Jaki Liebezeit, born on May 12, 1939, in Dresden, Germany, was a revolutionary drummer and composer whose work with the experimental rock band Can reshaped the boundaries of music. Known for his precision and trance-like rhythms, Liebezeit’s contributions to Can’s mix of psychedelia, trance, and electronics influenced genres ranging from punk and post-punk to techno. His innovative approach to drumming, which he described as discovering “natural laws,” became a hallmark of his style.
Liebezeit’s musical journey began in Barcelona in 1961, where he played jazz with luminaries like Tete Montoliu and Chet Baker while privately studying ethno music, including flamenco and Arabian traditions. Returning to Cologne in 1963, he joined the Manfred Schoof Quintet, immersing himself in free jazz before co-founding Can in 1968. With Can, Liebezeit pioneered the use of drum machines and unconventional rhythms, contributing to iconic albums such as Tago Mago and Ege Bamyasi. His work with Can extended to film soundtracks, further showcasing his versatility.
After leaving Can in the late 1970s, Liebezeit embarked on a solo career and collaborated with artists like Neu’s Michael Rother, Brian Eno, Jah Wobble, and Bill Laswell. He founded Phantomband in 1980 and later formed Drums of Chaos, a group dedicated to exploring new drumming systems based on his E-T code. In 1996, Liebezeit co-founded Club Off Chaos, blending electronic music with synthesizers and drums, and released their debut CD in 1998.
Liebezeit’s connection to Eurythmics came through his contributions to their debut album In the Garden (1981). He played drums on tracks such as “English Summer” and “Belinda,” adding his signature rhythmic precision to the album’s eclectic sound. His involvement highlighted his ability to adapt his experimental techniques to a pop context, enriching Eurythmics’ early work.
Jaki Liebezeit’s legacy is defined by his groundbreaking approach to rhythm and his ability to transcend musical boundaries. From his work with Can to his collaborations with Eurythmics and other influential artists, Liebezeit remains a towering figure in the evolution of modern music.<br
