Renowned Japanese singer Damo Suzuki, best known as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking band Can, has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed in a statement on the band’s official social media pages. The announcement revealed that Suzuki, who battled colon cancer for a decade, succumbed to an undisclosed cause of death on Friday, February 9, 2024.
The statement expressed deep sadness, remembering Suzuki’s boundless creative energy that left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, not only through his contributions to Can but also with his expansive Network Tour. The note concluded with a poignant reference to fellow deceased Can members Michael Karoli, Jaki Liebezeit, and Holger Czukay, stating that Suzuki would be joining them for a “fantastic jam.” The message extended love and condolences to Suzuki’s family.
Variety reports that alongside Kraftwerk, Neu, and others, Can played a pivotal role in the innovative and experimental wave of German groups emerging in the late 1960s, often grouped under the “Krautrock” label. Suzuki joined Can in 1970, bringing his unique singing style, impressionistic lyrics, and improvisational skills to the band’s iconic albums such as ‘Soundtracks,’ ‘Tago Mago,’ ‘Ege Bamyasi,’ and ‘Future Days.’
Known for his unstructured vocal approach, Suzuki’s contributions to Can’s improvisations were particularly notable, with some tracks lasting for extensive durations. Despite leaving the group after the release of “Future Days” to focus on religious pursuits, Suzuki’s impact on Can’s legacy remained significant.
After a hiatus, Suzuki returned to music in 1983, embarking on solo projects and tours, although his illness hampered his abilities in recent years. Notably, he never reunited with Can, who continued to release albums without replacing him.
Can has been unveiling a series of archival live recordings in recent years, several of which feature Suzuki, preserving his influential role in the band’s history. Damo Suzuki’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of experimental music, leaving behind a legacy that has left an enduring impact on the global music scene.
