Can were arguably the leading avant-garde rock ban of the 70’s, hailing from west Germanytheir music didn’t fit in with the mainstream rock of the era. Taking their inspiration from a wide variety of genres including classical their closest contemporaries were probably Frank Zappa or possibly Velvet Underground. Experimentation with synthesizers and electronic music was at the forefront of Cans appeal with each album marking a step forward in sounds, techniques and musical experimentation.

Can’s line up was always changing but the core band members were keyboardist Irmin Schmidt, drummer Jaki, guitarist Michael Karoli and bassist Holger Czukay. Holger Czukay went on to have an extremely successful solo career playing an influential role in bridging the gap between avant-garde and pop and bringing World music into pop.

As a band Can never made it past the underground, peaking with a surprise Top 30 UK hit. The critics had a tough time with them and the band never really took off in a big way as a result.

Can’s first release was in 1969 with their album ‘Bracing Monster Movie’. The band were then involved in a collection of film music with tracks including long improvisations and sharp angular rhythms.

In 1972 their approach became more refined initiating a jazzy, minimalist edge, that set them apart from their rock routes. Sounds changed over the years from Dub, to World, to Avant Rock. When the band eventually parted in 1978 their body of work was extensive and in many ways very ground breaking.