Ash Ra Tempel Biography

Ash Ra Tempel are one of the most notable German Krautrock groups of the 1970s. They were masterminded by guitarist Manuel Göttsching, and also included former Tangerine Dream drummer Klaus Schulze at various points.

The group was originally founded by Manuel Göttsching. The band released its self-titled debut album in June of 1971. This release is considered by critics to be a classic of the genre; Schutze departed for a solo career shortly after its release. Schwingungen (1972), Seven Up (w/ Timothy Leary) (1972), and Join Inn (1973) are all considered key works from the band. Pop-oriented 1973 album Starring Rosi was thusly named because it featured lead vocals by Rosi Mueller.

Their music is widely characterized as cosmic and atmospheric. The early albums were more psychedelic-oriented and all had one lengthy track per side: one more powerful and dramatic, the other of a more atmospheric nature.

ART's last concert performance took place in Cologne in February 1973.

Later, after recording the soundtrack Le Berceau de Cristal (1975; unreleased until the 90's) Ash Ra Tempel shortened its name to Ashra, making a more melodic, synthesizer-based music. In 2000 the band was reborn. Joined by longtime colleague Klaus Schulze, the album Friendship was released.

Manuel Göttsching has also recorded several New Age Music albums under the name Ashra including the New Age Music pioneering album, New Age of Earth.

Ash Ra Tempel has exerted a relatively large influence on later space rock/ krautrock bands. The psychedelic bands Acid Mothers Temple and Hash Jar Tempo named themselves in reference to Ash Ra Tempel.

Ashra (& Göttsching's solo works) have had more of an influence on the New Age/ ambient pop genres.