The first incarnation of Alu was formed out of the ashes of Krautrock band Sand in 1979 and includes Ludwig Papenberg (guitar, keyboards, drumbox) and Johannes Vester (vocals, keyboards). In 1981 Nadja Molt joined the band and ALU primarily became a live band with a destinctly different sound than on their first 7 and their later (2005) published studio album recorded in 1980. In 1982 Ludwig Papenburg left the band and thus started the third incarnation of ALU with Johannes and Nadja. In 1986 the project was officiall laid to rest.