Electronic Music Pioneer's Legendary Gear Go to US Auction
He was innovator of electronic music with the group the pioneering act revolutionized the sound of pop and influenced musicians ranging from Bowie to Run-DMC.
Currently, the electronic equipment along with devices employed by Schneider in crafting some of the band’s best-known songs throughout two decades are estimated to earn substantial bids as they go under the hammer at auction next month.
Exclusive Preview of Late Personal Work
Music for a solo project that Schneider was working on just before he died after a cancer diagnosis aged 73 in 2020 is being shared for the first time in a video related to the event.
Wide Array of Personal Belongings
Together with his suitcase synthesiser, his wind instrument and robotic voice devices – utilized by him creating mechanical-sounding vocals – fans will get a chance to buy nearly 500 of Schneider’s personal possessions through bidding.
Among them are his set of more than 100 wind and brass items, many instant photos, his sunglasses, the passport for his travels through the late '70s and his VW panel van, painted in a gray hue.
His Panasonic Panaracer bicycle, featured for the Tour de France clip and is depicted in the release's graphics, will also go under the hammer this November 19.
Sale Information
The projected worth of the sale falls between $450K and $650K.
Kraftwerk were groundbreaking – they were one of the first bands with electronic gear and they created music unlike anything prior.
Fellow musicians found their tracks astonishing. They came across an innovative direction for compositions pioneered by the band. It encouraged numerous artists to explore synthesizer-based tunes.
Highlighted Items
- An effects unit that is likely employed by the band in productions The Man Machine in 1978 and Computer World in 1981 could fetch $30,000 to $50,000.
- The portable EMS model thought to be utilized for Autobahn the famous record is appraised for $15,000 to $20,000.
- His wind instrument, a specific model featured in performances alongside electronic gear through the early '70s, may sell for up to five figures.
Distinctive Objects
In the affordable range, an assortment with dozens of snapshots photographed by him of his woodwind and brass instruments is available at a low estimate.
Other quirky objects, like a clear, vibrant yellow instrument and an unusual fly sculpture, which was mounted on Schneider’s studio wall, have estimates of $200 to $400.
Schneider’s gold-framed green-lens sunglasses along with instant photos showing him with these could sell for $300–$500.
Family’s Words
He felt that gear deserves activity and circulated – not left unused or collecting dust. His desire was his instruments to be passed to individuals that will cherish them: artists, gatherers and those inspired by the art of sound.
Enduring Impact
Considering Kraftwerk’s influence, a well-known drummer said: “From the early days, we were fans. Autobahn was an album which prompted us sit up and say: what’s this?. They created unique material … something completely new – they were consciously rejecting previous styles.”