German musician Florian Schneider, best known for being a member of the group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73.
Florian’s death was confirmed today by music publication Billboard, after rumblings on social media.
Tributes have already been pouring in for the well-loved star, who left electronic group Kraftwerk back in November 2008.
One fan tweeted: “RIP Florian, your contributions to electronic music – and therefore popular and experimental music – were massive, and appreciated.”
Another said: “Sad news that this legend Florian Schneider has passed away, RIP.”
Florian’s departure from Kraftwerk after four decades was confirmed in 2009 by NME, with a close source to the band claiming he actually left in 2008.
Florian Schneider left Kraftwerk in 2008, with it being confirmed in 2009 (Image: EMI)
His final performance with the band had been in November 2006 in Spain, not playing with them on any of the Kraftwerk 2008 world tour dates.
Florian founded the group in 1969 with his school friend Ralf Hutter, with Florian’s original instruments being the flute, synthesizer and violin.
The duo joined a quintet called Organisation and released an album, Tone Float, with them in 1969 but they split soon after.
Florian enjoyed global success with Kraftwerk, including a handful of UK No1 singles (Image: Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
In the following years, between 1970 and 1974, the line-up of Kraftwerk had many changes, including Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger, who went on to form Neu!
However Florian was the only constant at the time, as even Ralf left for a period of eight months to focus on his university studies.
Over the years, after achieving an international breakthrough, Kraftwerk enjoyed moderate success in the UK as well as the wider world.
Their 1974 album Autobahn reached No4 in the UK charts and No5 in the US, while it also charted in a number of other countries in Europe and further afield.
They went on to release a handful of other studio albums up until 2003’s Tour de France Soundtracks, which peaked at No21 in the UK.
Kraftwerk had a few UK No1 singles too, including Computer Love and The Model, both in 1981.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
