Michael Rother, acclaimed German guitarist, to perform rare tour in San Francisco

German guitar virtuoso, Michael Rother, known for his work with influential bands such as Kraftwerk, Neu!, Harmonia, and La Dusseldorf, will be gracing the stage at Gray Area in San Francisco on Monday. His current tour features renditions of classic songs from the 1970s.

Rother’s musical journey began at a young age, as he joined the band Spirits of Sound in 1965. Collaborating with keyboardist Wolfgang Riechmann and future Kraftwerk drummer Wolfgang Flür, Rother’s early projects laid the foundation for his later success. After a short stint with Kraftwerk, Rother and drummer Klaus Dinger went on to form Neu! in 1971. The band’s unique blend of minimalist experimental rock, characterized by Dinger’s driving beat and Rother’s intricate guitar work, garnered critical acclaim within the German music scene.

Working with renowned producer Conny Plank, known for his collaboration with avant-garde electronic groups like Kluster and Kraftwerk, Neu! released their self-titled debut album in 1972. Despite not achieving the commercial success of their contemporaries, Neu! became pioneers of the “motorik” rhythm, characterized by Dinger’s relentless drumming style and Rother’s ethereal guitar and synthesizer textures.

Rother’s enduring influence on the music industry extends beyond Neu! His collaboration with other seminal acts such as Harmonia further solidified his reputation as an innovator in the genre. Drawing from a wide range of musical influences, Rother’s compositions are a masterclass in sonic exploration and experimentation.

Fans of Rother’s work can expect an unforgettable evening as he performs classic tracks from his extensive catalog. With his virtuosic guitar skills and a career spanning over five decades, Michael Rother continues to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of music. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this legendary musician in action at Gray Area in San Francisco.