GIVING fans an electrifying and impressive performance is the ultimate goal for every rock band. Rocking out in a moshpit, delivering a powerful stage presence, and utilizing amplifiers and loud sound systems are key elements that every rock band aspires to showcase during live performances.
When it comes to captivating crowds, fire has become a common spectacle employed by numerous artists across various genres, from Muse to Taylor Swift.
That being said, is there a band that has elevated playing with fire – including frequently setting a stuntman or band member ablaze – to a signature feature of their concerts worldwide?
VERDICT:
TRUE
This is indeed true, and the band in question is none other than the German Industrial Rock band Rammstein.
With songs like “Feuer frei” (meaning “open fire”) and “Benzin” (filled with lyrics encouraging fire), it is not surprising that fire plays a central role in a Rammstein concert.
According to an article by online heavy metal portal Metal Injection in November 2021, the band’s pyrotechnician Nikolai Sabottka revealed that Rammstein uses 265 gallons of fuel for each concert night.
In the article, Sabottka mentioned that lead singer Till Lindemann, while being a trained pyrotechnician, also collaborates extensively to strategically plan how Rammstein can illuminate the stage.
“This is one of the main responsibilities; assessing the venue sizes first and then tailoring the show accordingly, selecting effects carefully to ensure compliance with local authorities,” he explained.
Sabottka highlighted that while fireworks are heavily regulated worldwide, flame effects do not face the same level of scrutiny.
“Hence, we often need to coordinate with various authorities for different effects, ranging from zero to around a hundred fire personnel on the site,” he said.
Regarding the decision to enlist Sabottka despite Lindemann’s expertise, he clarified the rationale behind it.
“While it rapidly boosted their popularity, it also caused some venues and fire authorities to express dissatisfaction. My role for several years was to rectify this while enhancing the show’s visual appeal, constantly pushing the boundaries,” Sabottka elaborated.
In the realm of rock and roll, flashy visuals, spectacle, and a captivating ‘wow’ factor are essential to draw in audiences – elements that Rammstein masterfully delivers through their fiery performances.
As captured in the lyrics of Benzin, “Willst du dich von etwas trennen, dann musst du es verbrennen” or “if you want to part with something, you must burn it!”
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