The future of modern music began in Dusseldorf in 1970, when an avant-garde German band, the Organisation re-invented themselves as Kraftwerk and set in motion a train of events which introduced a whole new language into popular culture. By pre-dating electro, house, ambient and techno by more than two decades, they are quite simply the most influentual band of the late 20th century. Having studied composi-tional theory at the Dusseldorf Conservatory, they have more in common with Stockhausen and Russian Constructivism than Chuck Berry and Andy Warhol and yet, in creating classic pop hits like 'Autobahn', 'Trans Europe Express', 'The Model' and 'Tour de France' Kraftwork created a mass-market blueprint. The list of those directly and profoundly influenced is staggering: Bowie & Iggy Pop; Human League; disco (Giorgio Moroder`s seminal work with Donna Summer); Gary Numan: Sparks; Simple Minds; Orbital; Underworld; in fact, ALL modern Dance music. As well as telling the tale of this famously enigmatic and reclusive group, Tim Barr will also speak to the full range of musicians who have been touched by Kraftwerk`s extraordinary influence.
