Hush

The song "Hush" by Gotthard, featured on their 1992 self-titled debut album, is a vibrant cover of a track originally written by Joe South in 1967 and popularized by Deep Purple in 1968. Gotthard's rendition, which reached #26 on the Swiss charts, infuses the classic with their signature hard rock energy, characterized by Steve Lee's powerful vocals and Leo Leoni's searing guitar riffs. In a 2008 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Lee shared that "Hush" was a staple in their live sets because it allowed the band to channel their love for Deep Purple while connecting with audiences through its infectious groove. The band performed a memorable version of "Hush" during an Unplugged In Zermatt concert in April 2008, with Deep Purple's Jon Lord as a special guest, which was recorded for Swiss television. Fans on the Gotthard Fanclub Facebook page often cite this performance as a highlight, noting the chemistry between Lee and Lord. The song also appears on Gotthard's live albums Made In Switzerland and D frosted, showcasing its enduring appeal in their catalog.

Gotthard's journey began in the late 1980s in Lugano, Switzerland, under the name Krak. Founded by vocalist Steve Lee and guitarist Leo Leoni, the band initially played local gigs in the Italian-speaking canton of Tessin. Their big break came when Marco Antognini, their first manager, invited Chris von Rohr, the former bassist of Krokus, to see them perform. Von Rohr, impressed by their raw energy, became their producer and co-songwriter, helping them secure a deal with BMG. In 1991, they renamed themselves Gotthard, inspired by the Saint-Gotthard Massif, and recorded their debut album in Hollywood at Fortress Recorders. The album, released in 1992, featured guest appearances by Def Leppard's Vivian Campbell on guitar solos for tracks like "Firedance" and "Get Down." This debut, which included "Hush," peaked at #5 on the Swiss charts and earned platinum status, launching Gotthard into the European rock scene. Despite the tragic loss of Steve Lee in a 2010 motorcycle accident, the band continued with new vocalist Nic Maeder, maintaining their legacy as Switzerland's most successful rock act with over three million albums sold worldwide.

For the latest updates, fans can visit Gotthard's official website or follow them on social media. Their Facebook page offers tour announcements and behind-the-scenes content, while their Instagram showcases photos from recent performances, like the 2025 Stereo Crush Tour with Y&T. On X, the band engages with fans, sharing snippets of new music like their single "Thunder & Lightning." The Gotthard Fanclub Facebook group, managed by Hilde Persyn, provides exclusive access to news, early concert entry, and fan meet-and-greets, with membership details available at Rock Dreams. This passionate community, known as the G-Family, keeps the spirit of Gotthard's music alive, much like the Zoo Freaks grooving to "Hush" on THE ZOO radio station.