Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk at EmslandArena, Lingen (Ems) - Thursday, 4 December 2025

Prepare for an unparalleled sonic and visual journey as the pioneering electronic music pioneers, Kraftwerk, descend upon the EmslandArena in Lingen (Ems) for a truly unmissable performance on Thursday, 4 December 2025. This is not merely a concert; it is an immersion into the very foundations of modern music, a testament to artistic innovation that has shaped the landscape of popular culture for over five decades. The EmslandArena will transform into a cathedral of sound and light, hosting a group whose influence stretches far beyond the realm of electronic music, touching everything from hip-hop and techno to avant-garde art and design. To witness Kraftwerk live is to experience the genesis of the digital age through the eyes and ears of its most visionary architects.

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About Kraftwerk

Emerging from Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1970, Kraftwerk, meaning “power station” in German, are widely regarded as the undisputed architects of electronic music. Founded by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, the group’s early work explored experimental soundscapes, but it was their evolution in the mid-1970s that cemented their legendary status. Eschewing traditional rock instrumentation, Kraftwerk embraced synthesizers, vocoders, and custom-built electronic instruments, forging a distinctive, minimalist, and rhythmically precise sound that was entirely revolutionary. Their albums, such as Autobahn (1974), Radio-Activity (1975), Trans-Europe Express (1977), and The Man-Machine (1978), are considered seminal works, defining the aesthetic and sonic blueprint for countless genres that followed.

Kraftwerk’s thematic concerns revolve around the interplay between humanity and technology, the evolution of modern life, and the rhythmic pulse of industrial and urban environments. Their visual presentation is as integral to their identity as their music, characterised by iconic, uniform stage personas that blur the lines between artist and automaton. This deliberate detachment from conventional rockstar charisma amplified their futuristic and detached aesthetic, making them seem like sentient machines rather than mere musicians.

Throughout their career, Kraftwerk have consistently pushed boundaries, evolving their sound and visual presentation while remaining remarkably consistent in their core philosophy. Their influence is immeasurable, having directly inspired artists across the spectrum, from David Bowie and Depeche Mode to Afrika Bambaataa and Daft Punk. Their innovative use of sequencers, drum machines, and synthesizers laid the groundwork for electro, techno, house, and hip-hop. Beyond music, their minimalist design principles and technological foresight have had a profound impact on visual art, fashion, and digital culture. Their enduring legacy lies in their ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally engaging, a sonic embodiment of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Notable hits that showcase their groundbreaking artistry include the mesmerising, epic journey of “Autobahn,” a track that transformed the concept of electronic music into a sprawling, atmospheric narrative. The hypnotic, driving rhythm of “Trans-Europe Express” became an anthem for a generation, its intricate layering and iconic melody instantly recognisable. “The Model” from The Man-Machine offered a more pop-oriented, yet still distinctly electronic, exploration of superficiality and artificiality, becoming one of their most commercially successful and enduring tracks. Other essential tracks like “Radio-Activity,” a thought-provoking commentary on atomic energy, and “Computer Love,” a poignant reflection on digital connection, further illustrate their prescient themes and innovative sonic palette.

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Venue Information

The EmslandArena in Lingen (Ems) stands as a modern and versatile venue, perfectly equipped to host a performance of Kraftwerk’s unique calibre. Designed with acoustics and audience experience in mind, it provides an intimate yet expansive setting capable of delivering powerful sound and immersive visual displays. Its strategic location in Lingen (Ems) makes it an accessible destination for fans across the region and beyond. The arena’s contemporary facilities ensure a comfortable and engaging experience for all attendees, from the moment they arrive to the final reverberations of the music. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

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What to Expect

A Kraftwerk performance is an experience unlike any other in live music. Attendees can anticipate a meticulously crafted presentation where sound and vision are inextricably linked, creating a truly synesthetic event. The setlist typically draws from their extensive and iconic discography, with a strong emphasis on their seminal albums from the 1970s and 1980s, which form the bedrock of their legendary sound.

