kraftwerk downsizes

Florian Schneider, a core founder of electronic-pop pioneer act Kraftwerk, is reported to be leaving the foursome. The group's official fansite states, more specifically, that Schneider is splitting with Kraftwerk co-founder Ralf Hutter "after a 40 years [sic] partnership."

Yesterday's statement goes on to wish success to "Florian's new projects" and to what it is calling "this new Kraftwerk." Schneider was also reported to have been missing from the act's U.S. tour stops last year as a result of unknown group tension and/or drama.

Here's Reuters' story on the split.

I guess this raises the question of whether Kraftwerk without Schneider is really Kraftwerk (and whether or not you'll pay to see such an incarnation of the legendary quartet); the fansite lists several March and April live dates for the Schneider-less act.

[Via Synthtopia].