R.I.P. - Hardy Hepp (Krokodil) died on January 26, 2026

Krokodil is undoubtedly the name by which Heinrich "Hardy" Hepp is best known in Switzerland. This Swiss band was one of the first rock groups in our neighboring country and certainly one of the most important.
Musician, singer, songwriter, producer, poet, and painter Hardy Hepp was also active in other musical genres.

For example, he performed as a folk duo with Walty Anselmo in the mid-1960s, and with the soul group Hepp Anselmo Set, he even opened for the Rolling Stones. And when cultural journalist Stefan Künzli writes in his book "Swiss Rock Pioneers": "Hepp's contribution to the development of pop and rock in Switzerland cannot be overestimated," one suspects that Krokodil was indeed "only" one stop on the busy artist's journey.

Albeit the one most familiar to us rock fans. He founded the musical lizard with Les Sauterelles drummer Düde Dürst. The Les Sauterelles debut album is considered the first pop album from Switzerland – produced by Hardy Hepp.

In the early 1970s, Hardy left the band Krokodil and pursued a solo career, as well as working with other groups. Names like Bruno Spoerri, Bernard Purdie, Ron Carter, David Spinozza, Ralph MacDonald, and Andreas Vollenweider attest to his highly professional collaborators. He also produced for other musicians, painted, and, as an avid gardener, was active in environmental activism.

In early 2012, Hardy Hepp retired from the music business, the field in which he had given free rein to his creativity, ranging from pop and (prog) rock to jazz.

He has now passed away at the age of 81 after a long illness.

R.I.P. Hardy

Krokodil - Morning dew (1969)

Krokodil - You're still a part of me (1969)

Krokodil - All alone (1969)

 

Cool songs. I'll look Krokodil up and see if I can grab some songs.

 

Hardy Hepp - Far away from town 1972

Hardy Hepp – Hardly Healed 1973 Switzerland, Progressive, Blues Rock