Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider has died, aged 73
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Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider has died,
News broke today (6th May) that the influential German musician and co-founder of legendary electronic group Kraftwerk had died, aged 73. Billboard confirmed rumours of the artist’s passing. The Guardian reports that Schneider died of cancer a week ago and that he had a private burial.
Schneider formed Kraftwerk with Ralf Hütter in 1970. Originally a flautist, Schneider, along with Hütter, began experimenting with and designing their own electronic instruments. The group went on to release several iconic albums, including ‘Autobahn’ (1974), ‘Trans-Europe Express’ (1977) and ‘Computer World’ (1981). Kraftwerk’s innovation and creativity has seen them credited as one of electronic music’s most influential and important acts. They were honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2014.
While Kraftwerk remain active today, Schneider officially left the group in 2008.
This year, Kraftwerk were to embark on a massive 50th anniversary tour with their legendary 3D live show. However, the tour was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Tributes have begun to come from across the electronic music landscape to the one-of-a-kind musician and innovator.
Farewell to the extraordinary Florian Schneider (1947-2020) of @kraftwerk – the man machine lives on through an astonishingly original back catalogue of inspirational music. pic.twitter.com/yWF5UGwq8c
— Robin Rimbaud – Scanner (@robinrimbaud) 6 May 2020
R.I.P to the extraordinary Florian Schneider of @kraftwerk.
A true innovator and pioneer of electronic music, whose music and influence will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/Fw0yu4lx9q
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) 6 May 2020
RIP Florian Schneider. You changed music forever.https://t.co/mZUR33cbqr
— Ninja Tune (@ninjatune) 6 May 2020
RIP Florianhttps://t.co/LpMctGg478
— Posthuman (@posthuman) 6 May 2020
