Who was Peter Brötzmann? Legend of Free Jazz Dead at 82

Peter Brötzmann was a legendary German jazz musician who was very popular in Europe and other parts of the world. He was reported dead by close sources. It was shared that he died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the age of 82.

“Peter Brötzmann’s death is hitting us hard. He was an uncompromising visionary and a creative force to be reckoned with. We presented him more than any other artist. We can’t express how essential and inspiring his music and life have been. Rest in power, Peter,” As Nova Workshop shared in a heartfelt tribute on Twitter.

In the 1960s, he taught himself to play clarinet and saxophone and is also known for playing the tarogato. His first record was released in 1967 and it featured Kowald and drummer Sven-Ake Johansson. The following year, he released Machine Gun, an octet recording. The album was self-produced under his BRO record label imprint and sold at concerts, and later marketed by FMP. Atavistic also reissued Machine Gun in 2007.