The Autobiography of Hans-Joachim Roedelius

In the extraordinary journey of The Book, Hans-Joachim Roedelius – the man once described by the Chicago Sun-Times as “20th Century music’s best kept secret” – tells his almost unfathomable story, from child actor in UFA films, through forced conscription in the Hitler Youth to eventual cornerstone of contemporary music and art.

At once a Zelig-esque travelogue of wanderlust and occasionally quixotic misadventure, and the artistic manifesto of a truly unique figure in modern music, The Book is ultimately the account of a life lived in true, hard-earned freedom – at 85, a life that even now continues with an energy and creativity unabated, chapters continuing to be “written” in real time.

The Book finds Roedelius intersecting and interfacing with a rich cast of fellow culture-definers including Dieter Moebius, Conny Plank, David Bowie, Brian Eno, Lene Lovich, Henry Miller, Jimi Hendrix, Josef Bueys, Michael Rother, Devo, Kraftwerk, U2, and many more.

Intertwined with this 'who's who' of his generation's true influencers, is the warm narrative of family and friends which reveals itself as the true, foundational inspiration for his life and work. Written in an engagingly quirky style that befits the utter singularity of the music he makes, The Book is a testament to the pursuit of the creative moment as a way of being, and a remarkable life lived consciously as a creative endeavor.

Order the English Version at Curious Music

German Original Publication Website