NEU! was a groundbreaking German experimental rock band formed in August 1971 in Düsseldorf, Germany by Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, both former members of an early lineup of Kraftwerk. The name "NEU!" (meaning "NEW!" in German) was a satirical take on advertising slogans, reflecting the band’s interest in modernity and innovation while critiquing consumer culture. NEU! became a seminal force in the Krautrock movement, a genre characterized by its experimental approach, minimalism, and motorik rhythm - a steady, propulsive 4/4 beat that became the band’s signature. Dinger coined the term "motorik" to describe this hypnotic, driving rhythm, which would go on to influence a wide array of artists across genres, from punk and post-punk to ambient, electronica, and indie rock. Their sound combined elements of rock, ambient textures, noise, and proto-punk energy, often juxtaposing meditative repetition with bursts of abrasive sound. Rother brought a melodic, atmospheric sensibility with his guitar and keyboard work, while Dinger contributed raw energy and unconventional drumming. NEU! released three studio albums in the 1970s. “NEU!” (1972) - their debut featured the now iconic track "Hallogallo", a quintessential example of the motorik beat. The album was minimalist and spacious, with long instrumental passages and a forward-thinking, avant-garde aesthetic. “NEU! 2” (1973) - Notable for its controversial second side, where the band, lacking funds, manipulated tape versions of earlier songs to fill the record. It was an early, radical experiment in sampling and remixing. “NEU! '75” (1975) - Marked by a split between the two members’ differing artistic directions: Rother’s side emphasized ambient and melodic textures, while Dinger’s side leaned toward raw proto-punk energy. This tension gave the album a unique and dynamic character. A fourth album, “NEU! 4”, was recorded in the mid 1980s but not officially released until 1995. A further compilation of unreleased material, “NEU! ’86”, came out in 2010. Creative differences and personal tensions led to the band’s breakup after “NEU! '75”. Michael Rother went on to a successful solo career and collaborated with Cluster in the band Harmonia, another pillar of experimental German music. Klaus Dinger formed La Düsseldorf, a band that retained the motorik spirit but moved toward a more accessible, anthemic style. Though initially underappreciated outside Germany, NEU! grew to cult status, especially in the 1990s and 2000s, as musicians such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, Sonic Youth, Stereolab, Radiohead, and LCD Soundsystem cited them as key influences. The motorik beat became a cornerstone in alternative and electronic music, and NEU!’s minimalist aesthetic prefigured genres like post-rock and techno. In the 2000s, NEU!’s original albums were officially reissued by Grönland Records, bringing renewed interest and critical re-evaluation. A box set, “NEU! Vinyl Box”, was released in 2010, including the three main albums and previously unreleased material. In 2022, the band celebrated its 50th anniversary with tribute projects and curated collaborations with contemporary artists. Today, NEU! is recognized not only as a pivotal band in the Krautrock movement but also as one of the most influential experimental rock acts of the 20th century. Their minimalist yet powerful music continues to inspire new generations seeking innovation beyond traditional rock boundaries.