14 - Amon Düül II

Summary

This chapter discusses the psychedelic rock band Amon Düül. The band was representative of the West German commune movement of the late 1960s, and their communal approach to music-making was part of their alternative lifestyle. Initially, all members of the commune participated, including children and non-musicians. They also had connections to radical groups, such as the Kommune 1 political commune. Amon Düül II split off from the original group and further developed their sound, incorporating electronic instruments and ethnic influences, as well as dealing with their identity as a German rock band in subversive and humorous ways. Their lyrics dealt with dark and uncomfortable subject matter and were intended to shock bourgeois pop music consumers. Amon Düül II were unique among bands of the Krautrock era in featuring a female lead singer. The band gained a following outside of Germany during their career, and continue to play concerts today.