Can Bassist Holger Czukay 1938 – 2017

German musician Holger Czukay, who was a co-founding member of the influential krautrock band Can, has died at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by statement released by Can.

Czukay played bass with Can from its inception in Cologne, West Germany in 1968 through his departure in 1977. In addition to playing bass, Czukay was also largely responsible for recording and producing the group’s early records including such landmark releases as 1971’s Tago Mago, 1972’s Ege Bamyasi and 1973’s Future Days. With drummer Jaki Liebezeit, who passed away earlier this year, Can’s relentless and forceful rhythm section was at the core of their distinctive krautrock style.

After leaving the band Czukay pursued a solo career that further expanded his exploration of soundscapes and ambient music. He was a pioneer in many tape recording techniques and is credited with being among the first to utilize what’s now regarded as audio sampling.

According to Cologne-based newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Czukay was found unresponsive in the former movie theater in Weilerswist outside of Cologne, which Can had converted into a recording studio and had been Czukay’s residence prior to his passing. The report indicates an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.