This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they cite the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

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Helloween are a very important band and are considered by many to be the fathers of power metal. Although U.S. power metal dates back further, the European style is the dominant and most recognized style and can be traced to Helloween.

The first album consisted of vocalist and guitarist Kai Hansen, guitarist Michael Weikath, bassist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg. Michael and Markus have been the only consistent members. Michael Kiske stepped in for vocals for the next four albums. Kai sung only on the first one but played guitar for the first three. Roland Grapow replaced Kai on guitar untill 2001 when Sascha Gerstner became the new guitarist. Andi Deris replaced Kiski on vocals in 1994. Uli Kusch stepped in as drummer in 1994 and remained until 2001. He is the only drummer who consistently wrote music in the band. Rabbit Don't Come Easy had three different drummers non of which wrote any music. Daniel Löble took on the drum role in 2005 and has remained with the band since. Primarily music has been written by guitar players and vocalists with Uli also writing a lot while in the band. Markus has had fewer credits but has written more frequently in more recent years. (despite having a lesser influence in the bands sound he named every bass player he’s every heard of as an influence… and I noted all of them.)

Recently the band has reunited with early members Kia and Kiski becoming a seven piece band with three guitars and two vocalists.

(Michael refers to Michael Weikath; Michael Kiske will be noted as Kiske)

Phase One

This phase of the band consists of influences of the early members of the band before the departure of Kia.

Elvis is often called the king or rock ‘n’ roll. Kiske named him as the best vocalist to ever live.

James Jamerson was a session player for Mowtown. Markus is a fan of his arrangements.

Eric Clapton is one of the most influential guitarist out of the 60’s. He’s played in notable bands such as The Yardbirds and Cream. Michael named him as an influence.

Simon and Garfunkel were a folk rock duo. Kiske named said they were a band he used to sing to.

The Who are an important influential rock band. Markus named them as an influence and John Entwistle as his favorite bassist.

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary guitarist. Michael and Roland named Hendrix as an influence.

Cream are an important psychedelic rock band. Markus named Jack Bruce as an influence. Michael named Eric Clapton.

John Farnham

Deep Purple is a hugely important hard rock and early metal band. Michael named Ritchie Blackmore as a big influence and said his first band was in the vain of Deep Purple. Kai also named them as an influence. Markus named Roger Glover as an infl… — Deep Purple is a hugely important hard rock and early metal band. Michael named Ritchie Blackmore as a big influence and said his first band was in the vain of Deep Purple. Kai also named them as an influence. Markus named Roger Glover as an influence. Uli named Ian Paice as an influence.

Slade hard rock / glam rock band heavily rooted in rock ‘n’ roll. Kai named them as an early influence on him.

Led Zeppelin are one of the earliest and biggest hard rock bands. Roland and Markus named them and John Paul Jones as an influence.

Yes are an influential progressive rock band. Markus named Chris Squire as an influence.

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Kai and Ingo said they were an influence. Markus named them and Geezer as an influence.

Uriah Heep were mostly a progressive rock band but also dabblers in early heavy metal. Michael and Markus named them as an influence. Kai named them as an influence and covered Uriah Heep in his first band and again later in Gamma Ray.

Wishbone Ash are an influential progressive rock band known for their guitar harmonies. Michael named them as an influence.

René Kollo

UFO are a hugely influential hard rock band. Michael named Michael Schenker as an influence. Markus also named UFO and Schenker as influences.

Sweet were a hard glam rock band. Kai named them as one of his early influences. Sweet were the first band Andi got into.

Thin Lizzy are a hugely influential rock band. Markus named them as an influence. Andi is also a fan.

Nektar progressive rock band from Germany. Markus named their album Recycled as an influence. — Nektar progressive rock band from Germany. Markus named their album *Recycled* as an influence.

ZZ Top are a Texan hard blues rock band. Markus named Dusty Hill as an influence.

Lee Sklar

Scorpions are were the fore runners of German metal and one of the earliest metal bands anywhere. Michael and Roland both named Scorpions and both Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth as influences. Markus also named Scorpions.

Mother’s Finest are a funk based band. Markus named Jerry "Wyzard" Seay as an influence.

Queen are a huge and influential rock band. Michael says they are an influence that he forgets to mention. Kai said they are one of his all time favorite bands. Roland named Brian May as an influence. Markus named John Deacon as an influence.

Aerosmith are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Michael and Kiske named them as an influence.

Judas Priest are one of the most influential bands and were important in shaping heavy metal. Kai said they were an influence and Halford has been a vocal influence for him. Michael also names them as an influence. Kiske named Halford as an influence. Roland named them as an influence. Markus named them and Ian Hill as an influence. Ingo said early on when he started playing he was trying to copy stuff like Judas Priest and named Simon Phillips as an influence. Andi named Halford as an influence and said he sang along to Unleashed in the East hundreds of times.

