Puhdys

The flagship band for East German rock, Puhdys (the moniker was made up of the first letters of the initial members' first names) formed officially in 1969 in Oranienburg, although members of the band had been working together since 1965. The group's 1974 debut featured a progressive rock feel that drew heavy inspiration from British hard rock groups like Deep Purple. In the mid-'80s Puhdys added some new wave and synth touches to the mix in an attempt to stay timely, but by the end of the decade the group disbanded, only to reunite in 1991 for a concert that led to a revival. ~ Steve Leggett