Olympiastadion, Munich, Germany – June 10 & 11, 2023
After the first two shows in Munich, it would be hard for Rammstein to top the emotions that came through from the stage. Though in the third show, it felt like the entire Olympiastadion screamed as the band showed solidarity and togetherness in difficult times.
By KidArctica, Sez, and Admin
Rammstein have faced many challenges in their career. With the ongoing media storm against vocalist Till Lindemann, the six Germans are under heavy pressure. Still, Olympiastadion in Munich was sold out all four nights, and after a day of rest, it was time to head back to the venue for the last two shows.
10.06.2023
As usual, the most eager fans gathered early outside the gates. After the first two entries, most of us dreaded what was to come on this third day. Though to everyone’s surprise, Munich Security Services had learned from the experiences the first two days, and drastically improved their entry system.
The first change was to not stop the crowd before the second ticket check. Once people had gone through the security check and the first ticket/ID check, they could go straight to the second ticket check and directly to the stairs to wait there. Thanks to this, there was next to no pushing at all during this phase.
The second change was that there were more guards everywhere. If anyone tried to run, they were halted. If anyone tried to push, it was stopped immediately. When the crowd was walked down the stairs, guards were there all the way to make sure no one tried anything. While there was a tiny bit of pushing just before the Feuerzone entrance, everything felt a lot more safe and controlled.
Our reward was not only perfect spots in the front row, but also the surprise of seeing Paul Landers on stage as we entered. Sporting civilian clothes and a fancy little shoulder bag, the guitarist was talking to one of the pyrotechnicians. He took the time to wave and smile at the fans.
A long and warm wait followed, though not everyone had to endure the sun in Munich for hours and hours. This third concert was Admin’s first this tour leg, and as he had a seat, he could chill and show up late. What better than to let him tell in his own words how he experienced the show, with fresh eyes.
Admin’s Concert Experience
On 10th June it was my first concert of the current Europe Stadium Tour 2023. It was a pretty spontaneous decision for me, so I only had the chance to get a seat instead of Feuerzone. But for one show that was okay for me. My seat was in block Z4. The view overall wasn’t that bad, as I saw the stage and all towers in the crowd, which are used for effects during some of the songs. But it sure was a bummer that I wasn’t able to see Olli at all, when he was standing at his place. Neither was I able to see the elevator or the big screen in the middle. But as it was spontaneous anyway, I didn’t complain.
Having been to a concert the day before, I was only able to start my journey to Munich on Saturday, very early. The journey didn’t go as smoothly as hoped, but sure as expected (Deutsche Bahn, anyone?). The first train already had a delay of 45 minutes, due to an emergency on the rails right before the train station I was waiting at. But other than that, there luckily were no further delays. It’s something.
When I arrived in Munich, I first went to the house of a friend to store my stuff, and then we made our way to the stadium. But before going there, we made a short detour to the MOWOS (Munich Olympic Walk of Stars), which is kind of like the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. But instead of stars, all honoured people left a signature and their handprints in concrete. You got Bon Jovi, Santana, Metallica, and of course Rammstein. Rammstein got the honour in 2011. Luckily the MOWOS is right next to the stadium, just 10 minutes by foot.
After having some lunch, we went to the stadium and walked around a little bit to check out the new merch, the Rammsteiner beer, and surroundings. You were even able to see the stage from behind, which gave some interesting views. After getting a drink, we made our way to our seats. Since we bought tickets separately, we didn’t have seats next to each other, but at least 6 rows apart in the same block. We tried our luck and sat down until two people came up and wanted the seat of my friend, who then had to leave and take his own seat. Luckily for me, he sat next to a girl who was alone and was willing to switch places with me. Big thank you for that, unknown girl (maybe you even read this)!
After a while Abélard started their show. Not very long after Abélard finished their set it was time for… Rammstein!
The band started off with Rammlied. Granted, not one of my favourites, but sure a nice opener to the show. Once more the screen showed the video of zooming out of Till’s mouth light. Also this being my first show, all the effects to this song were new to me, like the explosion when the main riff kicks in. The next new song to me was Bestrafe mich, which I really love. Also it works really well live and the riff is just really heavy. Next up was Giftig, which, honestly, I wasn’t a big fan of, judging by all the videos I’ve seen of it thus far. But experiencing it live was a whole different level and it was just great.
The next few songs did not have any noticeable differences in them. Angst was the next live debut for me. And I have to be honest: That song is live a really amazing hard stomper. I loved every second of it. When the band went over to the B-stage to play Engel in its piano version, I wasn’t that excited for it, as I am not that much of a fan of that version. But seeing it from seats was a whole different experience. Seeing all the flashlights in the crowd in the darkness, really elevated the song to a different level. It looked amazing. (Still not really a fan of the piano version, sorry.)
A few more songs pass, as the intro to Ohne dich is played, and makes my eyes a bit teary, as I really love that song and was so excited to hear it live again. That song delivered a lot of the emotion that night and I can’t thank the band enough for that. Ich will was also a special performance, as Till was visibly vulnerable on stage. When the crowd loudly sang “Wir wollen, dass ihr uns vertraut” together with him, it was obvious how much it touched him. He threw a kiss into the crowd and was not able to sing the next line. Definitely a moment I haven’t experienced before. It makes you realise that also huge rock stars are only human.
