Part 20 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.
Helmut left Triumvirat at the end of 1975 after the "Spartacus" album to pursue a solo career. In 1976, the German group Jail released their only album "You Can Help Me,” which featured Helmut as a guest musician on some songs. Helmut briefly returned to Triumvirat, but nothing transpired from this reunion and Helmut began working on a solo album titled "You Won't See Me," named for one of The Beatle's songs that he liked the most.
Sadly, Helmut’s career was cut short. On May 3, 1977 Köllen went to his car to listen to some cassettes containing new tracks he had recorded. With the motor running and the car parked in his garage he asphyxiated and died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Whether his death was a suicide or an accident is anyone’s guess, however, suicide seems unlikely as work was being completed on his new album and there was no suicide note or reason to suspect it.
His debut solo album, “You Won't See Me” was released posthumously in October 1977.
Thanks, Scotty, for your above article on Helmut! I happen to be the main author of the English Wikipedia article on him.
ReplyDeleteHelmut Koellen is my favorite musician, living or dead, and his music inspires me like no others does. What he sang and played always came straight from his heart-he was one of the most sincere and heart-felt musician/singer/songwriters i have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I think of him everyday.
About his death, where did you hear that there was no suicide note, and that suicide was not suspected? I would not outrule suicide. Helmut was also an experienced auto mechanic and race car driver,and it seems inconceivable that someone like that would have been completely oblivious to there being carbon monoxide gas in his garage. And suicide victims do not always leave a note, and have a motivation to do what they have done that is understood by others.
I am so grateful that his solo album was pretty well complete before his tragic end. It is a testament to his great talent, and musical spirit. RIP, Helmut.