Krautrock > electronic experimental > electro-pop band from Düsseldorf, Germany, formed in 1970.
Formerly known as Organisation, Kraftwerk debuted live as the trio of Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben and Charly Weiss at the Tivoli Popfestival, Aachen on 11 July 1970. Klaus Dinger took over as drummer after that. Gigs between 26 December 1970 and 30 July 1971 omitted Hutter, with various line-ups including Michael Rother and others. Dinger & Rother then split-off forming Neu!. First known Hutter/Schneider gig is 2 February 1972 at the Fabrik, Altona, Hamburg, which instigated the partnership that developed into the well-known electro pop band continuing for decades with an expanded line-up after the hit single Autobahn.
Current members:
Ralf Hütter (July 1970 to December 1970, January 1972-) Lead Vocals, Vocoder, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Organ, Drums and Percussion, Guitar, Bass Guitar
Henning Schmitz (1987-) Electronic Percussion (1987–) Sound Engineering
Fritz Hilpert (1987-) Electronic Percussion, Sound Engineering
Falk Grieffenhagen (2013-) Video Technician
Former Members:
Karl Bartos (1975-1991) Electronic Percussion
Klaus Dinger (1970-1971) Drum
Wolfgang Flür (1973-1987) Electronic Percussion
Andreas Hohmann (1970) Drum
Eberhard Kranemann (1970) Bass Guitar
Thomas Lohmann (1970) Drum
Houschäng Néjadepour (1970) Electric Guitar
Michael Rother (1971) Electric Guitar
Florian Schneider-Esleben (1970–2008)
Charly Weiss (1970) Drums
Plato Kostic (a.k.a. Plato Riviera) (1970) Bass Guitar
Peter Schmidt (1970) Drums
Emil Schult (1973) Electric guitar, Electronic violin
Klaus Röder (1974) Electric guitar, Electronic violin
Fernando Abrantes (1991) Electronic Percussion, Synthesizer
Stefan Pfaffe (2008-2012) Video Technician
Maxime Schmitt has been a close friend of the group as well as an advisor and collaborator. Emil Schult has also collaborated on many releases, contributing both lyrics and graphics.
Origin
Düsseldorf, Germany
Formed
1970
Members
Michael Rother, Karl Bartos, Klaus Dinger, Wolfgang Flür, Ralf Hütter, Klaus Roeder, Florian Schneider, Andreas Hohman
