Musician was part of the band’s classic period
By Luiz Athayde
Majk Moti, former guitarist of Running Wild, died last Thursday (16), at 65 years old. The confirmation came through friends and fans on social networks. His former band wrote a few hours ago, “Rest in peace brother (Majk Moti August 29, 1957 — February 16, 2023).” No information about the cause of death has been revealed at this time.
Majk was born Michael Kupper in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. His artistic nickname is a “loan” from his then Indian girlfriend named Moti. He was part of the golden era of the band Running Wild, as well as of heavy metal worldwide. His contribution was massive in the classic albums Branded and Exiled (1985), Under Jolly Roger (1987), Port Royal (1988), and Death of Glory (1989).
His resume with EPs was also expressive, having edited with the group led by vocalist/guitarist Rock ‘n’ Rolf Kasparek, the records: Bad to the Bone (1989) and Wild Animal (1990). Besides the live Reading for Boarding (1988) and the seminal VHS Death of Glory Tour – Live (1990).
After leaving Running Wild, Moti started working as a programmer and later as a publicist at Armscreen Group. His return to sonic activities occurred in 2008, when he formed the band D’Orca with his wife Melanie “Mell” Dorca-Ruiz. Other group appearances include bands such as Wild Knight, Metallian, and Random, releasing the album Reloaded in 2010.