Damo Suzuki, the pioneering vocalist who was Can's lead singer from 1970 to 1973, has died. He was 74 years old.
Best remembered for directing the microphone for Can on some of his most popular releases, including 1971. Magician Tago1972Ege Bamyasiand 1973 Future days —Suzuki had an innovative and inimitable approach to singing, often improvising singing parts in a variety of languages (a mix he referred to as “the language of the Stone Age”).
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our wonderful friend Damo Suzuki, yesterday, Friday, February 9, 2024,” he said. statement posted by Can on Instagram read. “Her boundless creative energy has touched many people around the world, not only with Can, but also with her continent-spanning Network Tour. “We will forever miss Damo’s kind soul and cheeky smile.”
Born on January 16, 1950 in Kobe, Japan, Suzuki began his musical life at the age of eight, when he was given a flute. In the late 1960s he left Japan to travel the world, which took him to Europe, where he went from country to country, taking advantage of his free time to perform improvisational performances as a street musician.
Finally, in the early '70s, while busking in Munich, Germany, Holger Czukay and Jaki Liebezeit of Can saw one of Suzuki's performances. Already looking for someone to replace the group's previous singer, Malcolm Mooney, the two invited Suzuki to join the band, and he performed with them on stage that same night.
From there, Suzuki became a full-time member of Can and began recording with them, eventually resulting in the 1970 album, Soundtrackswhich included his vocals on songs such as “Don't Turn the Light On, Leave Me Alone”, “Mother Sky” and “Tango Whiskyman”.
After that, Suzuki fronted the band for their 1971 release. Magician Tago, which saw them drift into more inventive and experimental territory, marked by their distinctive vocal delivery and the band's rhythmic, jazz-influenced improvisations. Expanding on the trends of that album, the band followed up with perhaps their best-known album: 1972. Ege Bamyasiwhich included songs like “Spoon,” “Vitamin C,” “I'm So Green,” and more.
In the following years, Ege Bamyasi – and the entire Suzuki era of Can's output – have been seen as an influential milestone in contemporary music history. The album has earned a place in many roundups of the best albums of the '70s and, in some cases, the best albums of all time. The songs have been sampled and covered by many, and the band Spoon even got their name from the song of the same title.
Suzuki stayed with Can for one more album, 1973. Future days, which saw the band branch out into more ambient territory. Shortly after his arrival, Suzuki left the group and began a 10-year hiatus from music.
After returning to performing in 1983, Suzuki continued to tour and collaborate with a wide network of artists, later known as “Damo Suzuki's Network.” As a solo artist, he recorded many albums, including 2018's. Live at the Windmill Brixton with 'Sound Carriers' with black midi.
In 2014, Suzuki was diagnosed with colon cancer and his battle with the disease was the subject of the 2022 documentary. Energy.
The statement released by Can conveys that details for funeral arrangements will be available soon and ends on a reflective note, referring to the other band members who have passed away. “[Suzuki] He'll join Michael, Jaki and Holger for a fantastic jam! the note said. “Much love to his family and children.” She read the full statement below.
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