Album Notes

BREAK POINT BIOGRAPHY

Daved Hallcom - Lead vocals
Steven Tolley - Lead vocals and guitars on bonus tracks
Trevor Johnson - Lead guitars
Martin Gerschwitz - Keyboards
James Stacy - Bass, Lead guitars
Mario Gerhards - Drums, percussion

German/Anglo/American quintet Break Point came to life in late 1978 from the ashes of popular club acts Crystal Ridge and Twigg. Based in the Frankfurt area the band quickly became the most popular attraction on the lucrative US military club circuit where they played to sold out audiences up to six nights a week.

In late 1980 the band borrowed whatever money they could beg from friends and entered Frankfurt's Cream Studios and spent the next month laying down the tracks for the songs that would comprise their 'First Serving' album. The nine song effort, which would go on to sell over 5,000 copies at the band's shows over the next few years, was influenced by the likes of Toto, Kansas, Styx and the popular AOR bands of the era. Songs such as the poppy "Hard Road" and "The Best Of Me" along with the quirky "French Fried Kiss" became instant concert favourites while progressive rock fans found a coupling with "Down, Down, Down" and "The Wurst Song."

Being the hot ticket in town can only be satisfying for so long though and the band branched out, writing material with record company interest on their minds and landing the opening slot on several dates of American band Mother's Finest summer 1983 German tour, climaxing with a near sold out and electrifying show in front of family and friends at Offenbach's Stadthalle.

On a roll, the band was made an offer to tour the Southwestern United States with a heavy metal band from San Antonio, Texas called Sabotage. Despite the different musical styles the band jumped at the chance to do shows Stateside and spent several weeks winning over audiences who had never heard of them before. Break Point also opened a few shows for Australian pop star Billy Thorpe ("Children Of The Sun") during this run.

Upon returning to Frankfurt Break Point continued writing new material and once again hit their familiar clubs when their charismatic frontman, Daved Hallcom (the lone American in the band) left to return to the States. While it was a bit of a blow to the band's fanbase the remaining members didn't miss a beat, bringing in English singer Steve Tolley. A dynamic frontman in his own right, Tolley had built a name for himself playing the same clubs as Break Point as the lead guitarist / singer for the band Dizzy Heights.

With Tolley on board the band continued storming the club circuit and attracted the interest of Rocshire / MCA Records president Peter Hauke. A top producer in his own right, having worked on albums from the likes of Tony Carey, Nektar, Max Carl, Planet P and others, Hauke helmed a four song demo at his own Hotline Studios. Rochshire offered the band a deal which they were advised to reject and they and Hauke went their separate ways.

Shortly thereafter keyboardist Martin Gerschwitz left the band and relocated to Los Angeles and Break Point continued as a quartet, landing an independent record deal and releasing a single called "Rock & Roll In Germany", which helped attract a sponsor in the form of Miller Brewing Company. Miller was introducing MGD throughout Germany and chose a few high profile bands, including Break Point, to push the product. After a trip to Milwaukee to shoot a video and several more club shows Steve Tolley decided a relocation to the States was in the cards for him. The band parted ways soon after, bringing an end to a decade long run for a band who was one of the few that can say they found success on their own terms.