The Story of StarBast
1972–1988
The StarBast was more than just a rock band; it was a symbol of freedom, musical experimentation, and philosophical exploration for German youth in the 1970s and 1980s. Founded in 1972 in Cologne, the band quickly gained cult status on Germany’s independent music scene. Their music embodied the rebellious spirit of the time, combining elements of rock, avant-garde, and electronic music. This biography is based on the personal archives of the band’s members, their albums, and the key events that defined their path to fame and eventual breakup.
Formation and Early Years
(1968−1972)
The story of The StarBast began in 1967 when three students from the Cologne University of Music — Bastian Steppenwolf, Koeb Vilde, and Hermann Schildkröte — united their musical ideas. Under the guidance of renowned saxophonist and teacher Josef Meister, they experimented with various genres, ranging from avant-garde to pop rock. Their first collaborative works, written in 1968, formed the basis of their debut album "The Eye of Bosch" released in 1972.
With the arrival of drummer Klaus Liebster and virtuoso guitarist Schwarz Viper, the band gained the energy it needed. Vocalist and performer Eri McQuinby completed the lineup. Her charismatic stage presence and gentle voice added a unique depth to the band’s music.
Rise to Fame (1972−1978)
The debut album "The Eye of Bosch" was met with great acclaim. The intricate sound experiments and philosophical lyrics by Koeb and Bastian set the band apart from other German rock bands. Critics praised their music for its emotional depth and unique "vertical" sound. Bastian was even compared to Mick Ronson for his charismatic guitar playing, earning him the nickname "The Rider."
From 1972 to 1978, the band toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences with their performances in student clubs and festivals. Their shows, blending light, sound, and stage art, became legendary (e.g., The Dublin Concert).
The debut album "The Eye of Bosch" was met with great acclaim. The intricate sound experiments and philosophical lyrics by Koeb and Bastian set the band apart from other German rock bands. Critics praised their music for its emotional depth and unique "vertical" sound. Bastian was even compared to Mick Ronson for his charismatic guitar playing, earning him the nickname "The Rider."
From 1972 to 1978, the band toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences with their performances in student clubs and festivals. Their shows, blending light, sound, and stage art, became legendary (e.g., The Dublin Concert).
Albums from this period include:
"The Eye of Bosch" (1972) — a debut album that cemented their cult status.
"Bastian's Wanderings" (1974) — a personal album reflecting Bastian’s inner search.
"AUM" (1976) — rock compositions interwoven with philosophical musings about human nature.
"Maze D’Or" (1978) — an experimental album with synthesizers, heralding a move towards electronic music.
Experimentation and Creative Peak
(1979−1983)
By the late 1970s, the band faced creative fatigue and internal disagreements. Constant touring and the search for new sounds led to a temporary hiatus. Koeb Vilde became fascinated with acmeism, which influenced his lyrics and musical experiments. During this period, the band members also pursued solo projects, but their main focus remained the search for a new musical identity.
Despite these challenges, in 1983, the band reunited to record their conceptual album "Radio IliOna", which is considered their creative pinnacle. The album’s compositions became anthems of philosophical and scientific reflection on memory, space, and the future of civilization. The album’s title referenced an early composition by the band, written back in 1970.
Breakup and Tragedy
(1984−1988)
By 1988, internal conflicts, creative exhaustion, and a desire for privacy led the band to disband. They retreated to an equatorial island to work on what would have been their final album, "Pourquoi 17", intended as a reflection on their past. However, their plans were cut short by a natural disaster — an earthquake on the island destroyed the recording studio and marked the end of the band’s existence.
After the breakup, the band members went their separate ways: Bastian Steppenwolf moved to India to become a producer and filmmaker, Koeb Vilde left the music scene in search of spiritual fulfillment, and Hermann Schildkröte began writing books and opened a café-restaurant in The Hague. Eri McQuinby, the group’s inspiration and "QueenBee," left music behind to become a nurse.
"The Eye of Bosch" (1972) — a debut album that cemented their cult status.
"Bastian's Wanderings" (1974) — a personal album reflecting Bastian’s inner search.
"AUM" (1976) — rock compositions interwoven with philosophical musings about human nature.
"Maze D’Or" (1978) — an experimental album with synthesizers, heralding a move towards electronic music.
Experimentation and Creative Peak
(1979−1983)
By the late 1970s, the band faced creative fatigue and internal disagreements. Constant touring and the search for new sounds led to a temporary hiatus. Koeb Vilde became fascinated with acmeism, which influenced his lyrics and musical experiments. During this period, the band members also pursued solo projects, but their main focus remained the search for a new musical identity.
Despite these challenges, in 1983, the band reunited to record their conceptual album "Radio IliOna", which is considered their creative pinnacle. The album’s compositions became anthems of philosophical and scientific reflection on memory, space, and the future of civilization. The album’s title referenced an early composition by the band, written back in 1970.
Breakup and Tragedy
(1984−1988)
By 1988, internal conflicts, creative exhaustion, and a desire for privacy led the band to disband. They retreated to an equatorial island to work on what would have been their final album, "Pourquoi 17", intended as a reflection on their past. However, their plans were cut short by a natural disaster — an earthquake on the island destroyed the recording studio and marked the end of the band’s existence.
After the breakup, the band members went their separate ways: Bastian Steppenwolf moved to India to become a producer and filmmaker, Koeb Vilde left the music scene in search of spiritual fulfillment, and Hermann Schildkröte began writing books and opened a café-restaurant in The Hague. Eri McQuinby, the group’s inspiration and "QueenBee," left music behind to become a nurse.
Legacy
The legacy of The StarBast lives on through their music, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Each of their albums, from "The Eye of Bosch" to "Pourquoi 17", stands as a testament to the band’s extraordinary talent and their pursuit of musical freedom.
As Bastian Steppenwolf once said:
"Music is a search for oneself that never ends. We were merely searching in words and sounds for what we had long lost in silence."
The legacy of The StarBast lives on through their music, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Each of their albums, from "The Eye of Bosch" to "Pourquoi 17", stands as a testament to the band’s extraordinary talent and their pursuit of musical freedom.
As Bastian Steppenwolf once said:
"Music is a search for oneself that never ends. We were merely searching in words and sounds for what we had long lost in silence."
