… It was was in 1969, when Martino created his first band called “THE AVENGERS”
For several years Martino performed on the european scene playing with famous german bands as well as international singers, including being the keyboard player for “PERCY SLEDGE” (When a man loves a woman)
It was in 1978 when Martino formed his own american style rock band called “BREAK POINT” They recorded their first album in 1981 called “First Serving”, and successfully toured the American Military circuit throughout Europe!
It was in 1985, right after Martino moved to the United States of America, that “Tim Bogert” (ex-Vanilla Fudge bass player) asked Martino to join his band (Tim Bogert and The Fabulous Violations).
In January of 1986, Martino had the honor to share center stage with great performers, such as”LOVERBOY”, “STEVE STEVENS” of Billy Idol fame, “CHET McCRACKEN” of the Doobie Brothers, “JOHN ENTWHISTLE” of the Who, and “EDDY VAN HALEN”, just to name a few.
As of today, Martino has performed in over 15,000 live events worldwide, which include solo appearances with orchestras in Germany, European Rock Festivals, The Russian Rhythm & Blues Festival, concert tours in the Persian Gulf countries, the Iceland Rock Festival, and many more.
Martino has also toured the US and the globe including being support act for
“BON JOVI” “POISON”, “TED NUGENT”, and “YNGWIE MALMSTEEN” “MEAT LOAF” “VANILLA FUDGE” “KINGDOM COME” “WALTER TROUT BAND” AND MANY MORE!
Early in the year of 1999, Martino joined ”ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS” as their keyboardist/violin player. He toured with this well known band all over Europe, North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, etc. performing more than 140 shows per year. Martino added more credentials to his musical career by recording 3 CD’s with this band.
After the band got disbanded in 2005, Martino and the former members of Eric Burdon and the Animals (Dave Meros, Dean Restum, Bernie Pershey) and lead singer Nick D’Virgilio formed a band named “KINGS OF CLASSIC ROCK” which Martino still tours with, when not on his solo tour.
In the summer of 2003 Martino recorded a CD while launching his own band
“MARTIN GERSCHWITZ & FRIENDS” featuring band members from “THE ANIMALS” and others.
Touring Europe several times, mostly throughout Germany and Benelux, Martin Gerschwitz and his band released a DVD “MARTIN GERSCHWITZ & FRIENDS LIVE” recorded in Frankfurt, Germany in November 2004.
One year later, in November of 2005 (immediately after leaving Eric Burdon & The Animals) Martino became the keyboardist and lead vocalist for the 60″s psychedelic rock band “IRON BUTTERFLY” well known for their monumental hit song/album “IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA”
In December of 2012, original bass player “LEE DORMAN” passed away, causing the band to be on hold for awhile.At that point Martino started concentrating more and more on his solo career which is becoming very successful !
When asked in May of 2015 to join a new version of “IRON BUTTERFLY” Martino chose not to join and rather keep pursuing his own career!
To this day Martino is successfully touring solo throughout Germany & the U.S., mainly Oregon, Washington state, Northern California, and also Indiana and Illinois and gradually branching out to Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, and other states and countries as well.
This year (2017) may actually feature a tour of Peru for the first time.
