Born in East Germany, Rainer's parents relocated to the USA while he was still a young boy. He became well-known on the Tucson music scene, eventually gaining a reputation as a world class slide virtuoso. In 1996, he fell over on his motorbike - the diagnosis was inoperable brain cancer. He lost his ability to play, but re-learned. Friend and collaborator Howe Gelb felt that Rainer surpassed his original ability after going through this torturous process. Gelb also arranged a benefit album (The Inner Flame) which included artists like Robert Plant and PJ Harvey. The cancer went into remission and Ptacek resumed touring and recording with renewed passion. Sadly, his recovery was short-lived, and in November 1997, Rainer passed away.
