A satellite image of earth slowly zeroed in on Japan from above as an animated UFO, likely generated by some retro circa-1994 computer software, zoomed into frame and swooped over the Fuji Rock map, landing with a thud in front of the Green Stage. Kraftwerk had arrived.

Dressed in bodysuits with a lighted grid motif that changed colors throughout the performance, the legendary four-piece whose musical DNA has influenced and continues to exist in thousands of artists today took the stage and stood stoically behind their respective glowing podiums. “We would not have (insert artist name here) without Kraftwerk” could be said for a countless number of artists throughout modern history and the atmosphere the group exuded from the start of the performance truly illustrated the gravity of this.

The set was structured with nods to every era of their music, and the visuals were simple but stunningly suited to the performance with a neo-retro nostalgia. Early on, they hit on “The Model” and “Autobahn”, pausing for a deeply moving tribute to the late Ryuichi Sakamoto and playing “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” with a mood that brought tears to the crowd.

The performance also became more political than most at Fuji Rock, with a heavy “NO NUKES” message in “Radioactivity”, and as-is the standard with Kraftwerk, themes of technology and humanity echoed heavily throughout. Masterpieces “Tour De France” and “Trans-Europe Express” also appeared, backed again by simple yet powerful visuals that amplified the electricity in the night air.

The last section of the performance became decidedly more danceable, with classics “The Robots” and “Calculator” getting the crowd moving and cheering. Ending on “Musique Non Stop”, each member shut down their equipment one by one and after a bow, departed from the stage. Whether you enjoy Kraftwerk or not, there was absolutely no doubting the impact of this legendary performance by such a strong force of influence in music, and I think many will agree that we have been very fortunate to have been able to take part.