RAYMAN1970 wrote:Sad news.
When I first heard that Baumann was returning, I nearly wept. I knew at that point the legacy would live on.
I am in no way taking away anything from the talents and capabilities of the remaining members. It's just that having an element from TDs strongest creative period (in my opinion) return to the fold after so long to "carry on the tradition" was an incredibly exciting and heartwarming event for me.
I guess we will never truly know the reason for his departure. was Baumann causing too much friction? Did his ideas differ drastically from those of Thorsten and Ulrich? was he too controlling? was he "lost" or "clueless" with the new musical tehcnologies? was he "stuck in the past"? Did he give his input and leave on good terms?
So many quesitons and possible scenarios.
Regardless, the Quantum Years will continue and I await the newest release with great anticipation.....but I still miss Edgar
While the reason for Baumann's initial departure is unknown — he was also absent for the Australian shows that Michael Hoenig subbed him on — his subsequent actions simply point to a guy who may have felt he had said all he could within the context of Tangerine Dream.
Peter recorded two phenomenally good solo albums, and then tried his hand at electro-pop. Then he founded Private Music, a label which put out many albums that I spent my hard-earned money on! Eddie Jobson, Patrick O'Hearn, Yanni (before he went to cr@p with
Niki Nana), Azuma, Lucia Hwong, and then Tangerine Dream themselves. The circle was complete. Those were exciting times!
Peter and Edgar clearly didn't have the same kind of falling out that transpired with Johannes or Chris. Tangerine Dream recording no fewer than four complete albums, including the excellent
Miracle Mile soundtrack, for Private Music is proof alone. Private's promotion of
Optical Race was above standard and the band's '88 North American tour was successful.
I, too, lament Peter's departure. I'm really interested in what he'll do on his own. The guy certainly has an ear for keen melodies and arrangements. Maybe his style simply didn't gel with Thorsten's and Ulrich's, and the fact that Peter is based in California, probably had something to do with it.