Christopher Franke (born 6 April 1953, Berlin) is a German musician and composer. From 1971 to 1987 he was a member of the electronic group Tangerine Dream. Initially a drummer with The Agitation, later renamed Agitation Free, his primary focus eventually shifted to keyboards and synthesizers as the group moved away from its psychedelic rock origins. While he was not the first musician to use an analog sequencer, he was probably the first to turn it into a live performance instrument, thus laying the rhythmic foundation for classic Tangerine Dream pieces and indeed for the whole Berlin school sound.
After his departure from the group, he founded the Sonic Images record label, a new-age music label called Earthtone and the Berlin Symphonic Film Orchestra, and produced a number of solo music works. After leaving Tangerine Dream, his only live concert was on 9 October 1991 at the Astoria Theatre in London. He performed on stage with Edgar Rothermich (aka Richard E. Roth) who is also his producer and engineer on all his solo projects and film music after 1990.
Deep space and a cold view,
a new galactic time.
Keeping peace guarding the borders,
beyond star filled skies.
Major Perry our world lifts its eyes,
and the bridge to eternity thrives on your pride.
Stardust is waiting to take you
million light-years' lonely ride.
Our own galaxy close to destruction,
lives free as peace follow your flight.
Good spirits beside you
to guide you into time.
Without love destiny drives on,
and space rules your life.