The show was ended with Adieu, a great closer. At the end of the show, Till thanked the entire crowd for being there and was expressing the gratitude the band felt towards their fans. After that, everyone hugged on stage, which was yet another moment with tears in my eyes and so full of love for this band. As some fans said it nicely in a few comments already: They are Rammstein. We are Rammstein. After we went out of the crowd, we met up with a lot of friends until we were kicked out of the stadium. It was an great concert with a lot of emotions. And I am incredibly excited for all the other concerts that I will attend this tour.
In other words, the third Munich show did not offer any surprises in terms of set list. A few interesting moments: There was no gong at the start of the concert this day either, and no message asking the audience not to film. We had initially thought that this was omitted the second day due to the storm warning, but after not getting this message day three either, it could have been done intentionally. Flake Lorenz picked up the bell when Till came to inspect him during Puppe. During Mein Teil, Till went over to Paul’s side and pointed at his crotch with the microphone knife, after which Paul put on a worried face and clutched his crown jewels. Christoph Schneider left his drum platform before Du hast to check if Flake was still alive in the cauldron. And during the boat ride, he picked up an inflatable horse, which he happily rode for a few metres before throwing it back into the sea of people.
Munich 3 also saw Paul and Richard Z. Kruspe perform the Ausländer outro together, like in 2022. The two guitarists started out on their own sides, but slowly walked towards each other, meeting in the middle of the stage. While they didn’t kiss this time, it was still great to see them hug each other, and well, a long hug is a good start!
During Ich will, Till was visibly moved by the crowd’s response. After “Wir wollen dass ihr uns vertraut” (We want you to trust us), the audience roared and cheered so much that the vocalist couldn’t sing the next line, instead, he made a gesture of gratitude by blowing a kiss and holding his hand to his heart. He barely managed to sing “Wir wollen eure Hände sehen” (We want to see your hands), but when more or less all hands in the audience went up in the air, he had to stop again. Holding his hand to his heart once more, he bowed before the final chorus, where it seemed like the whole Olympiastadion went wild, clapping and cheering for the band.
However, the one thing that in many way defined this show happened after the final bow. Till stood up, and said: «Das dritte Konzert in München, ich weiß nicht mehr so richtig was ich sagen soll. Wir sind unfassbar dankbar, dass ihr da seid, danke euch. Wir danken euch.» (The third concert in Munich, I don’t really know what to say anymore. We are incredibly grateful that you are there, thank you. We thank you.) As he was talking, Oliver Riedel and Paul moved next to him, and after Till had bowed once again, the two kissed and embraced him. Schneider was the next to give him a warm hug, and finally all six band members came together in a group hug that made the audience scream and tears flow at Olympiastadion.
It is difficult to describe how touching it was to see all of Rammstein display solidarity and togetherness during such tough times. Let’s just say that after that, there wasn’t much voice left in us, especially after Paul tried to make a heart with his hands during the final elevator ride. We were totally exhausted afterwards, but it had been a wonderful show.
11.06.2023
Despite the off-day between concert two and three, we were quite reduced when getting in line for the final show. Though after the changes security had made the third day, spirits were a lot higher than before. The entry for day four also went very well, even better than day three, as there was even less chaos for the final short stretch just before the Feuerzone entrance. Once again, we managed to get our favourite spots, ready to take out the last of our energy and whatever was left of our voices.
There isn’t that much to say about the fourth show. It was yet another great show. The band did, if anything, seem a little more relaxed. There was no gong and announcement this time either, perhaps the band now wants people to film? Flake picked up the bell again for the Puppe cam, but this time, he put it on his head and grinned widely when Till came to inspect him. During the Mein Teil intro, Paul and Richard sat down back to back, and while waiting for Till to bring out the big cannon, Paul, Richard, and Schneider all sat down gossiping at the back of the stage. Schneider once again checked on Flake before Du hast, and this time, he picked up a hat from the crowd during the boat ride.
Perhaps the biggest ‘change’ this concert was that the Ausländer outro was back in full. Paul and Richard slowly moved towards each other. Richard kneeled in front of Paul, who eventually also got down on his knees, and the two guitarists leaned forward into a kiss – only to get interrupted by a mischievous Till. It was nonetheless lovely to see a return of the guitarist kiss!
After taking the final bow, Till said: «Vier Konzerte in diesem Stadion, mit euch, durch euch – perfekte Momente. Danke von ganzem Herzen, aus tiefster Seele. Danke.» (Four concerts in this stadium, with you, through you – perfect moments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.)
We thank you, too, Rammstein.
10.06.2023 & 11.06.2023
- Rammlied
- Links 2-3-4
- Bestrafe mich
- Giftig
- Sehnsucht
- Mein Herz Brennt
- Puppe
- Angst
- Zeit
- Deutschland RMX
- Deutschland
- Radio
- Mein Teil
- Du hast
- Sonne
- Engel
(Piano version with Abélard) - Ausländer
- Du riechst so gut
- Ohne dich
- Rammstein
- Ich will
- Adieu
Admin is the founder and owner of RammWiki. Sez and KidArctica are RammWiki editors who have been part of the website for years, working in the background with edits and content. Fun Fact: Admin attended the Lindemann concert in Cologne in 2020, but left before it was over. Still, he bought every single edition of Live in Moscow, and he has seven tickets to see Till Lindemann Band this year.
