Holger Czukay, Can bassist and co-founder, dies aged 79

Holger Czukay, the German musician who helped to form experimental rock band Can, has died aged 79. He was found in his apartment, and the causes of his death are currently unknown, and are being investigated by police.

Czukay was found by a neighbour, where he lives in Weilerswist, near Cologne, in an apartment converted from the band's former studio. His wife, Ursula, died in July. Czukay also suffered the loss of Can bandmate Jaki Liebezeit in January.

Czukay played on and engineered nine of Can's albums, including Tago Mago and Ege Bamyasi, in the Sixties and Seventies. He left the group in 1977 to launch a solo career.

Along with Tangerine Dream, Neu! and Faust, Can were part of the movement known as "Krautrock" that combined rock with psychedelia. Czukay, a bassist, formed the band with Irmin Schmidt, Michael Karoli and drummer Leibezeit, with whom he created the group's signature rhythm section.

Although Can witnessed some chart success, their impact was more cultural than commercial, with artists such as LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, Joy Division and The Flaming Lips citing them as an influence. Kanye West has sampled Can and Sex Pistols' Johnny Lydon formed Public Image Limited in the shape of Can's five-member line-up.

As a solo artist, Czukay collaborated with an eclectic range of musicians, including the Eurythmics on their debut album and U2 guitarist The Edge.

Musicians and fans paid tribute to Czukay online, including Mogwai guitarist Stuart Braithwaite and Portishead instrumentalist Geoff Barrow.