Florian Schneider (b. 1947)

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Biography

Florian Schneider-Esleben was a German musician. He is best known as one of the founding members and leaders of the electronic band Kraftwerk, performing his role with the band until his departure in 2008.

Timeline

The story of Florian Schneider, told in moments.

1970 Event

Co-founded Kraftwerk with Ralf Hutter. They started in a small studio they called Kling Klang, rigging their own instruments from surplus electronics.

What were you and Ralf building from surplus electronics? Was Kling Klang a studio or a laboratory?

1974 Event

Autobahn released. The 22-minute title track got edited down to 3 minutes for American radio and somehow became a Top 25 hit.

How does a 22-minute electronic track become a Top 25 American hit? Did you expect Autobahn to cross over?

1977 Event

Trans-Europe Express came out. David Bowie and Iggy Pop had visited the Kling Klang studio the year before. The influence flowed both ways.

What was it like having Bowie and Iggy Pop visit your studio? Did you influence them or did they influence you?

2008 Event

Left Kraftwerk after nearly four decades. No public statement. No farewell tour. He simply stopped appearing.

Why leave without saying anything? Was the silence intentional?

2020 Death

Died of cancer in Dusseldorf at 73. The news came a week after his death. Even his exit was private.

Even your exit was private -- is that the ultimate Kraftwerk statement? Did you miss performing?

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