Thomas "Thomen" Stauch (1970, Krefeld, Germany) was longtime drummer in Blind Guardian.



Around 1999-2000 Blind Guardian vocalist/bassist Kürsch teamed up with Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer on the Demons & Wizards project. Meanwhile Thomas Stauch was involved with Iron Saviour.



In March 2005 Stauch also teamed up with Soilwork vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid in a musical project named Coldseed.



One month later, in April 2005, Blind Guardian and Stauch parted ways. Band leader Hansi Kürsch declared:

"After walking along the same musical paths for about twendy years and after several long, open and honest discussions between the four band members, we have all (including Thomen) come to the same conclusion that it is now best for Thomen to leave the band."

In July 2005 Blind Guardina announced the addition of new drummer Frederik Ehmke. Stauch continued with his new band Savage Circus.



The early days...

Thomas started playing drums in 1983. He recalls:

"At that time I was a big Peter Criss (Kiss) fan and I wanted to learn what he did on his drums, so... I bought a drumset!"

Thomen names Simon Philips' drumstyle in general; Scott Rockenfield and Queensryche; Iron Maiden; Metallica; Judas Priest and Queen as early musical influences. He received lessons from Georg Heidkamp, a jazz drummer from Krefeld, who gave him private lessons for about half a year in 1983. Then Stauch developed his own ideas and created his own style.



It would not take long before Thome played in several hobby bands and from 1984 all the years with Lucifer´s Heritage (1st-demo). Later all years and albums with Blind Guardian until March 2005.