Concert Report: Kraftwerk (Dr. Phillips Center)

We don't get out often on Wednesday nights but when we do, it's to hear great music. And last night, Kraftwerk (D) was playing in Orlando.

Taking place inside the stunning Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Kraftwerk had played here in June, 2022 but in the Walt Disney Theater. Last night's show was in the acoustically perfect Steinmetz Hall.

And promptly at 8PM, there they were. Like the 2022 show, they opened with "Numbers: Computerworld" (1981).

Of course they played their three biggest hits too beginning with "Autobahn" (1975). I remember hearing this on FM94.7 WDAI Chicago back when it was new! "Wir fahren fahren fahren auf der Autobahn. Wir fahren fahren fahren auf der Autobahn."

"Tour de France" (1983). Kraftwerk is widely considered innovators and pioneers of electronic music.

"Trans Europe Express" (1977). They were the forefathers of future genres of music that had not even been invented yet in the mid-70's/early 80's such as Techno, House, Deep House, Industrial and Breakbeats.

"Radioactivity" (1976). They pretty much just stand there at their podiums the entire almost-two hour show while the impressive graphics play behind them. But the crowd doesn't care, we're here for their catalog of hits.

Die Roboter/The Robots (1978). The main difference between last night's show and the 2022 show was last time there were 3D effects and the audience wore 3D glasses.

On the far left, the only remaining original member of Kraftwerk, Ralf Hütter. He provided what appeared to be live vocals throughout the show.

And all too soon, each member left their podium positions individually, bowed to the audience and departed the stage. Ralf Hütter was last. And with that, the show was over. No encore.

Out in the lobby, the chatter indicated that a good time was had by all.