Just sitting here listening to his album "Simple Man".

He was one of the most disturbing figures in music, becoming somewhat famous in the early 80s due to his albums "Klaus Nomi" (81) and "Simple Man" (82). He was one of the first prominent victims of AIDS in 1983. A kind of "best of" (Encore, featuring one or two new songs), followed. In 2004 a documentation "The Nomi Song" was made.

David Bowie discovered him in the later 70s and he shared stage with him on SNL in 1979. Klaus (who was born in Bayern) did record 2 new wave - opera - synth pop albums before his untimely death.

I discovered him lately - by chance. At first glance it was a kind of shock, but I found myself being fascinated by this truly unique man, his voice and his music.

Lightning Strikes (from his debut album):
http://www.youtube.com/wa...qvWPl1oomY


Unfortunately, a live performance of his interpretation of the cold song seems ot be removed from youtube.

Any thoughts?
[Edited 12/5/06 11:30am]

I think MinneapolisGenius is a fan.

the documentary is wonderful. i own it on DVD - bought it the week it came out, i was so excited to have it.

i love klaus nomi. he was part of that whole fantastic greenwich village scene in the late '70s/early '80s i wish i could have been involved with.

there are quite a few comps of his stuff out there - it's a little overwhelming to decide which is best.

TommyRoss said:

Can't find the picture.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

theAudience said:

Found it!



Since it was in this thread, I don't think she'd mind.

TommyRoss said:

Excellent...



...Pretty much a dead ringer.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Klaus Nomi was def. one of a kind. In some weird, parallel universe, he and Andy Kaufman are brothers.

unkemptpueblo said:

i dunno...i think klaus was more genuine than andy (and don't get me wrong, i love andy). he had a passion for opera and he wanted it to translate to the young, hipster world he was in, so he created a bridge with performance art and new wave. i wish performers today were so bold.

Anx said:

its hard to explain. I watched the documentary on Klaus, and you're right, he really had a genuine passion for the music he created. He was the highligh of "Urgh!"(imo), but in the back of my mind, I could see him wiping off the makeup, and Andy would be underneath. Maybe its the accent. I dont know. Cool to see a thread on him, though.

Anx said:

Didn´t you have some plans for a play based on his life not too long ago ? I remember you asking for info on Klaus....did you finally finish your project ?

theAudience said:

I can't believe you still have that! I had totally forgotten that I ever posted it here. Yeah, I like myself better that way actually. I feel like I can be myself.

heard of him, but never have heard anything by him.

minneapolisgenius said:

You still have it. I just linked to it. It's a good picture and a great costume.

TommyRoss said:

Oh. I didn't even remember there being a thread about it.

And thanks. It was the guy that did the costumes for John Waters' Hairspray on Broadway that did the costumes.

Thanks for your responses so far! I really did not expect so much feedback on him!

As I mentioned before, it seems that his live take on the cold song is unfortunately removed from youtube. (The version with the german orchestra). That was haunting, incredible. It gave me shivers for the first times I watched it. is this on the DVD, as a bonus?

Hm, and I thought the thread would go down without a single response prince.org keeps suprprising me. Thanks people.

KoolEaze said:

i did? huh. i SHOULD. but no.

i was thinking about writing a play about mama cass once, but that's obviously a whole 'nother story...

Backing David Bowie....

I know of him, but I've never heard anything.

minneapolisgenius said:

i love that performance. bowie looked like nancy kulp from 'beverly hillbillies'.