GERT GUISSANI
Guitar / Vocals
60 years of stage experience
In 1966, Gert picked up the guitar for the first time – like almost everyone else, in a school band. Together with friends, they quickly built up a small following, playing covers of the Beatles, the Stones and the Kinks, with plenty of enthusiasm but not much skill yet. In 1968, he nevertheless formed the band ALMA MATER, which steadily improved and performed wherever possible: at birthday parties, school fests, and almost every Saturday in a function room, a sports hall or at a local town fair.
Professional engangements and touring
In 1972, Gert joined a professional band and toured both at home and abroad. After two years, he’d had enough of travelling; he limited his gigs to a 200 km radius and played with his new band, GERMAN AMERICAN EXPRESS, mainly in American clubs – their music now leaning towards Top 40, soul and funk. He also rejoined ALMA MATER and celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary on stage with them.
Various bands and unplugged
In the mid-1980s, club gigs became less frequent as the Americans left the country. Gert played in other bands of various styles – SIX ON FIRE, AKUSTIKLICHTER, EIGHT40TYNINE – and now plays in the unplugged band MANNHEIM.ACOUSTICS, performing at all kinds of parties and celebrations.