It has been a journey, but after more than two years of holding onto concert tickets, Rammstein was finally able to perform for US fans, and it was definitely worth the wait.
The German heavy rockers did a four-date stop in the US in 2017, but this is their first-ever stadium tour in the States. While they have had loyal fans here for decades, their popularity has been skyrocketing since their untitled 2019 album, and blasted even higher with 2022’s “Zeit.”
The flame at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum flickered brightly against the night sky, and it would be the first of many flames visible to downtown Los Angeles as Rammstein presented their world-renowned pyrotechnics show. A light show that would even impress Gene Simmons of Kiss!
Los Angeles Memorial
COLISEUM
September 23rd and 24th, 2022
The smell of bacon-wrapped hot dogs was in the air. Bootleggers selling Rammstein t-shirts on every corner. The level of excitement was incredible – thousands of people who had been waiting years for this show were finally going to see their metal heroes!
A piano duo called Duo Jatekok opened the show and the crowd seemed to enjoy their atmospheric songs. Performing from a second stage on the roof of the soundboard area in the crowd, Naïri Badal and Adélaïde Panaget displayed amazing talent. In addition to being the opening-act for Rammstein, the women released an original and crossover album titled “Jatekok plays Rammstein,” so it seems they do have quite the connection to the band!
I was completely surrounded by Germans in my section and as I listened to them speak – and later as the band sang in German – I really felt like I was in Germany taking in a show. It was a very cool feeling.
It was time for Rammstein and the crowd was going crazy already!
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Over the loudspeaker, “Music for the Royal Fireworks” began and then…. there they were! Starting off with “Armee der Tristen,” “Zick Zack,” and “Links 2-3-4,” they were blowing the crowd away already.
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Keyboardist Christian “Flake” Lorenz performed on a treadmill while dressed in a gold sequin jumpsuit.
A giant metal pram came out onstage and shot flames and fire. Lindemann wore a backpack that shot flames in every direction, giving the appearance of a peacock from hell.
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
Guitarist Richard Kruspe also got in on the action as he shot a massive stream of flames from a flame thrower near his guitar.
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
This truly was a sight to see, and what was even more exciting was how impressed the German fans were with Lindemann.
Bottom line: He owned the stage. He captivated the audience with his vocals and stage presence.
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
They charged through classics and songs off “Zeit.” Some highlights were “Zeig Dich,” “Puppe,” “Zeit,” “Deutschland,” and “Mein Teil.” The combination of lights, smoke, guitar, and those drums sounded larger than life, it was what a stadium rock show is supposed to be like.
RAMMSTEIN LIVE | PHOTO by Tiny Toyland
When they got to their uber hit, “Du Hast,” you could feel the heat of the fire at the very back of the stadium! It felt like the entire stadium was on fire, so I can’t even imagine how hot it was up front in the “fire zone.”
Rammstein used a second stage out in the crowd and rode in a series of inflatable boats across the top of the crowd back to the main stage. They gave the crowd not one, but two encores, which included “Engel” performed with Duo Jatekok on the second stage, “Ausländer,” “Rammstein,” “Ich Will,” a piano version of “Sonne,” a remix of “Haifisch” and a piano version of “Ohne Dich.”
It was a truly unforgettable night, it was a crazy over-the-top show. Like a twisted Rob Zombie movie come to life in front of your very eyes! Hopefully they return to the US much sooner than later. For the rest of the country, look out… here they come.
If you find yourself across the pond in 2023, look out for this epic band!
