April 2, 2008 21:15

Krautrock legend dies at 61

Klaus Dinger founded Neu! and Kraftwerk

Klaus Dinger, a founding member of legendary German bands Kraftwerk and Neu!, has died at the age of 61.

The influential multi-instrumentalist died of heart failure on March 20, according to a statement released today (April 2) by Neu!'s record label Gronland.

Dinger was known as one of the founding fathers of Krautrock. His drumming style known as 'motorik', which features a propulsive and repetitious groove, has influenced several contemporary bands.

After playing in Kraftwerk and Neu! in the 1970s, Dinger went on to form La Dusseldorf, who sold more than a million albums in the 1970s and 1980s.

Dinger passed away just four days before his 62nd birthday.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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