Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rammstein accused of 'crossing a line' with 'Holocaust' imagery in new video

While the teaser did not appear to shown any explicit reference to the Holocaust, a number of leading public figures spoke out against the video.

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Thursday 28 March 2019 10:57 GMT
Comments
German metal band Rammstein
German metal band Rammstein (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Government officials and Jewish leaders have condemned the German metal band Rammstein for apparently referencing Holocaust imagery in their new music video.

A teaser clip for "Deutschland" showed Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann and his bandmates dressed in striped prison uniforms, with nooses around their necks.

While the teaser did not appear to shown any explicit reference to the Holocaust, German newspaper Bild, translated via Reuters, quoted a number of leading public figures who spoke out against the video.

A still from the teaser for Rammstein's new video 'Deutschland'
A still from the teaser for Rammstein's new video 'Deutschland' (YouTube/screengrab)

Felix Klein, the German government's commissioner for anti-Semitism, called it a "tasteless exploitation of artistic freedom" while Charlotte Knobloch, former president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said the band had "crossed a line".

"The instrumentalisation and trivialisation of the Holocaust, as shown in the images, is irresponsible," she said.

The full video is expected to air later today (28 March). It is the first new material from Rammstein's as-yet-untitled seventh album, which is scheduled for release in April and will mark the band's first full-length release in a decade.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in