Founded in 1969 by guitarist Frank Bornemann, the band has endured several line-up changes, with Bornemann being the only consistent member of the group. In the 1980s, after a series of major splits (like in 1984 although reformed in 1988) in the group, Bornemann pursued a more commercial direction. Despite attracting a large following, the band never gained popularity in the United States.
However, in later years, former members of the band re-joined, and in 1998 fans delighted in hearing Ocean 2, a return to the classic symphonic progressive genre that the band was so well known for. A sequel to the 1977's original, it is commonly thought among fans that it successfully recaptures the spirit of the band, and is a worthy follow-up to the much beloved classic.
Of the band's numerous records, fans generally consider Inside, Floating, Dawn, Ocean, Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes, Planets and Ocean 2 to be the superior albums.
Despite their nationality, the band is not generally considered krautrock due to their sound which has much more in common with English progressive groups such as Pink Floyd and Yes.
In 2009 after a decade of hiatus Frank Bornemann released a DVD celebrating their 40th anniversary and a new album called Visionairy.
In the following period he worked on a concept double album about the life of the Maid of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc. The album The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 1 was released in 2017, followed by The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 2 in 2019.
Current Line-up:
Frank Bornemann
Klaus-Peter Matziol
Hannes Arkona
Hannes Folberth
Bodo Schopf
Madhouse
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Madhouse, in desolation
A house of silence during the day,
Seems bewitching
How everyone stays away, no-one dare go near
Madhouse, night-time nearing
Madhouse, lights appearing
Freak musicians
Smoke, drifting slowly away with the music
Maybe all the people on the outside looking in
Don't understand the life that's there inside is not all sin
Musicians make their music, smoke, make love, so if that's bad,
Who outside could claim that they've got happiness like that?
The lyrics of Eloy's song Madhouse describe a place that is thought to be a "madhouse" by those who view it from outside, but is actually a place of creativity and freedom for those who inhabit it. During the day, the house is silent and appears bewitching, causing everyone to stay away and no one to dare go near. However, as night approaches, the house comes to life with the arrival of the "freak musicians" who turn night into day, filling the house with music and shifting lights. The smoke drifting slowly away with the music reflects the mood of the people in the house, free-spirited and expressive.
The lyrics also suggest that the people outside the house may not fully understand the life that's inside. They view it as a sinful place, but what's happening inside is actually just people making music, smoking, and making love, which brings them happiness. The musicians in the house are free to express themselves creatively without fear of judgment, and the smoke becomes a metaphor for their freedom to do so.
Overall, the song Madhouse celebrates the idea of finding a place of freedom and creativity, even if that place is seen as unconventional by those on the outside looking in.
Line by Line Meaning
Madhouse, isolation
The isolation and loneliness of the residents in the madhouse.
Madhouse, in desolation
The state of the madhouse being in a state of despair and ruin.
A house of silence during the day,
The quietness and emptiness of the madhouse during daylight hours.
Seems bewitching
The appearance of the madhouse seems magical and enchanting.
How everyone stays away, no-one dare go near
The fear and avoidance of the madhouse by outsiders.
Madhouse, night-time nearing
The anticipation of what the madhouse is like at night.
Madhouse, lights appearing
The illumination of the madhouse at night, revealing its secrets.
They're turning night into day
The residents of the madhouse turning the dark of night into the light of day.
Freak musicians
The unconventional and unique musicians within the madhouse.
Smoke, drifting slowly away with the music
The smoke from various substances contributing to the atmosphere of the madhouse as the musicians perform.
Maybe all the people on the outside looking in
Possibly outsiders looking in at the madhouse do not comprehend the lifestyle inside.
Don't understand the life that's there inside is not all sin
Outsiders do not see the value in the lives of the madhouse residents, which is not wholly sinful.
Musicians make their music, smoke, make love, so if that's bad,
The musicians in the madhouse create their music and enjoy their lifestyle, so if it's deemed bad, who are outsiders to judge?
Who outside could claim that they've got happiness like that?
Outsiders cannot make a claim of having joy similar to the residents of the madhouse.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRANK BORNEMANN, FRANK ELOY, GORDON BENNIT, MANFRED WIECZORKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jürgen Ludwig
Such a great band. Frank Bornemann!!
Emm Zett
Born, né, geboren 66 ... first Eloy album I heard was Floating at the age of 13 so in ‘79.
Saw them live in 86 ...
Now in 2019 Floating remains my Buddy
stevendphoto
I bought Inside when it first came out, without hearing a single song, I just liked the look of the album (I guess), when Floating came out and grabbed it up right away, still have it, although I listen to the remastered CD more...!
Celor Fiwyn
So amazing!
Marijan Brkic
Definition of Prog Rock!
hatem farouk
Frank Bornnman the greatest guitarist in the planet and so is the rest of the band
Ismael M
Je me rends bien compte pu effectivement la guitare mène le jeu devant mais je batteur lui donne un an coup de baguettes quant aux autres musiciens!
Αγγελικη Παππα
👍 👍 👍 💜
iman alibakhshi
Drumer is such a alien😯
WITHOUT A TITLE
For my Brother Si Fu Yorix Tomcat 😁👍