Fans can expect to be transported by the driving, hypnotic rhythms of tracks such as “Autobahn,” which often forms the centrepiece of their live shows, delivered with the same sonic precision and atmospheric depth as the original recording. The infectious energy of “Trans-Europe Express” will undoubtedly have the audience captivated, its intricate electronic textures weaving a spell. Prepare for the enduring charm and thematic resonance of “The Model,” a track that perfectly encapsulates their ability to craft accessible yet profound electronic pop.

Beyond these celebrated hits, the setlist frequently includes beloved tracks from albums like Computer World, The Man-Machine, and Radio-Activity, offering a comprehensive journey through their groundbreaking career. Expect to hear the pulsating beats of “Numbers” and “Computer Love,” the urgent warnings of “Radioactivity,” and the futuristic soundscapes that have defined their sonic universe.

Kraftwerk’s performance style is characterised by its minimalist, precise, and almost ritualistic nature. The members, often dressed in their iconic, synchronised uniforms, present themselves as a unified artistic entity, eschewing traditional stage banter and flamboyant showmanship. Instead, their focus is entirely on the flawless execution of their music and the seamless integration of their groundbreaking visual projections. The stage will come alive with a stunning array of 3D visuals, abstract geometric patterns, and evocative imagery that perfectly complements the electronic soundscapes, creating a mesmerising and all-encompassing sensory experience.

The duration of a Kraftwerk concert typically spans around 90 minutes to two hours, excluding any intervals. This allows for a deep dive into their musical world, with each track carefully curated and presented to build a coherent and immersive narrative. The ebb and flow of their performances, from moments of intense rhythmic propulsion to more contemplative sonic explorations, are a testament to their mastery of electronic composition and live delivery. This is an opportunity to witness musical history unfold, performed by the very individuals who wrote the manual for electronic music and its visual expression.

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FAQs

Q1: Will Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider be performing? Kraftwerk’s live performances are delivered by a core team of dedicated musicians who embody the spirit and aesthetic of the group. While Ralf Hütter remains the enduring frontman and visionary behind Kraftwerk, the group’s evolution has seen a consistent commitment to their sonic and visual integrity, with the current live iteration delivering the authentic Kraftwerk experience.

Q2: What is Kraftwerk’s typical stage presence like? Kraftwerk are renowned for their minimalist and futuristic stage presence. The performers, often wearing identical outfits, present themselves as a cohesive unit, focusing entirely on the music and visual presentation. There is no traditional rockstar interaction; instead, the emphasis is on the seamless integration of sound and 3D visual projections.

Q3: Are Kraftwerk’s live shows primarily visual or musical experiences? It is a truly integrated experience. The music is paramount, with its intricate electronic compositions and driving rhythms forming the core. However, this is powerfully augmented by state-of-the-art 3D visual projections that are meticulously synchronised with the sound. The visual element is not merely a backdrop but an essential component of the artistic statement, creating a total sensory immersion.

Q4: Will Kraftwerk be performing songs from their latest album, 3-D Catalogue? While 3-D Catalogue is a significant presentation of their catalogue in a 3D audio-visual format, live performances typically draw from their extensive and iconic back catalogue, focusing on the seminal works that have defined electronic music. You can expect a journey through their most celebrated eras.

Q5: Is there any audience interaction during a Kraftwerk concert? Kraftwerk’s performances are designed as immersive sonic and visual experiences. They maintain a detached and focused persona, with no traditional stage banter or audience interaction. The connection with the audience is forged through the music itself and the shared experience of the visual spectacle.

Q6: What kind of technology can I expect to see on stage? Kraftwerk are pioneers of electronic music and integrate cutting-edge technology into their performances. This includes custom-built electronic instruments, synthesizers, sequencers, and sophisticated sound systems, all working in concert with advanced visual projection technology to create their signature futuristic aesthetic.