Damo Suzuki, Renowned Vocalist of Can, Passes Away at 74- What caused Suzuki’s death?
Damo Suzuki, the iconic Japanese vocalist famously known for his stint with the influential krautrock band Can, has passed away at the age of 74.
The news of his demise was confirmed by Can via social media on Saturday.
While the exact cause of his death was not disclosed, Suzuki had been battling colon cancer for the past decade, a struggle he openly shared in a 2022 documentary where he revealed his slim odds of survival.
In a heartfelt statement, Can expressed their sorrow over Suzuki’s passing, highlighting his immense creative spirit that resonated with fans worldwide, not only through his work with Can but also through his extensive Network Tour across continents.
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Suzuki’s warm demeanor and mischievous smile will be dearly missed, they noted, adding a poignant sentiment that he would now reunite with former bandmates Michael Karoli, Jaki Liebezeit, and Holger Czukay for an unparalleled musical jam session in the afterlife.
Suzuki’s journey into the world of music began as a teenager when he left his homeland of Japan and started busking across Europe.
It was a stroke of fate that led him to Munich, Germany, where he caught the attention of Can members Liebezeit and Czukay during a street performance.
Invited to join Can onstage that very night, Suzuki filled the void left by the departure of the band’s original vocalist, Malcolm Mooney.
Officially joining Can in 1970, Suzuki made his mark on the band’s discography, contributing his distinctive vocals to iconic albums such as “Tago Mago” (1971), “Ege Bamyasi” (1972), and “Future Days” (1973).
His improvisational style and abstract lyrical delivery, epitomized by tracks like “Halleluhwah,” where he playfully recited the names of other songs on the album, became integral to Can’s groundbreaking sound.
Reflecting on his approach to music, Suzuki once shared his aversion to repetition, emphasizing the importance of each performance as a unique experience.
His unconventional vocalizations, described by Rolling Stone as a blend of mumbling, chanting, and shrieking, became defining features of Can’s mesmerizing compositions.
Following his departure from Can after “Future Days,” Suzuki embarked on a personal journey, marrying a German woman and immersing himself in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witness for the next decade.
Despite his hiatus from the music scene, Suzuki made a triumphant return in 1983 with his own projects, including Damo Suzuki’s Network and Damo Suzuki Band.
Throughout his musical endeavors, Suzuki remained active until his passing, leaving an indelible mark on the world of experimental rock.
Unlike his predecessor Mooney, Suzuki chose not to rejoin Can for their sporadic reunions in later years, opting instead to pursue his own musical path.
His legacy as a pioneering vocalist and free-spirited performer continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike, ensuring that his influence will endure long after his untimely departure.
