Axel Rudi Pell

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s a soloist, Axel Rudi Pell (b. 27 June 1960), after he broke up Steeler (Germany), would recruit German metal veterans Jorg Deisinger (ex-Bonfire; bass) and Jorg Michael (ex-Rage; drums), along with vocalist Charlie Huhn, with sessions from the returning Volker Krawczak and Thomas "Bodo" S, along with George Hahn and Rudger Konig (keyboards). After his debut Wild Obsession (1989), Bob Rock would replace Huhn to release Nasty Reputation in 1991. Both albums fell into the typical guitar hero mold, and although they managed to attract a loyal European following the albums still failed to impress the world as a whole. Jorg Deisinger would leave, soon after Volker Krawczak (bass) and Kai Raglewski (keyboards) stepped in. From this point on Pell's solo self-titled act would prove to be a very prolific effort by releasing The Ballads (1993), Between the Walls (1994), Made in Germany (1005), a live effort, and Black Mood Pyramid (1996). 1997's Magic failed to live up to its name, as did Oceans of Time (1998). The Ballads Vol. 2 (1999) and The Masquerade Ball (2000) followed them. The Wizards Chosen Few (2000) would follow-up the rear as a "best of..." compilation.