Jigsaw Puzzle Band - JPB - their story - Original Band Members

The Jigsaw Puzzle Band were a German rock band formed in Munster, West Germany, in the late 1970's and originally consisted of Jürgen Klein (Rhythm Guitar), Claus Krüger (Lead Guitar), Wolfgang Schache (Drums) and Udo Guttmann (Bass Guitar). Playing throughout the Lüneburger Heide area of North Germany.

In late 1979 a young English singer/songwriter named Ron Carney joined the band as the lead singer and frontman and the new JPB was formed. Carney's stage presence and vocals added a new dimension to the bands performance.

In 1980 they recorded their first album at the Tennessee Sound Studio in Hamburg with music producer Holger Knuth (appropriately named "FIRST"). Although a low budget production, the album sold well and was featured on the B F B S radio station, which at the time broadcast throughout Germany for the British Forces stationed there. Carney was interviewed on the radio station which, together with popular tracks from the album getting airplay, led to the band receiving offers to play at various British Forces Bases within the Lüneburger Heide area of North Germany. This gave them even more publicity resulting in the band becoming a much sought after act. Increasing and widening their loyal fan base.

After the release of the album the band no longer played cover versions and, greatly influenced by the songwriting skills of Carney and the blistering lead guitar solos of Krüger, gradually ventured into a more conventional and radio-friendly type of rock style.

In 1981 the band were joined by keyboard player Reiner (Charlie) Rathemacher. The addition of keyboards and backing vocals led to the opening up of even more musical channels as the band continued to experiment with their stage performance, style and music.

In late 1981 Carney penned the lyrics to "Please Don't Laugh" a strange little number which the band recorded with music producer Kuno Dreysse at Tonstudio in Hamburg. The 'B' side to this 7" single "We All Wanna Know" was also penned by Carney and was released on the Alles record label (regarded today as a double 'A' side).

On September 5th 1981 the band played at the first Open Air Festival in Schneverdingen, West Germany giving a spectacular performance and receiving rave reviews from the local media.

Throughout 1981 & 1982 the band were prolific in their output of fresh new songs, with Carney penning the lyrics to popular numbers such as, Midnight Lady, Don't like your style, Devils Highway, and the brilliant, Sinners.

Unfortunately many recordings of these numbers have been lost over the years, although various old cassette recordings found during our research have been used in the making of this video.

Following the release of the single (and after recently getting married) Jürgen Klein decided to leave the band and moved to Canada with his new wife and family, were he worked within the music industry until his return to Germany (c. 2014).

At the end of 1982 Ron Carney decided to leave the band due to family commitments and return to England. He went on to have a successful musical career performing both as a solo artist and lead singer/frontman with various bands throughout the UK and Europe. It is believed he is still performing to this day.

Whilst the rest of the band continued to play together for a short time afterwards they could not replace their enigmatic English vocalist/songwriter. Due to this and other reasons, cited as musical differences, the band split up and it is believed each went on to play in various other bands within Germany. It is noted that some members have got together in recent years for a "one off" local rock revival festival in Germany.

Album: "FIRST" - 1980 Produced by Holger Knuth...recorded at the Tennessee Sound Studio Hamburg
Single: "Please Don't Laugh" / "We All Wanna Know" - 1981 Produced by Kuno Dreysse...recorded at the Tonstudio Hamburg

We All Wanna Know - Full version video on YouTube:
   • Jigsaw Puzzle Band - JPB  - We All Wa...  

All music used in the making of this video was performed by The Jigsaw Puzzle Band with lyrics by Ron Carney (COPYRIGHTED).

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While the information in this video has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.