Rammstein Performs Amid Sexual Allegations and Protests in Munich

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”, to which Lindemann had been spraying the audience with a huge, penis-shaped foam cannon for years.

Opinion after allegations

Several women have raised allegations against Lindemann in the past few days, some of them anonymously. 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.

In a statement by Rammstein, it was said that the allegations hit her very hard and that she was 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 from Saturday evening also said: “We condemn any kind of abuse 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.

Protest before performance

There were already consequences for the Munich concert due to the allegations. A fan row in the security area immediately in front of the stage, the so-called Row Zero, was banned. The concept for the after-show parties has also changed, according to those close to the Berlin band. In addition, there are own investigations of the band. 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.

Due to the allegations, around 60 people protested against the band’s performance before the concert and asked those arriving to boycott. The police had to keep individual aggressive fans away from the protesters. According to a police spokesman, the meeting passed without major incidents.

Rammstein is currently on a European tour. After three more concerts in Munich this week, the band will play three more Germany concerts in Berlin in July.