and various
ventures. Featured extensively on Twiddly Bits midi file collection.
Background: the Pasadenas (touring & recording, 95-96); Gary Numan (tour 96 & recording 'Exile' album); Colin Blunstone (tour & recording, 97); Peter Andre (New Zealand tour 97), Mark Owen (European tour & recording 97-98); Alphaville touring band (since 96). His playing can be heard on the Scars game for the Sony Playstation 98.
Also on several TV and radio advertisement campaigns in UK. Featured interview
in December 98 issue of Guitarist magazine. Plays: Fender, Musicman electrics
and Washburn acoustic guitars. Uses: Marshall and Fender amplification.
wears: clothes, eats: McDonalds, drinks: Coca Cola or Pepsi, likes: funny
jokes. doesn't like: smoking.
His first gig in England was at Castle Donnington's "Monsters of Rock" with heavy metal legends "Diamond Head" - from there he played with "U.F.O." as well as on solo projects by members of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Van Morrison. He co-formed pop group "One Nation" before being asked to join "Ellis, Beggs and Howard". After E.B.H. he joined "Wishbone Ash" and recorded and toured throughout 1990-91 with them. In 1991 Robbie returned to Australia to record his first solo project "The Gas" as well as perform clinics throughout the country. He returned to U.K. in 1994 and was asked to help form "Skunk Anansie" - Britain's most controversial new band who's album "Paranoid and Sunburnt" recently entered the British Album Charts at No.8. He left "Skunk" in April and was approached the day after to join "Alphaville".
Robbie passed away in January 2012 at the age of 52. His is greatly missed.
Pierson Grange - Drums & percussion
Pierson worked with Alphaville in 1998-99: Along with James Mack and Shane Meehan, his work can be heard on the fourth Dreamscapes disc.
He uses a mixture of acoustic and electronics in his live set up. Lives in London.
More recently he has toured with Ant & Dec in the UK and played on a
couple of their hit singles. he has played sessions for Richard Stannard on projects for the
Spice Girls and Gary Barlow. Other artists Christian has been involved with, either for live,
recording or TV and video work include Connor Reeves, Another Level, 4 Hero and Mary Coughlan.
Movd to London in January 1995.
Studied Musicology in Vienna, but decided to make music in England because
he thought that this was the place where all his musical heroes were.
Funny enough that he is now playing with a German band. Former activities:
Playing with thousands of unknown Austrian bands, song-writing, producing,
singing in his small, little room.
Phil Charters - Backline technician
Alphaville has saved him from a life of hell and he would personally like to thank K.P. for the free beer.
Before this year Phil has carried hods for Jesus Jones, Sheep On Drugs, Brand New Heavies, The Grid and lots of other crap bands none would ever want to see or hear again.
See also: