Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk (German pronunciation: [ˈkʀaftvɛɐk], "power station") are a German electronic music band formed by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1970 in Düsseldorf, and fronted by them until Schneider's departure in 2008. The signature Kraftwerk sound combines driving, repetitive rhythms with catchy melodies, mainly following a Western classical style of harmony, with a minimalistic and strictly electronic instrumentation. The group's simplified lyrics are at times sung through a vocoder or generated by computer-speech software. Kraftwerk were one of the first groups to popularize electronic music and are considered pioneers in the field. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Kraftwerk's distinctive sound was revolutionary, and has had a lasting effect across many genres of modern music. (Read more at Wikipedia)

Links to Peel
Although Peel seemed to be interested in the band, he was initially not too taken by it. On 07 July 1978, he admitted that he did not "fully understand" or appreciate the work of Kraftwerk. However, the fact that he admired the work of artists like Neu! and Tangerine Dream who inspired Kraftwerk, and also others like Cluster and Brian Eno, who have listed them among their influence, lead to Peel keeping it an eye opened for them and retraining some respect for their music.

Sessions

 * none

Other Shows Played
(Please add more information if known)


 * 08 May 1973: Rockzuck (LP – Kraftwerk) Philips
 * 11 August 1983: Tour De France
 * 08 February 2000: 'Expo 2000 (12 inch)' (Kling Klang)
 * 13 February 2000 (BFBS): 'Expo 2000 (12")' (EMI / Kling Klang) (JP: 'Well, it would be slightly mad to say it's been worth the wait, but it's been worth some sort of wait anyway.')
 * 28 December 2000: 'Expo2000 (Orbital Mix) (Maxi CD-Expo Remix)' (EMI)

Top of the Pops
 * 04 February 1982 (TOTP): The Model
 * 25 December 1982 (TOTP): The Model (Zoo dancers clip)