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.