Lucifer's Friend was a German hard rock and progressive rock band formed in the early 1970s. Known for incorporating elements of jazz, psychedelic, and pop music, the band gained a cult following despite limited commercial success. Though originating in Germany, Lucifer's Friend is typically not categorized as part of the krautrock movement. The group was initially formed in 1970 when British vocalist John Lawton, formerly of Stonewall, joined forces with Peter Hecht, Dieter Horns, Peter Hesslein, and Joachim Reitenbach, all former members of the German Bonds. The same lineup had previously recorded an album under the name Asterix. Afterward, they adopted the name Lucifer's Friend and released their self-titled debut album later that year. In 1971, some members also formed a side project called the Pink Mice, excluding Lawton. The band released its early albums on Vertigo Records in Europe, while distribution in the United States occurred through smaller independent labels such as Billingsgate, Janus, and Passport. As a result, releases often arrived in the U.S. much later, making the albums difficult to find and limiting broader commercial success. In the late 1970s, Lucifer's Friend signed with Elektra Records and shifted toward a more pop-oriented sound, but these later releases achieved less success than their earlier work. Lucifer's Friend became known for frequently changing musical direction. Their 1970 debut, "Lucifer's Friend," featured dark themes and a heavy sou

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