Rainbow was a legendary combination including Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Michael is a fan. Roland named them as an influence and Ritchie as an idol. Markus named Roger Glover and Jimmy Bain as an influence. Andi named Dio as an idol… — Rainbow was a legendary combination including Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio. Michael is a fan. Roland named them as an influence and Ritchie as an idol. Markus named Roger Glover and Jimmy Bain as an influence. Andi named Dio as an idol. Uli is a fan and names Cozy Powell as an influence.

Kiss are one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Michael named them as an influence and named Paul Stanley is one of the best composers in rock and roll. Markus also named them as an influence. Andi is a huge fan and one of his biggest influences. Uli also named Kiss as an influence.

Rush are an important progressive hard rock band. Markus named Geddy Lee as an influence. Uli named Neil Peart.

Jaco Pastorius is an influential jazz-fusion bassist who played in Weather Report. Markus named him as an influence.

Ted Nugent was one of the big names on guitar in 70’s hard rock. Michael and Markus named him as an influence.

AC/DC are the quintessential hard rock band. Markus named them and Cliff Williams as an influence. Ingo named Phil Rudd as an influence.

Ramones are fathers of punk rock. Markus named them as an influence.

Sex Pistols are one of the most important early punk bands. Markus named them as an influence.

Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Markus named Lemmy as an influence.

Van Halen had a huge impact on the world of music when they came out. Michael named them as an influence. Roland also named Eddie. Uli named Alex as an influence.

Iron Maiden are among the most important and influential metal bands. Kai said they were an influence. Kiske named Bruce as an influence. Markus named them and Steve Harris as an influence. Uli named Nicko as an influence.

Accept are German Metal legends. Kai is a big fan.

Def Leppard were an actual metal band before going in a more mainstream direction. Markus named them as an influence.

U2 were a post-punk / alt rock band. Kiske named Bono as an influence.

Marcus Miller

Billy Sheehan

Michael Schenker formed MSG after leaving UFO. Schenker is one of Michael’s biggest influences. Roland and Sascha named MSG as an influence; Sascha as a main influence.

Ozzy formed his own band after his time with Black Sabbath and was blessed with great guitar players. Roland named Zakk Wylde as an influence. Markus named Ozzy as an influence.

Lee Rocker

After his time with legendary bands Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio moved on to form his own band. Kiske named him as one of the greatest vocalists. Andi also named him as one of his idols. Markus named Jimmy Bain as an influence. In… — After his time with legendary bands Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio moved on to form his own band. Kiske named him as one of the greatest vocalists. Andi also named him as one of his idols. Markus named Jimmy Bain as an influence. Ingo and Uli named Vinny Appice as an influence.

Queensryche are important for the evolution of progressive metal. Kiske named Geoff Tate as an influence. When Helloween decided to get a dedicated front man, Kai said they wanted someone like Geoff. Markus named Operation: Mindcrime as an influential album for him. Uli is also a fan. — Queensryche are important for the evolution of progressive metal. Kiske named Geoff Tate as an influence. When Helloween decided to get a dedicated front man, Kai said they wanted someone like Geoff. Markus named *Operation: Mindcrime* as an influential album for him. Uli is also a fan.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a funk / alt rock band. Markus named bassist Flea as an influence.

Phase Two

This phase adds new influences for Roland, Andi, and Uli that are not already noted.

Grand Funk Railroad was a big hard rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Styx were a popular progressive rock based arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Kansas were a popular progressive / arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Alex Conti

Journey were one of the biggest bands of the arena rock era. Roland said they were a band he was into.

Stevie Ray Vaughan is an influential blues player. Roland named him as an influence.

Foreigner were a popular arena rock band. Roland named them as an influence.

Sting was singer / bassist of The Police and went on to be well known solo. Markus named him as an influence.

Toto are a rock / pop band. Roland and Sascha named them as an influence.

Yngwie Malmsteen has been one of the most influential shredders and important for the development of neo-classical styles in metal. Roland named him as an influence.

Saxon were one of the earliest of the NWOBHM. Uli named Nigel Glockler as an influence.

John Sykes

Deen Castronovo

Faith No More are an influential alternative band. Uli said they were one of his favorite bands from the late 80’s early 90’s.

Phase Three

This section adds the new influence brought to the band by Sascha that are not previously noted.

Genesis was an influential progressive rock band and later went in a more popular new wave style. Sascha is a fan.

Chicago is a pop / rock band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Dokken were on the poppy side of metal. Sascha named them as a main influence.

Peter Gabriel was originally singer and guitarist in Genesis before going solo. Sascha is a fan.

Saga are a progressive rock band and new wave during the early 80’s. Sacha named them as an influence.

Gary Numan

Lisa Dalbello

Duran Duran were a synth pop, new wave band. Sascha is a fan.

Depeche Mode were an influential new wave band. Sacha is a fan.

