Renowned Japanese-born musician Damo Suzuki, best known as the vocalist for the groundbreaking German experimental group Can, has passed away at the age of 74. His death comes after a prolonged battle with colon cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2014 with a slim 10% chance of survival. Despite the odds, Suzuki continued to undergo treatment while maintaining his musical pursuits.
In Memoriam of Damo Suzuki
Suzuki’s journey into music began in the late 1960s when he traveled across Europe, busking and honing his unique vocal style along the way. It was during this time that he caught the attention of Can, a band at the forefront of the avant-garde music scene. Joining Can in the early 1970s, Suzuki’s tenure with the group coincided with what many consider to be their creative peak.
His contributions to albums like ‘Tago Mago,’ released in 1971, were instrumental in shaping Can’s sound and solidifying their status as innovators in the realm of experimental rock. Suzuki’s vocal approach, characterized by its intensity and at times non-verbal qualities, pushed the boundaries of what a rock frontman could be, influencing generations of musicians to come.
Despite his departure from Can in 1973, Suzuki’s impact on music continued to reverberate. He became a towering figure in the post-punk movement, with artists like Mark E Smith of The Fall paying homage to him in songs like ‘I Am Damo Suzuki.’
In the decades following his time with Can, Suzuki remained an active and adventurous musician, known for his nomadic lifestyle and penchant for spontaneous collaborations. He formed what he called Sound Carriers, ad hoc ensembles that would interpret his musical ideas in various locations around the world. This approach to music-making underscored Suzuki’s commitment to experimentation and his refusal to be confined by conventional boundaries.
Suzuki’s creative spirit remained undiminished until the end, with his most recent album, ‘Arkaoda,’ released in 2022. His passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the music community, with artists and collaborators acknowledging his enduring influence and indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music. Read More
Reflecting on Damo Suzuki’s legacy, English experimentalist Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner) paid tribute to his pivotal role in Can’s evolution and his tireless commitment to music. Likewise, London-based promoters Baba Yagas Hut fondly recalled their collaborations with Suzuki, including memorable shows and even a celebration for his 60th birthday, adding a touch of humor with a reference to Suzuki’s reluctance to perform for them due to a playful superstition.
In his passing, Damo Suzuki leaves behind a legacy that transcends genre and time—a testament to the power of creativity, experimentation, and the enduring spirit of a true musical visionary.
