1970- 1975"EPITAPH", making a starting point as "REDROOSTERS", was formed by two young British men, Cliff Jackson (Vocal and Guitar) and James Mcgillvray (Drums), and a German youngman, Bernd Kolbe (Bass) in the end of 1969.
This unique mixed band of British and German musicians was performing musical activities considering the live-house "Fantasio" in Dortmund in Germany as their home ground. In spring of 1970, they removed their home-bass from Dortmund to Hannover, which was the top city of the Germany music sene. They performed at live-house "Mulltonne" which had great musical activities going on in Hannover in those days. Their live-performance won popularity, and they changed their name to "EPITAPH", were contacted by a major record company Polydor.They were rocording a "EPITAPH" LP, that is legendary their 1st album now, at Windrose studio in Hamburg, and Wessex studio in London in 1971. Just before or after this recording, Klaus Walz joined a band as a second guitarist, and their debut album has obtained evaluation high all over the world now in addition in spite of the work recorded in only three days.
They were influenced from the artists of the art-rock style, some of British-rock, such as DEEP PURPLE, I think. They released a single record named "LONDON TOWN GIRL" same time of release of their debut album.They performed for TV programs in Germany such as "Beatclub", etc. In April 1972, recording of their second album in Audioton studio in Berlin took place. Then, the "STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN" album was done. After this release, James Mcgillivray left the band in order to join the band Toto Blanke, who is a jazz-rock artist. Dortmunder, Achim Wielert replaced James. And they released two single records, "AUTUMN'71" and "WE LOVE YOU ALICE."
They continued musical growth, they endeavored after support of a famous musicians ,CURVED AIR, GOLDEN EARING, RORY GALLAGHER and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. And they received an offer from Billingsgate, a minor record label in Chicago, USA. This happening became the hard times turning point in fact for them.The big dream to carry out a tour and to get success in the United States for European artists of those days. LED ZEPPELIN were doing it and DEEP PURPLE was too. Epitaph decided to head to the States for concert activity.
So, they went across the Atlantic in August of 1973, did live tour in the small clubs. And started recording the album "OUTSIDE THE LAW", their 3rd album. Just before or after the American tour accompanied by an album release, Drummer,Achim Wielert left the band and Norbert "Panzer" Lehmann who was member of germany heavyrock band KARTHAGO, joined to replace Achim. In 1974, although they devoted this year to touring, things would start to unravel.It was the situation that the tour must be interrupted and it couldn't do anything but return to their home-country Germany, I understood that, as for the notice with bad timing which reached their basis from the United States, Billingsgate, an affiliation label, had gone bankrupt but the album, Outside The Law' was selling very well. In 1975, Cliff knew that the debt which the label undertook would fall on themselves if musical activities would be continued using the name of EPITAPH, he said to the press, "It is the situation which cannot but carry out the activity stop for two months", and made the decision which makes EPITAPH disperse reluctantly temporarily. Then, the curse from the label which went bankrupt would be solved in August, 1975.Although EPITAPH called back Cliff, Bernd Kolbe, Klaus Walz, and an original member's James Mcgillivray at this time and band was once again moving forward, Drummer was soon changed to Fritz Randow ,a former of ELOY. The musical activities for contract acquisition started again after it in Germany.1976- 1981Original member's Bernd Kolbe and Klaus Waltz left the band, and new members were, Harvey Janssen (Bass) ,a former of ELOY, Heinz Glass (Guitar) and Michael Karch (Keyboard). They joined EPITAPH in the summer of 1977. Although it was the first time they would add a Keyboardist as a member in EPITAPH, it can be said that was natural thing since they used to use a Hammond organ sound before.
They made the concert in Hungary successful and they would do a music contract with "Brain" which is a German hard rock label in 1978. They left two studio albums "RETURN TO REALITY" and "SEE YOU IN ALASKA" and a live album "LIVE" by this hard rock label.1981- 1983It seemed that however, activity was not favorable ... the EPITAPH revival with original members, and Cliff invited old friend to Tonstudio used by the band in past recordings, took members at the time of 1974, Klaus Waltz, Bernie (=Bernd) Kolbe, and Norbert "Panzer" Lehmann to make a album in autumn of 1981. And the completed work was "DANGER MAN" album. However, they could not get a big success, they stopped activity temporarily especially. Bad luck came down to them,their equipments was stolen, and they put an end to their long activity history in 1983.
Klaus Waltz joined the Hannover great band JANE, and participated also in LADY which was the session band of the member of JANE around 1978. Although Bernie (=Bernd) Kolbe had also joined JANE temporarily in 1984 to 1986, KINGDOM was formed with Cliff Jackson after that, and the band name was soon changed into DOMAIN cause of Lenny Wolf's kingdome Come. They made many natural melodious tune efficiently one after another, and gained many fans in the world and especially in Japan.With the member who was formerly of EPITAPH in the past, James Mcgillvray who was an original EPITAPH drummer, was also member of German progressive band, MISSUS BEASTLEY for three month in 1975.
Achim Wielert who was a drummer on the 3rd album, joined the bands BREAK CELEBRATION and BULLFROG.
A bassist of the Brain Label, Harvey Janssen joined a germany minor hard rock band LORRY in 1982.
Fritz Randow who was a drummer of the Brain Label joined a psychedelic band BASTARD in 1981 after EPITAPH withdrew and, even now, in addition, his career is continued with VICTORY-SINNER-SAXON after that.Moreover, from 1998 to the next year, Cliff Jackson, Heinz Glass, Michael Karch et al. gather, and they are performing live several times in Germany under the name of EPITAPH. It seems that moreover, Cliff Jackson reformed the band Epitaph, and also has the CLIFF JACKSON BAND.Epitaph has released a live album from reuniting, around 2001. 'Resurrection'. This is an excellent album, great to hear their songs performed live.As of 2007, Epitaph has released a brand ne album of studio cuts titled Remember The Daze - - -NEW LIVE ALBUM BY EPITAPH IS AVAILABLE, 'Live At Rockpalast'!!!
