 | Activ : 2018-2022 Function : Featuring |
Wolfgang Flür, born on July 17, 1947, in Frankfurt, Germany, is a distinguished musician renowned for his pivotal role as the percussionist in the electronic music group Kraftwerk from 1973 to 1987. His innovative contributions to electronic percussion significantly influenced the development of electronic music.
Early Career and Role in Kraftwerk
Flür began his musical journey in the 1960s as a drummer with the Düsseldorf-based band The Spirits of Sound, alongside guitarist Michael Rother, who later co-founded Neu!. In 1973, he joined Kraftwerk, where he played a crucial role in pioneering electronic percussion. He is credited with developing the Drum-Pads-Board, an early electronic drum kit that became integral to Kraftwerk's sound. This innovation marked a significant shift from traditional acoustic drums to electronic percussion in the band's music.
Post-Kraftwerk Endeavors
After departing from Kraftwerk in 1987, Flür embarked on a solo career, exploring various musical projects. In 1997, he founded the band Yamo and released the album Time Pie, a collaboration with the electronic duo Mouse on Mars. The project blended elements of Kraftwerk's minimalist style with contemporary electronic music.
Flür's autobiography, Ich war ein Roboter (English: I Was a Robot), published in 2000, offers an in-depth look into his life and experiences within Kraftwerk. The book provides personal insights into the band's dynamics and the evolution of electronic music.
Recent Projects and Collaborations
In recent years, Flür has continued to engage with the electronic music community through various collaborations. Notably, in 2020, he worked with the German dance act U96 on the track "Transhuman," which featured new material from Flür, marking his first release in five years.
In 2022, Flür released his second solo album, Magazine 1, which includes collaborations with artists such as Peter Duggal, Peter Hook, Maps, Carl Cox, Claudia Brucken, and Midge Ure. The album showcases his continued innovation in electronic music, blending his classic style with contemporary influences.
Looking ahead, Flür has announced plans for a third solo album, Time, scheduled for release in March 2025. This forthcoming album is expected to feature collaborations with Thomas Bangalter, Boris Blank of Yello, Peter Hook, and Juan Atkins, further highlighting his enduring influence and adaptability in the evolving electronic music landscape.
Through his innovative contributions and collaborations, Wolfgang Flür has solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in electronic music, continually pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Participations
2018 U96 + Wolfgang Flür - Zukunftsmusik
2018 U96 feat. Wolfgang Flür - Hildebrandslied
2020 U96 / Wolfgang Flür - Transhuman
2022 U96 / Wolfgang Flür - Electric Sheep
2022 U96 / Wolfgang Flür - Best Buy
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