Running Wild

Running Wild Bio

Running Wild is a German heavy metal band formed in 1976. The band, formerly known as Granite Heart and formed in Hamburg, Germany, was led by Rolf Kasparek, popularly known as Rock'n'Rolf. Uwe Bendig (guitar), Michael Hoffmann (drums) and Jörg Schwarz (bass) were also starting members with the band.

The group changed its name to Running Wild in 1979, the moniker taken from the 1978 Judas Priest song. Running Wild released their first demo-tape in 1983. In 1984, their songs Iron Heads and Bones to Ashes were published on the Death Metal compilation by NOISE.

In the same year, Running Wild released their first studio album, Gates to Purgatory. Their second album, Branded and Exiled, released in 1985 evolved the band into one of the most popular metal acts in Germany. Running Wild’s released their third studio album, Under Jolly Roger in 1987 while their fourth studio album, Port Royal, was released at the end of 1988.

The band has released several more albums after this. Pile of Skulls (1992) and Masquerade (1995) are significant mentions on this list. On 17 April 2009, Rolf Kasparek announced the disbandment of Running Wild. After this short time out, Running Wild came back together to release two new studio albums in quick succession, Shadowmaker (2012) and Resilient (2013). Blood on Blood, released October 2021, is their 17th studio album.