German industrial metal titans Rammstein have unleashed an almost hour-long documentary, ‘Rammstein World Stadium Tour 2019–2024’, peeling back the curtain on their jaw-dropping stadium shows.
Spanning five years, 135 concerts, and a staggering six million fans, this deep dive promises to be a must-watch for diehards and production geeks alike. The full doco is available to watch below.
Behind the Flames: What the Documentary Delivers
The video description reads:
“From 2019 to 2024, a video team followed the production, focusing on the impressive efforts of the crew and their various trades. The footage provides an authentic and powerful look behind the scenes of the production: from intricate stage construction and lighting design to pyrotechnics, logistics, and countless other tasks.”
This isn’t just a love letter to the band’s legendary theatrics—it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes behind Rammstein’s colossal live shows. The doco delves into the tireless dedication of the crew, showcasing the expertise and collaboration required to bring these pyrotechnic-laden, larger-than-life productions to roaring crowds around the world.
Five Years of Fire and Fury
The journey began in 2019, when the band kicked off their first stadium tour with a new album under their belt, and it didn’t let up. Their most recent European run launched on May 11, 2024, at Airport Letňany in Prague, Czech Republic, before closing with two monumental shows at Germany’s Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on July 26 and 27.
From meticulously crafted stage designs to those iconic flamethrowers and their insane logistics, the documentary promises a no-holds-barred look at what it takes to pull off Rammstein’s reputation-defining shows.
For the Fans, By the Fans
Spanning five years, 135 concerts, and a staggering six million attendees, the film showcases the relentless dedication of the crew behind the scenes. You can watch the full documentary below.
Behind the Flames: The Documentary’s Focus
The documentary delves into the intricate efforts required to bring Rammstein’s pyrotechnic-laden performances to life. From elaborate stage constructions and lighting designs to the logistics of touring, it highlights the expertise and collaboration essential for such a massive undertaking.
Allegations Against Till Lindemann
However, this period wasn’t without turbulence. In May 2023, allegations surfaced against frontman Till Lindemann, accusing him of sexual misconduct during the tour. Several women claimed they were recruited for after-show parties with the expectation of engaging in sexual activities with Lindemann. These accusations led to investigations by German authorities.
In August 2023, German prosecutors dropped the investigation due to insufficient evidence. Lindemann’s legal team consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as “without exception untrue.” Despite the legal clearance, the controversy cast a shadow over the band’s activities during this time.
Not Addressed in the Documentary
It’s worth noting that these allegations and the resulting public scrutiny are not mentioned in the documentary. The film focuses solely on the technical and logistical efforts of the crew, celebrating the production behind Rammstein’s monumental live shows. This decision might leave some fans feeling the context of the era is incomplete, given the significant media attention surrounding the band during this time.
The Band’s Response
In response to the allegations, Rammstein suspended certain practices, such as the “Row Zero” system, and issued statements emphasising their commitment to fans’ safety. While the legal case has been resolved, the controversy remains a point of discussion within their fanbase.
A Dual Narrative
The release of the documentary juxtaposes the band’s monumental achievements on stage with the controversies off stage. While it celebrates the technical prowess and dedication involved in their performances, it also raises questions about the complexities of their legacy during this era.
You can catch the full ‘Rammstein World Stadium Tour 2019–2024’ documentary below. If the flames, riffs, and engineering don’t blow your mind, nothing will.