Max Werner, born on December 29, 1953, in Hilversum, Netherlands, was a Dutch singer and drummer. He co-founded the progressive rock group Kayak with Ton Scherpenzeel, Pim Koopman, and Johan Slager in September 1972. Werner initially served as the lead vocalist and frontman of Kayak from 1972 to 1977, before transitioning to the role of drummer in 1978, a position he preferred. During his tenure with Kayak, Werner contributed to several notable albums including See See The Sun (1973), and Royal Bed Bouncer (1975). In 1976, Pim Koopman left the group and was replaced by Charles Louis Schouten for the album Starlight Dancer. Werner took over as drummer in 1978. Kayak went through a period of inactivity from 1982 to 1998, during which time Werner pursued a solo career. His first solo album, Rainbow's End, was released in 1979, followed by Seasons (1981), "How Can It Be ... Like This?" (1988) and Not the Opera (1995). Kayak reformed in November 1999 for a television show called De Vrienden van Amstel Live. Werner rejoined as lead vocalist, contributing to the album Close To The Fire (2000), but left the band again in 2000 due to health issues. Werner passed away on April 9, 2024.
