The last shows in Padua, Italy (July 1st) and the double concert in Groningen, North Holland (July 6th/7th) are celebrated on Rammstein’s Facebook page; accompanied by numerous comments and live-action photos with plenty of flames. Enthusiasm and high spirits everywhere. The ranks of the fans seem tightly closed. ..
“Volevo sapere quando vi vedremo nuovamente qui in Italia, dato che mancate già a tutti!” In German: “Just wanted to know when we’ll see you again here in Italy because everyone already misses you,” a polite user from Italy inquired about the band’s future plans. Like Row Zero never happened! “We enjoyed the great show. Thank you Rammstein. Thank you Padua (great support, never had a faster shuttle), thank you Italian fans (you really rocked it),” wrote a fan with emoticons.
Before the triple concert in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium three times in a row this weekend (July 15th to 17th), another explosive tour location is on the program: the Ferenc Puskás Arena in Budapest. Rammstein will be playing here today (July 11) and an additional concert on June 12.
In many respects, Hungary occupies a special role in Europe thanks to the policies and statements of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He regularly broadcasts his views on refugee policy, the war in Russia, and how to deal with minorities on Hungarian state radio. In an October 2020 interview, Orbán draws a parallel between homosexuality and pedophilia. During the interview, he said that Hungarians are a patient people when it comes to homosexuality, but that there is a red line and it reads: “Leave our children alone!” A poisoned statement that does little to conceal the closeness between sexual orientation and abuse constructed.
A June 2021 bill linked tougher penalties for child abuse to an end to sex education for youth. “Fidesz likes to build packages like this: A serious plan is mixed with adversity, hijacked and ideologically poisoned,” says a commentary in the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
The Hungarian capital itself is not considered an Orbán stronghold and Rammstein concerts are not political events.
But it will be interesting to see how East Berliners will present themselves in this socio-political environment.
As a neutral German pop band that brings a little fire magic? Or do you show solidarity with the country’s queer community? After all, Rammstein have insisted on their libertarian attitude in numerous statements. When it comes to Russia, on the other hand, Orbán and Lindemann do not seem to be too far apart. As is well known, Lindemann was celebrated in September 2021 at the military celebration of the Ministry of Defense “Spasskaya Bashnya” on Red Square. At the time, Lindemann intoned a Russian heroic song.
In the structure of the band, on the other hand, Rammstein deliberately remain indifferent. When war broke out in March 2022, a statement appeared on the Rammstein website in German, Ukrainian and Russian alike:
“At this moment we are particularly saddened by the suffering of the Ukrainians”; it says there. “Each member of the band has different experiences of the two countries; all musicians have friends, colleagues, partners and fans in Ukraine and in Russia.” They also address the desperation many Russian fans feel at the government’s actions. It appeals “to the humanity that Russian and Ukrainian citizens share.”
The outrage about the “Row Zero” cause has currently subsided. It seems that Rammstein are now enjoying this “rest” – and want to do their last European shows without further scandalous reports – if there were unannounced demonstrations at the Olympic Stadium next weekend.