CAN

German experimental rock band formed in Cologne around 1968, originally named Inner Space and evolving into "The Can" with American vocalist Malcolm Mooney as the frontman. Can are recognized as influential pioneers of Krautrock, especially during the period with Japanese singer Kenji "Damo" Suzuki, who guided their sound towards an eclectic blend of improvisation, noise, mantra, and funk rhythms. They were prominent in the Krautrock scene throughout their more than a decade-long history, composed music for films by directors like Roland Klick and Wim Wenders, and achieved an international hit with the pop satire single "I Want More" (1976).

The first Can member to pursue a solo career was Holger Czukay, and after Can disbanded, keyboard player Irmin Schmidt also found success as a solo artist. Additional members of Can ventured into solo projects or collaborated on other ventures. In 1986, Czukay, Karoli, Mooney, Schmidt, and Liebezeit reunited, leading to the album "Rite Time" (1989). In March 2003, Can was honored with the German music industry's Echo Award for lifetime achievement.

Even after some members have passed away, Can continues to inspire and is endowed with a vast archive of tape recordings yet to be released. The Lost Tapes, part of this legacy, was released in 2012 and is humorously referred to as Holger Czukay's pension fund. A new project is emerging in the form of live recording collections by long-standing Can enthusiasts, highlighting the band's profound musical impact.

Principal members:

Irmin Schmidt (born 29 May 1937, Berlin)

Holger Czukay (born Holger Schüring, 24 March 1938, Free City of Danzig; passed away 5 September 2017, Weilerswist)

Jaki Liebezeit (born Hans Liebezeit, 26 May 1938, near Dresden; passed away 22 January 2017, Cologne)

Michael Karoli (born 29 April 1948, Straubing; passed away 17 November 2001, Essen)