Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence. The original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy in the U.K., U.S. and elsewhere. As a result, the album was re-issued with a different cover in some countries.
The year was 1976, and the German heavy metal band Scorpions embarked on a musical journey that would not only shape their career but also stir a maelstrom of controversy. Their fourth studio album, "Virgin Killer," marked a pivotal moment for the band as it catapulted them into international recognition.
Historical Prelude:
"Virgin Killer" not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also delved into thematic elements that sparked debates and raised eyebrows. The album's title itself, a poignant reference to time as the assailant of innocence, hinted at a deeper narrative that would soon captivate listeners worldwide.
Artistic Boldness and Backlash:
However, it was the original album cover that thrust "Virgin Killer" into the eye of a storm. Featuring a provocative image of a nude prepubescent girl, the cover sparked immediate controversy, particularly in the U.K., U.S., and various other regions. The band's artistic boldness collided with societal norms, leading to widespread debates on the fine line between artistic expression and societal sensibilities.
Global Response and Repercussions:
The controversial cover prompted swift action, with some countries opting to reissue the album with an alternative cover to quell the rising storm of public outcry. Despite the controversy, or perhaps fueled by it, "Virgin Killer" managed to resonate with audiences beyond Europe, marking a significant turning point in Scorpions' global trajectory.
Music Genre: Teutonic Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Music |
Record Label Information: RCA Victor PPL1 4225 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1977 Made in Italy |
Band Members and Musicians on: Scorpions Virgin Killer |
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Track Listing of: "Virgin Killer" |
The Song/tracks on "Virgin Killer" are
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Photo of "Virgin Killer" Album's Back Cover |
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Scorpions is a German rock band that was formed in 1965 in Hanover, Germany. The band's original lineup consisted of Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (guitar), Matthias Jabs (guitar), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Herman Rarebell (drums). The band's early years were spent playing in clubs and bars in Germany, and they released their first album, "Lonesome Crow," in 1972.
In the following years, Scorpions released several successful albums, including "Fly to the Rainbow" (1974), "In Trance" (1975), and "Taken by Force" (1977). The band gained international fame in the 1980s with the release of the albums "Animal" (1982) and "Blackout" (1982). These albums produced several hit songs, including "No One Like You," "Rock You Like a Hurricane," and "Still Loving You."
In the 1990s, Scorpions released several more successful albums, including "Crazy World" (1990) and "Face the Heat" (1993). The band also gained a new generation of fans with the release of their power ballad "Wind of Change," which became a hit in many countries and was written by Scorpions lead singer Klaus Meine.
In 2015 Scorpions announced that their 17th studio album "Return to Forever" would be their last one, and that they would retire from touring after the album's release. However, in 2018 the band announced a new album, "Born to Touch Your Feelings - Best of Rock Ballads" and a world tour.
Throughout their career, Scorpions has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the music industry. They are considered one of the most successful German rock bands of all time.