Birth Control is a German rock band known for their progressive hard rock sound and provocative album covers. Birth Control formed in the middle of 1968 in Berlin from two other bands, the Earls and the Gents. The initial members were: Bernd Koschmidder (bass), Reinhold Sobotta (organ), Rolf Gurra (saxophone and vocals), Fritz Groeger (vocals), Klaus Orso (guitar), Reiner Borchert (guitar), and Hugo Egon Balder (percussion). After a series of disappointing albums in the early 1980s, the group disbanded, but reunited in 1993 with only drummer/lead vocalist/band leader Bernd 'Nossi' Noske remaining along with new members. The band continues to tour in Germany and release new albums periodically. As of recently, former members Peter Fller (bass, vocals) and Zeus B. Held (keyboards, reeds) from the band's classic period have been making special guest appearances at gigs. Sadly, original guitarist/songwriter Bruno Frenzel died on September 21, 1983 from a long illness.