Information
Date: June 23/24/25/26, 2005
City: Berlin, Germany
Author: Jan and Steve H.
Pictures
Review
My son and I had dreamed for years of seeing Rammstein perform in their "home town". And for months, we had been looking forward to the worldwide release of their latest CD 'Reise, Reise'. Life is very cruel however, and sadly, my son passed away 2 months before the CD was released.
I was at the bottom of the pit emotionally last December when I received Rammstein's newsletter announcing 2 back-to-back performances at the Wuhlheide. My husband told me to work on getting tickets. We aren't rich by any means, but now there is just the 2 of us, in dire need of something to look forwrd to. You've all heard the saying "you can't take it with you". We managed to get tickets to both shows and began to make travel plans to Berlin. Several weeks later, we received yet another newsletter from Rammstein announcing two additional shows -- so we said "f--k it!! Lets go to all 4 shows. AND WE DID.
I had seen Rammstein live 3 prior times, in 1998, 1999, and 2001 with my son here in New York City. My husband however, had only seen their performances on video. Geez, was he psyched about this trip!!! I guess it was kind of hard for me to get psyched about anything after losing my only child. But somehow, the day came for us to go. Then, it hit me -- I'M GOING TO BERLIN TO SEE RAMMSTEIN!!!!
I'd love to give separate reviews for each of the 4 shows, but that would be impossible as we didn't take notes or record anything. Each show was pretty much the same -- same set list, same pyros, same lights. Apocalpyptica opened the show each night with amazing performances; these guys are serious headbangers as well as serious musicians, and I can honestly say that I am now a fan of this unique, dynamic band.
The opening song, 'Reise, Reise' was powerful and beautiful, and I could see and hear right away that our German boys have perfected their talents far beyond any others. During each performance of 'Feuer Frei' during Flake's solo, Till would cover his ears in pain, then walked over and knocked the skinny keyboarder on his ass! 'Los' featured astounding acoustics including Lindemann pulling out a harmonica from his pocket and playing very well (his hidden talent -- among others I'm sure!) The performance of 'Mein Teil' was just plain hilarious with poor Flake jumping out of a giant black cauldron as Till "cooked" him with a flame thrower. Flake began to run from Till, with flames and sparks shooting out of his short pants. We're still shaking confetti out of our hair from the explosions during 'Amerika'. The audienced tremendously enjoyed hearing some "old" favorites, including 'Ich Will', 'Links', 'Asche zu Asche', 'Du Riechst...', 'Du Hast', 'Sehnsucht', 'Sonne', and 'Stripped'. These are just a few songs that helped Rammstein conquer the world.
The premier of 'Benzin' delighted everyone, including the band -- great song, great lyrics, and I assume will be a great video as well.
The highlight of each performance for me was when the cello - ripping members of Apocalyptica played backup to 'Ohne Dich' which had the audience spellbound during every show. The fire "waterfall" pouring over Till during this song took my breath away. For me, this song holds special meaning anyway, and I'm sure my son was "watching down" to see and hear it all. "Und die Vogel singen nicht mehr" - not since he passed away.
Alas, maybe Rammstein is TOO perfect now. Somehow these shows lacked the terrifying and thrilling elements of surprise, shock and chaos that past shows had excited us with. For example, during the song 'Mutter' in their 2001 tour, Till's pants "accidentally catch fire, and Flake 'extinguishes' him with a flame thrower, sending the frontman up entirely in flames. You could have heard a pin drop in New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom, until Till stopped screaming, slowly stood up, and removed the protective mask (complete with Mohawk) he was wearing then finished singing 'Rammstein' without skipping a beat. And where was the dildo?...Till doing somersaults wearing flaming boots? Guess those routines got kinda old. And I'm told, "change is good".
Don't get me wrong, they never looked or sounded better. The stage set, pyros, and lighting were incredible! They still have their unique sense of humor. Maybe they are just getting OLD. (Like me). I don't think there is anyone on the planet with a voice as powerful or appealing as Lindemann's or the "drum machine" Schneider has turned out to be...and the others...well, no one can come close to Rammstein's absolutely flawless performances.
Just being in Berlin at the Wuhlheide those four nights was unbelievable, very emotional, and unforgettable. I think the next time these guys perform there, we'll be there too. It was definitely worth the expense, the anxiety, and the 8 1/2 hour plane trip.
Did we overdose on Rammstein by seeing them for 4 consecutive days? NEVER!! We'll never get enough of them, and as the lyrics of 'Los' tell us, "uns nie los!"
I hope they tour the US again with the release of their upcoming 'Rosenrot' CD this fall, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. I think they aren't happy with what our government leaders are saying and doing, nor does the rest of the planet for that matter. And I think there may be some bad memories of being here -- Flake and Till spending a night in jail in Worcester, Mass., and their cancellation of the Meadowlands Pledge of Allegiance show in October, 2001. My son and I were there, Rammstein pulled out. What a disappointment! But who can blame them? This country sucks!!! Very sad for their American fans. I'd move anywhere in Europe, anytime, if I was given the opportunity (like our good friend, Jeremy Williams!! at Herzeleid.com). By the way, did everyone notice Jeremy's name mentioned inside the 'Reise, Reise' CD cover?
"Weh mir, or weh" --- if they won't come to us, we'll go to them!
Rammstein have certainly reached the top with this tour. But I have a feeling that they will climb much higher as their music continues to get better and better. We took 100's of great photos and have submitted them with this review. Keep a watch out for them ---
Sloppy kisses to everyone!!! ~ Jan and Steve H., and the Soul of Stephen
H., Jr.
Long Island, New York