After allegations: full stadium despite protest: Rammstein concert in Munich

In front of tens of thousands of spectators in Munich’s Olympic Stadium, the rock band Rammstein played the first German concert of their current European tour on Wednesday. The band did not respond to the allegations against frontman Till Lindemann (60) during their performance. Singer Lindemann was, as usual, taciturn between the songs. He said goodbye to the audience with the words: “Munich, thank you for being here. Thank you for being with us.” Unlike at other concerts, the band did without the song “Pussy”, for which Lindemann used to spray the audience with a huge, penis-shaped foam cannon.

Several women have raised allegations against Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann, some anonymously, in the past few days. The women describe situations that some of them would have found frightening. Young women were selected during concerts and asked if they wanted to come to the after-show party. According to some women, sexual acts are said to have taken place there. The women had previously been selected from an area at the very front of the auditorium – the so-called row zero (English: Row Zero).

Statement by Rammstein

In a statement published by Rammstein last weekend, it was said that the allegations had hit the band very hard and that they were being taken extremely seriously. “We say to our fans: It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at our shows – in front of and behind the stage.” The letter went on to say: “We condemn any kind of transgression and ask you: do not participate in public prejudice of any kind against those who have made allegations. They have a right to their point of view.” But the band also has a right – namely not to be prejudiced either.

Some changes had been announced for the four Rammstein concerts in Munich this week: There should no longer be any guest groups in Row Zero, the security area immediately in front of the stage. The concept for the after-show parties has also changed, according to those close to the band. There shouldn’t be two parties anymore – a big one for fans and band, a small one for Lindemann and women. In the future, if at all, there should only be a celebration after the concerts. There were different information for Munich. For the concerts, the band has also commissioned a so-called awareness concept, i.e. a concept for mindfulness against abusive behavior.

Own investigations by Rammstein

Since the start of the tour in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, the band has been investigating the area. There should already be witness statements. A law firm interviews crew members, the security team, the band. Women who may be affected should also be interviewed. According to the information, it is still unclear whether the first results should be published this week.

In view of the allegations, demands from politicians for more protection against attacks in the German cultural sector have also become louder. Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) said that it was necessary to talk about how young people in particular could be better protected. She invites the music industry to join the alliance “Together against sexism”. The alliance is a broad alliance of politics, business, administration, media, culture and civil society, said Paus.

The Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV) was open to this. The association had entered into discussions with the ministry “in order to advance this important process together,” said a spokesman.

Roth strongly condemned abuses in the culture

Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth sharply condemned attacks on culture. “Patriarchal mockery and sexual assault no longer have any place in the music industry, or in art and culture in general or anywhere else,” said the Greens politician. She welcomes the courage of many young women to speak openly about their sometimes traumatic experiences.