Robert Görl, born on June 15, 1955, in Munich, Germany, is a pioneering musician, drummer, and composer best known for his work with the influential electronic band Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft (D.A.F.) and his solo projects. Görl’s musical journey began at the age of 12 when he played the trumpet, but he soon transitioned to drums, practicing in a World War II bunker in Munich. Under the mentorship of legendary drummer Freddy Brocksieper, Görl honed his skills and pursued formal studies at the Leopold Mozart Conservatory in Augsburg and the High School for Music in Graz, Austria, where he explored opera, ballet, and modern music.
In 1978, Görl moved to London, where the burgeoning punk movement inspired him to develop his own musical style. Later that year, he returned to Germany and met Gabi Delgado-López at the Ratinger Hof punk club in Düsseldorf. Together, they formed D.A.F., a groundbreaking band that fused electronic music with provocative lyrics. D.A.F. released six albums between 1979 and 1986, including the critically acclaimed Alles Ist Gut, which featured the hit “Der Mussolini.” Their innovative sound and bold themes earned them widespread acclaim and commercial success.
In 1984, during a hiatus from D.A.F., Görl released his first solo album, Night Full of Tension, which featured collaborations with Annie Lennox of Eurythmics. Produced by Mike Hedges, the album included the track “Darling Don’t Leave Me,” a duet with Lennox that became a notable success in the U.S. Görl’s connection to Eurythmics also extended to his contribution as a drummer on their 1981 album In the Garden. These collaborations highlighted Görl’s versatility and ability to bridge electronic and pop music.
After a period of personal and spiritual exploration following a serious car accident in 1989, Görl returned to music in the early 1990s, releasing new material on the Munich-based techno label Disko B. His later works continued to push boundaries, blending electronic and experimental sounds.
Robert Görl’s career is a testament to his innovation and resilience. From his pioneering work with D.A.F. to his collaborations with Annie Lennox and Eurythmics, Görl has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing generations of artists and shaping the evolution of electronic music.
