Berlin, a prominent American new wave band, first came into existence in the vibrant city of Los Angeles back in 1978. This creative musical ensemble made a significant mark during the 1980s, a decade renowned for its artistic and cultural innovations.
The band soared to commercial heights with a string of memorable singles that captured the essence of the era, including tracks like “The Metro,” “Sex (I’m A…),” “No More Words,” and the iconic “Take My Breath Away.” This last track, prominently featured in the 1986 blockbuster film “Top Gun,” not only topped the charts but also clinched prestigious awards – an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a coveted Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
The band’s journey, however, was not one of eternal continuity. Despite their global success and widespread acclaim, Berlin found themselves taking a hiatus from the spotlight after reaching the zenith of their fame. The group disbanded, marking the end of an era that had left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The constellation that remains etched in the minds of fans and music enthusiasts comprises exceptional talents such as the enchanting singer Terri Nunn, the multi-talented bass guitarist and vocalist John Crawford, the keyboard virtuoso David Diamond, the skilled guitarist Ric Olsen, the keyboard maestro Matt Reid, and the rhythmic backbone, drummer Rob Brill.
The genesis of Berlin traces back to a rock band by the name of “The Toys,” which found its inception in 1976 amidst the vibrant creative scene of Orange County, California. This early formation included John Crawford on bass guitar, Dan Van Patten on drums, Chris Ruiz-Velasco on guitar, and Tyson A. Cobb lending his vocal prowess.
The group’s musical evolution saw them transition into what the world would come to know as Berlin. Over the course of approximately three years, the band underwent changes, including the departure of Cobb as the lead vocalist. It was during this period that Toni Childs took on the role of lead singer before the transformative moment when Terri Nunn answered an ad through the Musicians Contact Service in Hollywood, and her distinct vocal talents breathed new life into the band in 1979.
Despite the name “Berlin,” the band’s connection to the actual city in Germany was minimal. Rather, the name choice was an intentional decision to exude a European and exotic aura, a strategy that aimed to set them apart in the dynamic music scene. Terri Nunn herself shed light on this in a 2003 interview, sharing, “…Berlin started that way [electronic], and in a sense helped to bring that to America. ‘Cause when we started, it was going on in Europe, but it wasn’t really happening here yet.” The band’s inspirations were rooted in keyboard-focused groups like Kraftwerk, Devo, Sparks, and The Screamers – influences that shaped their distinctive sound.
The band’s journey into the limelight commenced with their inaugural single, “A Matter of Time,” which found its way to audiences in 1979 through Renegade Records. Their initial television appearance came courtesy of the short-lived “Hollywood Heartbeat,” a show hosted by none other than the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Bob Welch. A pivotal moment followed when Terri Nunn chose to venture into acting, leading to her departure from the band later that year. This shift prompted Berlin to bring Virginia Macolino into the fold as the new lead vocalist.
The year 1980 marked a significant milestone with the release of the album “Information,” featuring Macolino’s distinct vocal style. Yet, the absence of Nunn posed challenges in securing a deal with a mainstream label, leaving the band at a crossroads. As Perry Watts-Russell, the band manager, explained, “Unfortunately, the record labels that had shown interest in December 1979, when Terri was the singer, were no longer keen to sign the band.”
Consequently, Berlin faced a temporary dissolution, and John Crawford pursued a new venture as the lead singer in a band called Fahrenheit, alongside Dan Van Patten. However, the creative forces that lay dormant soon resurfaced, as John recognized songs that harmonized seamlessly with Terri’s vocal prowess. Thus, the band sought Terri’s involvement once more, rekindling the spark of collaboration and creativity that had defined Berlin’s journey.