Kraftwerk hailed as inspiration ahead of sold-out gigs

Electronic pioneers Kraftwerk are due to start a series of eight gigs at the Tate Modern gallery in London.

Demand for tickets was so high that the gallery's website crashed.

The German group fused art and electronic beats to inspire modern musical styles including synth pop, electro and techno.

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark singer Andy McCluskey told the BBC News Channel that Kraftwerk were "the most influential band in the history of popular music".