Kai Hansen

Here are some interesting facts about Kai Hansen, best known as the founder, lead guitarist and vocalist of power metal band "Gamma Ray" and the co-founders of "Helloween":

(Photo: traveljapanblog.com)

= He was born Kai Michael Hansen on January 17, 1963 in Hamburg, West Germany.

= At age ten, Kai began playing wash-drums, but his parents bought him an acoustic guitar to reduce noise.

= He took a six-month classical guitar course and formed his first band with classmates after purchasing an electric guitar.

= He began his musical career with the band "Gentry" in 1978, co-founded with Piet Sielck (later of "Iron Savior").

= He co-founded "Helloween" in 1984, taking on roles as guitarist and vocalist.

= In 1985 "Helloween" released their self-titled EP and debut album, "Walls of Jericho", with Hansen on lead vocals and guitar.

= In 1987 he played guitar on "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I"' the first with Michael Kiske as the lead vocalist.

= Kiske was brought in as a singer, originally because Hansen had trouble singing and playing the guitar simultaneously, though later in his career he seems to have overcome these problems.

= In 1988 he contributed to "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II", cementing "Helloween's" influence in power metal.

= In 1989 Kai left "Helloween" due to creative differences and touring fatigue.

= The same year he already founded "Gamma Ray", initially featuring Ralf Scheepers as the lead vocalist.

= "Gamma Ray" released their debut album, "Heading for Tomorrow" in 1990.

= In the years 1989-1990 Hansen contributed as a guest Guitarist and vocalist to "Blind Guardian’s" albums "Follow the Blind" and "Tales from the Twilight World".

= In 1993 Hansen appeared on "Angra's" "Angels Cry" album, playing guitar solos on the track "Never Understand."

= In 1995 Hansen took over as lead vocalist in "Gamma Ray", debuting his vocal work on "Land of the Free" album. Since then, Hansen has provided the vocals for "Gamma Ray".

= During that time Hansen transitioned to a more melodic and clear vocal style compared to his earlier raspy approach.

= Up until 2014 Hansen Released 11 studio albums with "Gamma Ray".

= In 1997 Hansen joined "Iron Savior" as guitarist, releasing three albums with the band before leaving to focus on "Gamma Ray".

In 2001-2002 Hansen played the role of Regrin the dwarf in "Avantasia's" "Metal Opera" albums.

= In 2004 Hansen provided vocals for "Angra's" "Temple of Shadows" on the track "The Temple of Hate."

= Later, in 2008, he was featured in "Angra's" "The Scarecrow" album playing guitar in the song "Shelter from the Rain".

= In 2005 he toured with the German power/Viking metal "Stormwarrior", performing material from "Helloween’s" "Walls of Jericho".

= In 2011 he joined "Unisonic" as second guitarist, collaborating again with Michael Kiske.

= In 2012 "Unisonic" released their debut album and embarked on a world tour.

= In 2014 "Unisonic" released their second album "Light of Dawn".

= "Unisonic" also released 2 EP's and a live album.

= In 2016 Hansen released his solo album "XXX – Three Decades in Metal", marking 30 years in the industry.

= In the years 2017-2019 Hansen reunited with "Helloween" for the "Pumpkins United" World Tour, performing with Michael Kiske and the current lineup.

= In 2021 Hansen contributed to "Helloween’s" self-titled album "Helloween", his first studio work with the band since 1988.

= In 2023 "Gamma Ray" released the live album 30 Years Live Anniversary, celebrating Hansen’s legacy.

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