Pretty Maids

Lore & Background

Pretty Maids began as a cover band called Pretty Panic in 1981, founded by friends Ken Hammer and John Jacobsen in Horsens, Denmark. Ronnie Atkins replaced Jacobsen on vocals in 1982, and the band wrote original material, securing a deal with Bullet Records after a self-financed demo. Their debut self-titled EP in 1983 led to a UK tour, and in 1984 they signed with CBS Records in Denmark, releasing their debut studio album Red Hot and Heavy. The band's second album, Future World (1987), was recorded in New York with producer Eddie Kramer, though the collaboration did not work out, and Flemming Rasmussen and Kevin Elson handled production. In the 1990s, after Jump the Gun (1990) produced by Deep Purple's Roger Glover, the band nearly broke up, leaving only Atkins and Hammer. They recruited new members and released Sin-Decade in 1992, produced by Flemming Rasmussen. The 2000s brought financial and legal troubles after their management company Rock On went bankrupt in 2002, and lead guitarist Ken Hammer suffered a heart attack in 2003 but recovered. Drummer Michael Fast left in 2005, replaced by Allan Tschicaja in 2006. In the 2010s, the band released albums including Pandemonium (2010), Motherland (2013), and Kingmaker (2016), and played their first US show at ProgPower in 2012. In 2020, singer Ronnie Atkins was diagnosed with lung cancer, which went out of remission in October 2020. The band returned to the stage in June 2024 after a five-year break, performing at Copenhell and Time to Rock festival.

Reader's Guide

Pretty Maids have maintained a steady presence in the hard rock and heavy metal scene since their formation in 1981, known for supporting major acts and touring consistently in key European markets and Japan. Their significance lies in their longevity and ability to adapt through lineup changes, financial setbacks, and health crises, including singer Ronnie Atkins' lung cancer diagnosis. The band's legacy includes their song 'Back to Back' being covered by Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy on their 2017 album Will to Power, highlighting their influence across metal subgenres. Their discography spans over a dozen studio albums, with notable works like Future World and Sin-Decade produced by prominent figures such as Eddie Kramer and Flemming Rasmussen. Despite not achieving mainstream international fame, they have cultivated a dedicated fanbase and are recognized for their resilience and consistent output.

Did You Know?

• Pretty Maids were originally a cover band called Pretty Panic, formed in 1981 by Ken Hammer and John Jacobsen.
• Their song 'Back to Back' from the debut album Red Hot and Heavy was covered by Arch Enemy on their 2017 album Will to Power.
• Lead guitarist Ken Hammer had a heart attack in 2003 but has since recovered completely and performed numerous times.
• The band played their first US show at the ProgPower festival on 15 September 2012.