Blind Guardian

Power Metal (Heavy Metal) band from Krefeld, Nordrhein Westfalen (Germany). Blind Guardian formed in 1984 as Lucifer's Heritage, then changed the name to Blind Guardian in 1986. [b]Current line-up[/b] Hansi K"ursch - Vocals (1986-present), Bass (1986-1995) Andr'e Olbrich - Lead Guitar (1986-present) Marcus Siepen - Rhythm Guitar (1987-present) Frederik Ehmke - Drums (2005-present) [b]Former members[/b] Thomas Stauch - Drums (1987-2005) [b]Session / live members[/b] Thomas Hackmann (studio) – Backing Vocals (1990–present) Billy King (2) (studio) – Backing Vocals (1992–present) Olaf Senkbeil (studio) – Backing Vocals (1997–present) Michael Sch"uren (live+studio) – Keyboards, Piano (1997–present) Matthias Ulmer (studio) – Keyboards, Piano (2007–present) Barend Courbois (live+studio) – Bass (2012–present) Oliver Holzwarth – Bass (1997–2011) Mathias Wiesner (studio) – Keyboards, Effects (1989–2002), Bass (1992) Rolf K"ohler (studio) – Backing Vocals (1990–2007) Alex Holzwarth (live) – Drums (2002–2003) Pat Bender (studio) – Keyboards, Effects (2002–2006) Oliver Holzwarth has never been added as a full time member so Hansi Kursch has the option of picking up bass duties again. Same thing for Barend Courbois. Thomen Stauch left in 2005 after 20 years claiming dissatisfaction with the direction the band had taken on their, then, two most recent releases.