A German drummer and percussionist, known for his work with the Krautrock band Guru Guru, creating a unique blend of psychedelic rock and free jazz.
Neumeier's extensive career has been marked by his collaborations with numerous bands and artists, including Dieter Mbius, Damo Suzuki, Harmonia, Hans-Karsten Raecke, Irne Schweizer, Peter Brtzmann, Sonny Sharrock, Uchihashi Kazuhisa, Jojo Hiroshige, Kawabata Makoto, Yoshida Tatsuya, and Luigi Archetti. His work has spanned across Germany and Japan, where he has lived and worked extensively.
Neumeier's early life and career are shrouded in mystery, but it is known that he began his musical journey in the 1960s, performing with various jazz and rock bands in Germany. His unique drumming style, which blended elements of free jazz and rock, quickly gained him recognition in the German music scene.
Neumeier's most notable work is with Guru Guru, a Krautrock band he co-founded in the late 1960s. The band's debut album, UFO, released in 1970, is considered a classic of the genre. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Neumeier and Guru Guru released several albums, including Dance of the Flamenco Sticks and Mani in Germany, which showcased his innovative drumming and vocal styles.
In addition to his work with Guru Guru, Neumeier has collaborated with numerous other bands and artists, including Harmonia, Irne Schweizer Trio, and Acid Mothers Temple. His discography boasts over 50 albums, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a musician.
Neumeier's influence on modern society extends beyond his music. He has been an inspiration to generations of musicians, including punk and post-punk bands, who have cited him as a major influence. His work has also transcended genres, influencing artists from various disciplines, including visual art and literature.
Neumeier's contributions to music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2005, he was inducted into the German Jazz Hall of Fame, and in 2011, he received the prestigious German Music Award (Deutscher Musikpreis).
Neumeier has lived in Germany and Japan, where he has maintained a strong connection with the local music scene. A wax figure of him can be found at the Tokyo wax museum, a testament to his enduring popularity in Japan.
Mani Neumeier's legacy as a pioneering drummer and musician continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists. His extensive body of work, spanning over five decades, is a testament to his innovative spirit and boundless creativity.
Born in 1877
A renowned poet, novelist, and painter, celebrated for his thought-provoking and introspective works that explore the human condition, spirituality, and the search for meaning. His writings often blended elements of psychology, philosophy, and mysticism.
78 Years Old
A pioneering electronic music composer and performer, known for creating atmospheric soundscapes and influencing the development of ambient and new age music.
88 Years Old
A pioneering musician and producer who co-founded the influential krautrock band Can, known for his innovative and experimental approach to music. He's a legendary figure in the avant-garde and electronic music scenes.
89 Years Old
A founding member of the influential German krautrock band Can, known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music composition and keyboard playing.