Phil Collins

Pretty Maids are a rock and occasional metal band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Bonfire are a keyboard heavy and ballad heavy rock / metal band. Sascha named them as an influence.

Pink Cream 69 was the original band of Andi. Sascha named them as an influence.

Bad English was a band that brought former Journey members back together. Sascha named them s an influence.

Kai started wanting to play drums but after the noise he was making on his makeshift drums set, his parents got him an acoustic guitar. He took six months of classical guitar lessons when he first started playing. He likes all kinds of bands from Bon Jovi to Venom, he didn’t name either as influence specifically. His early band Gentry covered Slade, the Sex Pistols and Uriah Heep.

Michael said in the beginning they wanted to “prove that we are more virtuoso and faster than Rainbow or Accept or Motorhead”.

Michael said that he does not draw influences from Iron Maiden or Metallica even though he thinks they are good bands. He has been asked about this often, but says all his influences are older. His first band he played in was formed in the late 70s before Maiden was known outside of their local area and long before Metallica was a thought. In a 2010 interview when asked what he was listening to he responded “I’m a big fan of Chris Cornell. Nirvana, you know, I hated their music when it first came out, now, it’s good and not so bad. I’m a fan of The Moody Blues and technical stuff from the 1970’s. I’m pretty open, even original Disco” He is also a fan of ELO and Meatloaf.

Kiske named TNT as an influence but there are several bands by that name but I can’t be sure who he was referring to.

Roland named In Flames, Jeff Loomis and Dimebag Darrel as later influences. He also said Joe Satriani and John Petrucci are good.

Sascha early influences come from his love of synth music. His Blackstar amp and Dean guitar profile pages both named Journey as one of his influences but I have not been able to verify that.

Ingo was the original drummer but is not credited with any writing. His playing style, however, has obviously set the standard for many power metal bands. His influences are noted above and all that I found were shared with other members.

Daniel Löble has been the drummer since 2005, he has only a few co-writing credits. I’m unsure of his influences.

Bands influenced by Helloween!

As this project advances, bands will be added here… there are many!

Modern metal mix

One of the big bands of new wave thrash

Sources:

http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/interviews/interview_gamma_ray.htm
https://www.gammaray.org/en/band/bandmembers/kai-hansen.html
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/kai_hansen_gamma_ray.htm
http://www.helloween.ru/press/hansen_metal_invader_xx_xx_1997_(rus).php
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/kai_hansen_gamma_ray_2.htm
https://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/GammaRay_KaiHansen.htm
http://www.helloween.ru/press/weikath_metal_forces_xx_xx_1986_(rus).php
http://www.ram.org/music/articles/weikathinterview.html
https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-helloween-mf16/
https://hardrockhideout.com/2010/05/17/helloweens-michael-weikath-the-hard-rock-hideout-interview/
http://www.helloween.ru/press/weikath_sea_of_tranquility_xx_xx_2003_(rus).php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHJNjCl1hDo
http://www.truemetal.org/metalcrusade/interviews/helloween.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VcDGmBbkzE&t=55s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA8IBg53zp4
https://modernvocaltraining.webs.com/michaelkiske.htm
http://www.rock-archives.ru/rock-archive/h/helloween/rozovye_puzyrki_soshli_s_uma.html
https://masterplan-theband.com/about-us/roland-grapow/
https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/roland-grapow-of-masterplan-and-ex-helloween-interview-part-1/
https://myglobalmind.com/2013/06/26/exclusive-interview-with-roland-grapow-guitars-masterplanformer-helloween/
https://metalinsider.net/interviews/interview-roland-grapow-talks-masterplan-his-time-in-helloween-and-more
https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/interview/Roland_Grapow/5060
http://metalkings.com/reviews/masterplan/masterplan-eng.htm
https://www.auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/rolandgrapow-uk.html
https://crypticrock.com/interview-markus-grosskopf-of-helloween/
https://bassmyfever.weebly.com/the-pumpkin-bass-revolution-interview-with-markus-grosskopf.html
http://www.kingofdrums.net/199103.php
https://crypticrock.com/interview-andi-deris-of-helloween/
https://www.therockpit.net/2015/interview-markus-grosskopf-helloween/
http://powermetal.de/content/artikel/show-HELLOWEEN_PUMPKINS_UNITED_-_Interview_mit_Andi_Deris,9736-1.html
https://www.metal-rules.com/2016/03/10/helloween-guitarist-sascha-gerstner/
https://uber-rock.co.uk/sascha-gerstner-helloween-interview-exclusive/
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/metalholic/episodes/2014-03-22T10_45_11-07_00
https://rocksourcemagazine.com/2020/05/31/rock-source-interview-sascha-pace-palast/
http://finalsin.20m.com/INTERVIEW4.HTML
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http://carlbegai.com/2013/02/03/bwbk-interview-helloween-into-the-fire/