Kraftwerk and Neu! founding member Klaus Dinger has died of heart failure at the age of 61.

The drummer passed away on March 20 and was later buried in a ceremony which saw only his family and friends attend.

Neu!’s label Gronland released a statement yesterday (April 2) announcing the news.

Dinger was most famous for being the propulsive force behind the two band’s music with his ‘Motorik’ drumming style influencing many who followed in his footsteps.

He later formed La Dusseldorf with Thomas Dinger and Hans Lampe, the band sold more than a million albums and were referenced as influences by the likes of Brian Eno and David Bowie.

(by Daniel Melia)