Effective period / Period of releases: 1989 - 2000

Members: Reb, Armin Beck, Dully, Markus Zimmer, Thomas Möller, Frank Klubescheidt

The Bates (after Norman Bates of Hitchcock's movie "Psycho") formed in Eschwege, Germany in 1987.

Founding members were Markus „Zimbl“ Zimmer (vocals, bass), Frank „Klube“ Klubescheid (drums), Thomas "Pogo" Möller (rhythm guitar) and Armin Beck (lead guitar).

Armin left the band in 1991, he was replaced by Michael "Reb" Rebbig.
Pogo left the band in 1998, he was replaced by Tillman "Dully" Schüssler in 1999.

Due to musical and personal differences within the band, The Bates finally split in 2001.

Zimbl died on 18 June 2006. He was 41 years old.