2023 - 16.07.2023 - Rammstein

'Do you really still go to Rammstein?' This question I have heard more often in the past weeks, with an undertone of outrage.

What happened? After the band's rehearsal concert in Vilnius, a young woman with bruises and memory gaps came forward on social media. She had been to an after-show party of Rammstein. After a lot of commotion in the press, other women also came forward who had apparently experienced similar things in the past years.

Is it all just a rumor or malicious gossip? I don't think it's that simple. There is no doubt that there has been a recruitment of young, female fans through Instagram, etc. Attractive girls (over 18) were approached and asked if they would like to party with the band and especially with the band leader Till Lindemann afterwards. As a condition for acceptance, a specific dress code was prescribed: No fan shirts, rather short dresses, like for a party.

Would I have felt addressed and honored at such an approach at that young age? Definitely! But I would have surely appeared with a rather naive idea and it seems to have been similar now as well.

Last year at the Rammstein concert in Hamburg, we saw these girls standing in the front row. To explain: The front row is the place right in front of the stage. There the young women stood right next to the huge speakers, about 10 of them on the left and right. They were dressed up nicely, but somehow seemed indifferent. While the fans in the stands and the standing areas were all singing along, that was not the case here. My interpretation at that time was that these were probably paid ladies who had little interest in the music.

That's the background story. The accusations against the band have at least irritated me. I can't ignore things like that. Often there is more to rumors like this than one wants to believe. On the other hand, male superstars often automatically assume that every female fan must be infatuated with them, especially when they are invited to a special party like this.

I think there was at least a serious misunderstanding on both sides about each other's expectations. From my current, adult perspective, I realize that an after-show party in these circles is always associated with a lot of alcohol (or more). But in this view there is no excuse from me. I believe that sex should always happen on an equal footing.

And what were/are the reactions of the band? In social media, their statements seemed authentic to me, but also touched and shaken.

The tour program was changed, the title 'Pussy' and the 'penis cannon' used there had to go. For me, not a big loss. Instead, one of my favorite songs 'Ohne Dich' was added to the setlist.

As a true fan of the music and also most of the lyrics (!), I still went to the concert with anticipation. I'm sure that was the case for many visitors as well. Almost everyone came in a fan shirt, the songs were sung along, the atmosphere was great.

And of course, the show was as bombastic and pyrotechnic as ever.

At the end and also during the program, the band expressed their gratitude to the audience in various ways. For me, that is understandable, because there was indeed a certain tension in the air. I don't think anyone is immune to media protests, possible lawsuits, etc.

I really hope that all of this will bring even big stars down to earth a bit. A little humility has never hurt anyone.