There's almost no other artist as well known as the lead singer of the band Rammstein. Till Lindemann significantly influenced the genre of New German Hardness (Like Oomph!, Eisbrecher and others). His band stands for good music like no other worldwide and Rammstein's concerts resemble a production from another world. Briefly: There is no way around Rammstein and Till Lindemann if you have a rudimentary taste in music and don't just want to listen to the soft-soaked hits of newer artists like Apache 207 (A German artist whose lyrics consist of sounds of motor scooters driving and boring babble to hip-hop rhythms.) or the pseudo-lyric lyrics of modern pop musicians.

But I want to hear good music!

Who doesn't want that? And yet again and again some cognitive lamebrains think that they can publicly display their bad taste in music with a JBL box from their last holiday in Turkey. But how far is Rammstein still socially acceptable? How far can one still listen to Rammstein with a clear conscience?

What happened?

But now Till Lindemann is involuntarily in the spotlight. He is said to have had women systematically fed to him. At various backstage celebrations, these are said to have been abused partly under the influence of alcohol and drugs, then for sexual interaction with the singer. This was reported by some female visitors to various concerts. Since 2018, such allegations have apparently been circulating on the Russian network vk.com. It was unanimously reported that the now dismissed^[:] "casting director" Alena Makeeva took over the task of finding suitable candidates. She is said to have approached young women at book signings in particular, but also on other occasions, and to have promised them entry to after-show parties with the band.^[:] As a rule, however, only the font singer was present there. He then quickly disappeared into adjoining rooms with some of the women present. Sometimes with several of them one after the other at intervals of about half an hour.^[:]

Other women accuse the singer of drink spiking. They report memory lapses after just one drink and haematomas on their bodies that they say they only noticed later.^[:]The accusations are serious. Very serious.

What's the truth behind the accusations?

It should hardly come as a surprise that artists have sexual encounters with fans. That many people even consciously seek out such encounters should also hardly come as a surprise. So far, there is nothing reprehensible about it. Sexual contact between adults that is absolutely consensual is, after all, something very beautiful. But that is precisely where the problem lies. In many cases, the accusations cast doubt on consensuality. Consent exists only if both sides know exactly what is happening (cognitive element) and want it in exactly this way (voluntary element). If one of these elements has a deficiency, then the sexual contact is no longer consensual. Such a deficiency can also be caused by pressure from a group dynamic or situation that restricts the free decision. However, alcohol or drugs also regularly no longer allow this free will formation. According to the reports, such a situation was created. How far the accusations are true, I cannot judge at the moment. I consider the reports to be authentic and realistic. Courts will probably have to clarify this question in the future. Statistically, everything speaks for these accusations. Only a vanishingly small percentage of such accusations turn out to be untrue.^[:]

Can I continue to listen to Rammstein?

Yes. What music you listen to is your personal decision. The keyword is separation of artist and work. A very controversial topic. Some argue that it is important to separate the artist and his work. In their opinion, the work itself should be judged, regardless of the artist's actions, views, or character. This view is based on the idea that art is an independent form of expression and that the artist's personal characteristics do not necessarily influence the work or diminish its artistic quality. Artists are people and products of their time and circumstances that shape them. On the other hand, there is also the view that the artist and his work are inseparable. This argumentation is based on the assumption that art is an expression of the artist's personality, experiences and ideologies. Accordingly, it would be difficult or impossible to consider the work independently of its creator. In this perspective, the artist's actions, views, or moral characteristics may influence the meaning or value of the work.

Ultimately, no clear answer can be assigned to this question in many cases. The relationship between artist and work can be complex and assessed differently from case to case. Some people can make the separation and enjoy the art independently of the artist, while others cannot or do not want to ignore the connection between the two.

This is an individual decision that I have made for myself, and that everyone else must also make for themselves. From the enjoyment of a work, which is not clearly objectionable in content, should not immediately follow an endorsement of the artist or his views. Certainly not by enjoying a work, one makes the deeds of the artist one's own. Personally, I can listen to Wagner and be an anti-fascist and I can listen to Rammstein and wear T-shirts with the corresponding imprint and still condemn this behaviour and these acts in the strongest possible terms.

I am of the opinion that the separation of artist and work depends on some decisive criteria. For me, such a separation is possible as long as the artist's work does not glorify or otherwise proclaim his deeds. It must contain a sufficiently separable statement and the interpretation of the work must objectively leave enough room for manoeuvre not to form as one with the person and the personality of the artist. An artist who sings, one must absolutely beat up all Green Party members, that does not allow any other interpretation. There is no room for interpretation left here. It should be clearly stated that art may be provocative, exaggerated, sometimes ironic, sarcastic or playing with provocation, and indeed should be. But there must be room for this. This leeway would not be available in the example mentioned. With the lyrics of the band Rammstein, and I know them all by heart, this leeway is more than enough. The lyrics are not in any way glorifying in relation to non-consensual sexual acts. Therefore, for me, this separation is possible.

Note: I deliberately do not want to go into Lindemann's solo projects. The article should only refer to the whole band Rammstein.