Live In Arles 1975

LIVE IN ARLES 1975 is the seventh album in the acclaimed live series from German experimental rock pioneers CAN, overseen by founding member Irmin Schmidt and released on Mute.

Widely regarded as one of their finest performances, even by the band members themselves, this concert took place at the Roman Théâtre Antique in Arles. The lineup consisted of the core four members: Schmidt, Michael Karoli, Jaki Liebezeit and Holger Czukay. The band played as part of a festival that included other artists such as Nico and Kevin Ayres.

The recording was unearthed from the Spoon Records vaults, after long only existing through the stories of those who were there. To celebrate its first release, it feels only fitting that the sleeve notes include first-hand accounts from locals who attended the show.

As with the rest of the series, this release captures the unique nature of CAN’s onstage improvisations. Every show was different, and these recordings offer a fresh look at a band whose creative process never truly finished.