The 27’s – Helmut Köllen 1950 - 1977

Part 20 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.

German musician Helmut Köllen was born in 1950 and most notably the bassist and vocalist for the progressive rock band, Triumvirat. Helmut joined the already established band in time to the band’s two most famous albums: “Spartacus” and “Illusions on a Double Dimple.”

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.