La Belle Angele
Edinburgh
One cannot describe just how important Kraftwerk have been to me since I was a kid. Breakdancing and Robotics were all down to the beautiful sounds created by Ralph Hutter, Florian Snieder, Karl Bartos, and, of course, the reason I am writing this, Wolfgang Flur. was with the band for the creation of groundbreaking, innovative and quite frankly, Clairvoyant electronica. 1981’s Computer World foretold the future of technoweldgy before it had actually been invented. It has been written that Kraftwerk were the Electronic Beatles. Kraftwerk, Kraftwerk 2, Ralph & Florian, Radio Activity, Autobahn, Man Machine, Trans Europe Express, Computer World, Electric Cafe, The Mix and Tour De France(Soundtrack). Ten albums that shaped musical futures for everyone and the last Album released (Of New Material) was in 2003.
Wolfgang Flur, Left Kraftwerk in 1987. I didn’t actually get to see Kraftwerk Live, for the first time, till The Mix Tour in 1989 in Sheffield City Hall. The 2nd time, was The Big Day Out in Adelaide in 2003. So last night was the first time I have experienced Wolfgang Flur live. I cannae describe how important this man has been to me.
I got to the venue in Good Time, for some reason I thought this might be a sell out and I had to buy a ticket for this one, I had plans on going to Mother India for a spot of curry to fuel my forthcoming dance moves and I knew that the support act was gonna be a good one, Mother India was heaving with hungry tourists, no room at the inn, so opted for a slice of Pizza and a Chai, before boogying on down to La Belle Angele (I love the club’s name). I made sure Raymondo was there with his camera skills and I was ready for a good dance.
Peter Duggal is a young (And Very Handsome) Electronic Producer from Birmingham, invited to open for the grand master of Electronic Percussion. (Really, Wolfgang Flur invented the electronic drum kit that Kraftwerk used on all of the albums bar Techno Pop (Electric Cafe).
Peter took to the stage of a sparse La Belle Angele, apart from the name, the other thing that I love about this venue is its sound system, it’s the same one that made Studio 24 so amazing. Loud and crystal clear sound reproduction. perfect for this young electronic prodigy, I was straight in the groove to the amazing electronica that this young maestro produces. I knew it was going to be good but wasnae expecting to be blown away in the way in which I was. That was a brilliant boogie, sure four to the floor but in a refreshing and tantalizing way and I had plenty of room to give it some groove. Oh yes baby, I was having it (getting my Money’s worth), electronic magik. Fantastic stuff.
Wolfgang Flur had left Kraftwerk by the time I got to see them live (1989) Wolfgang left in 1987. So this was my first time of experiencing one of my all time favorite Electronic Artists, instrumental in the creation of the music that has fueled my life, just like contemporary Kraftwerk. standing behind their laptops creating and entertaining. Wolfgang Flur was no different only with two laptops for all intents and purposes, this was a very powerful DJ set, again the La Belle Angele sound system bringing the grand masters techno sounds to life, of course, by now the club was packed, but still found space to groove. Wolfgang Flur’s solo material is on par with the brilliance that he created with Kraftwerk and couldnae be anymore perfect for a club setting. For people wanting new Kraftwerk because its been a long 22 years since anything new was released an investigation into Wolfgang Flur’s solo output will prove to be incredibly rewarding and perhaps the missing link.
I was in electronic Heaven, mesmerized and excited, well it was exciting and a perfect Saturday evening dance workout. I had waited a very long time for this and it was worth the wait. A Brilliant Gig and a Brilliant boogie.
Words: Mark ‘Divine’ Calvert
Photos: Raymond Speedie
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