Uwe Nettelbeck, Faust Co-Founder, R.I.P.

Sad news from Faust's site.

Uwe Nettelbeck, founder and mentor of Faust, died on January 17th. Jean-Hervé Peron made this statement about the passing of the man who first formed and inspired Faust and was a key creative force behind the group in their early years;

"Besides being a sharp-witted but yet charming and loving husband, father and grandfather, he was an outstanding cook, a writer who always generated deep emotions and interest, and a genius, selfless music producer. Thank you Uwe for all you have done for our music. Faust is your work, no doubt ! Your work will outlast all of us. May your soul rest in peace. My sincere sympathy to his family Petra, Anouchka, Sandra, Elisha and Elsa."

I think in my mind I've appreciated Faust first and foremost for being this amazing organic, almost singular entity that presented music in a way that had rarely been referenced in the particular time of the group's inception. It took me a while to grow into recognizing individuals like Uwe within the framework (and then realized how responsible he was for the whole concept itself) and for that reason alone Faust succeeded in so many unlistable ways. Uwe himself said that the idea was to never copy anything in the Anglo-Saxon rock scene, and indeed they broke ground that people are still coming to terms with.

A previous Beware of the Blog post on Faust's lost album V (the label's rejection of which marked Uwe's loss of interest in Faust), and some rarely seen 1971 in-studio video footage from the WDR Krautrock documentary here.(3 mins., 20MB mpeg). And finally, a Melody Maker 1973 interview with Nettelbeck here.

Comments

[WmMBerger]

The mixing console and the production were as integral to the sound of those Faust records as any guitar, drum or organ—possibly moreso. The first four Faust albums are still some of the most challenging, creative, bizarre and entertaining discs in the entire rock pantheon, and Nettelbeck's contribution should never be underestimated. The only possible "Anglo-Saxon rock scene" reference point would be 60s Zappa. Nettelbeck's liner notes to the first Faust LP are also priceless. Truly this is the loss of a great, innovative, creative talent.

[Buddy Max]

I recall seeing FAUST on the US tour in the mid-1990's, at Real Art Ways in Hartford CT. The band had run a mic or pickup out about 30 yards to a railway line and whenever a freight train went by a tremendous roar would erupt out of the p.a., drowning out everything, including the chainsaw they had rigged with a guitar pickup (which also produced a tremendous roar).

This reminds me of tales of their early 70's concerts where band members would play pinball on stage, or jackhammer a concrete block, or sit and read the newspaper in an easy chair while the others played on around him.

[Joachim Horvitz]

I saw Faust play in the mid 90s at Upstair's at Nick's in Philadelphia. It was truly one of the best shows I have ever seen. It was the perfect show that I compare all concerts to in terms of showmanship and energy. This is a great loss.

[Rebel Bass Recordings]

Uwe Nettlebeck was Faust

Without his essential studio technique and editing skills the band would have been rendered as a bog standard kosmische band

Thank you Uwe for your visionary ways

[lastangelman]

You don't listen to Faust , you experience this band. Thanks, Uwe, for the experience.