Michael “Fame” Günther was born in Berlin on December 6, 1950. He was a founding member of Agitation Free, one of the leading performers of German experimental rock music in the early 1970s. Beginning in 1967, the Berlin band developed long, free Instrumental improvisations. By 1972 Agitation Free had achieved cult status with a pioneering combination of improvisational rock mixed with electronics, world music, jazz and trance elements. During its concerts, the band experimented with liquid projectors, slides, and their own experimental films.
The Electronic Beat Studio that Agitation Free started with composer Thomas Kessler, evolved into a creative center for seminal Berlin groups such as Ash Ra Tempel, Tangerine Dream and others. Agitation Free disbanded in 1974.
During the 1970s, Michael Günther participated in various other projects, including collaborations with Heinz Lau, Group Vox, and rock band Sopwith Camel. Toward the end of Agitation Free he founded the bands Lagoona with Gustav Lütjens, Manfred Opitz and Konstantin “Bommi” Bommarius; and Bo, Fame & Friends with Gustav Lütjens, Hans Brandeis , and Konstantin “Conny” Bommarius. Gunther also worked with Harald Grosskopf, Lou Blackburn , Klaus Henrichs and others.
In 1977, Gunther put away his bass, playing only occasionally with friends in sideline bands. In recent years he worked as a computer programmer and was a consultant in the field of rock and pop music, touring, and related businesses. He was also the technical director of the Berlin Jazz Festival for nearly twenty years.
Agitation Free regrouped several times in 1998, 2007 and 2012, with Gunther back on bass.
Michael Gunther’s discography includes Agitation Free albums Malesch, 2nd, and Last, and the Shibuya Nights live album recorded in February 2007 in Tokyo, released 2011 on Esoteric Recordings.