The Story Of Triumvirat's Helmut Koellen

Today, March 2nd, Helmut would have turned 67. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of his death on May 3rd. RIP!

Some photos of Helmut Koellen's home in Cologne, where he lived with his parents.

HI .I KNEW HELMUT IN 1971/72 WHEN MY BAND JANUS WAS BY EMI HARVEST ALONG WITH TRIUMVIRATE AND TANNED LEATHER TO LAUNCH THE HARVEST LABEL IN GERMANY.GREAT GUY AND BASSPLAYER

      Just thought I'd add some very overdue thanks to some people that helped me with this article on Helmut, there is Russ Schenewerk's important source of information, "The Triumvirat Biography", which was a big help, and also a communication with Helmut's close friend, Hans-Juergen Ferdinand Schutte, that was very helpful, as well. And a few miscellaneous sources of info on the net. Thank you, all!

presdoug wrote: Helmut Koellen

verslibre wrote: Only 27?! That is awful. Spartacus is one of the best albums to come out of Germany. What could have been...?

I knew about his death but I didn't know he joined The 27 Club. How strange.

Nice, I didn't know anything about his biography.

^^thanks, guys.

Thanks for sharing, Doug! A very interesting read.

presdoug wrote: Hi Chuck, and thanks!  yes, i chatted with him on facebook, and he gave me some new info.I am awaiting a response from him on my last HK inquiry. He was the manager of Jail.              He also knew Helmut's sister Elke, who he said was "not into the Helmut Koellen mystery thing" and that "she stays out of it". When i told him i sent her a letter that was returned unopened, he said "Elke is like that". Hasn't seen her since 1977, and he hasn't been in touch with Triumvirat members Jurgen Fritz, Hans Pape or Hans Bathelt "in ages".             He mentioned that there was a project afoot between him and Helmut, which was cut short by Koellen's death. He also said that Helmut was "very, very special".                     He gave me the facebook address of Jail guitarist Burkhard Lipps, who i messaged, but did not respond.