Kraftwerk, Auckland NZ, 2023

Kraftwerk

1st December 2023
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Bridget Herlihy with photography by Doug Peters.

Kraftwerk and the terms such as ‘pioneers’ and ‘innovators’ have become synonymous over the last fifty years, with no doubt whatsoever that their place in annals of music history has well and truly been cemented. Formed in 1970 in Düsseldorf, Kraftwerk are now into their sixth decade, a stupendous feat in and of itself, but also the ultimate testimony to the fact that their music continues to resonate with fans old and new so long since their inception. Rolf Hutter is the sole remaining founding member after co-founder Florian Schneider’s passing in 2020. Initially emerging as part of Düsseldorf’s experimental krautrock scene in the early 1970s, Hutter and Schneider swapped rock for synthesisers, vocoders and drum machines, introducing Germany, and the world, to electronic music.

While labels such as ‘robot pop’ are often bandied about, Kraftwerk have always sought to push the boundaries of electronic music; one of many factors that gives their music a timeless quality that defies eras and genres. Having been inspired by everything from James Brown to punk rock, Kraftwerk continue to captivate and inspire fans young and not so young.

Having last visited in 2008, New Zealand fans were treated to two shows this week, first in Wellington, and then at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Friday evening. With anticipation running high, and no opening act, many made a hasty beeline for their seats before the 8.30pm start time. Punctuality was duly rewarded as the quartet appeared on stage, clad in their Tron-sequence light-up boiler suits, and took their positions behind their respective podiums. Commencing their two hour long set with ‘Numbers’ from 1981’s ‘Computer World’, complete with iconic neon green graphics floating on the screen behind them, to great effect. This was a performance that was a feast for the ears, the eyes and the mind. It was a joy to see almost audience members from children to octogenarians in attendance (and one dancing banana), completely mesmerised by what was taking place before them.

Each and every song picked from their extensive repertoire was accompanied with its own unique animation and colour scheme, resulting in an engrossing and compelling experience for all. Perhaps this is why it took until the second part of the show for more than a handful of audience members to get up out of their seats and start dancing at the back of the entirely seated arena. Iconic tracks such as The Man Machine, Computer World, Das Model, Autobahn, Tour de France and Trans-Europe Express were received with wildly enthusiastic cheers, whistles and applause. Needless to say the highlights of the show were many, but one that really stood out was a floor-shaking rendition of Radio-Activity that was nothing short of euphoric.

To say that the performance was deliciously retro and beautifully nostalgic is an understatement, for Kraftwerk are as essential, and are as compelling now as they were in their early years. No pun intended, but they have honed their craft to the point where it is nothing short of perfection. For those who have not had the tremendous fortune to see Kraftwerk live before, add it to your bucket list immediately.

Were you there at Spark Arena for these magnificent legends of electronic music? Or have you seen Kraftwerk perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. Numbers / Computer World
2. It’s More Fun to Compute / Home Computer
3. Spacelab
4. Airwaves / Tango
5. The Man-Machine
6. Electric Café
7. Autobahn
8. Computer Love
9. The Model
10. Neon Lights
11. Geiger Counter / Radioactivity
12. Tour de France 1983 / Prologue / Tour de France Étape 1 / Chrono / Tour de France Étape 2
13. Vitamin
14. Trans-Europe Express / Metal on Metal / Abzug
15. The Robots
16. Planet of Visions
17. Boing Boom Tschak / Techno Pop / Music Non-Stop

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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