German singer-songwriter Danger Dan and pianist Igor Levit were invited to perform a song called “Kein Angst” (No Fear) for the 100th episode of a political satire TV show called “Die Anstalt” (The Institution). But shortly before the recording of the program, public broadcaster ZDF withdrew the invitation.
The sudden cancellation has sparked discussion in Germany over the limits of freedom of artistic expression and political speech. It’s also drawing attention to the new song, which topped the country’s YouTube music charts shortly after the musicians announced their cancellation on June 17.
The broadcaster argued that parts of the song could be interpreted as support for political extremism, vigilantism or violence against far-right activists, noting that this would conflict with ZDF’s programming guidelines.
Show hosts condemn cancellation
“Die Anstalt” combines intense, single-subject investigation and political comedy. In the special 100th episode, titled “Die Antifanstalt”, the comedians analyzed the program of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), currently the most popular political party in Germany, while civil rights groups are assessing it for potential unconstitutionality and sanctions action.
This episode airs on Tuesday evening television and has already aired available online.
There was no comment on the cancellation during the show.
During the program, instead of singing, an empty stage with a piano and microphone was shown. After a few seconds of silence, the hosts discussed the controversy, noting that the songs were presented to the broadcast directors a few weeks before the recording and that their plan was to openly discuss the song’s lyrics with the writer after the performance.
Klaus von Wagner, one of the show’s hosts, said, “We understand that opinions may be divided on the song, but we consider the ZDF’s decision spineless – especially at a time when right-wing extremist violence has once again reached a record high in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The team took turns reading and commenting on excerpts from the song, and pointing out sections that could be interpreted as criminal offenses or calls for violence.
what is the song about
The song provides a step-by-step guide on how to organize local, leaderless formations aimed at countering far-right movements. It advocates strict operational security, such as avoiding digital footprints and relying on face-to-face communications. It also describes the strategy of investigating political opponents and publicizing their identity and affiliations, a practice often known as “outing” or doxxing.
The song also contains references to extremist action and expresses solidarity with individuals who have been found guilty of leading violent attacks on neo-Nazis.
ZDF director Norbert Himmler said he stood by the decision to cancel the demonstration: “In my view, the lyrics undeniably provide instructions for a leftist resistance willing to use violence,” he told the German daily. south german newspaper.
At the same time, he acknowledged that his station should have handled the matter differently: “While we may be to blame for the last-minute cancellations,” he said, “we should have asked ourselves basic questions first – ideally before inviting the artists.”
Eight members of the ZDF Television Council have criticized the broadcaster over the cancellation. In an open letter published on Monday by the online outlet Netzpolitik.org, council members argued that the ZDF missed an opportunity to start a debate about right-wing extremism in Germany and different ways to deal with it.
Danger Dan: Testing the Limits of Art’s Freedom
Danger Dan, whose real name is Daniel Pongratz, is known for his politically charged lyrics.
He is active as a member and solo artist of the hip-hop band Antelope Gang. The lyrics of his first solo album of 2008 already dealt with anti-Semitism in German rap.
His most famous hits came in 2021. The single “That’s All Covered by Freedom of Artistic Expression” intentionally tests the boundaries between protected artistic expression and potentially offensive speech, and sharply criticizes right-wing politicians and public figures.
Igor Levit is a globally renowned pianist who is also widely recognized for his social activism, political engagement, and public commentary. He had already accompanied Danger Dan on piano for a live TV performance of the protest song “Das ist alles von der Kunstfreiheit Kaward” on another ZDF programme, “Magazine Royale”, in April 2021.
Danger Dan and Igor Levit are now offering a replacement concert at Berlin’s Columbia Theater on Tuesday evening. The show, “Die Nicht Angststalt” (a wordplay combining the song title with the TV show), will also be broadcast on YouTube.
According to reports, the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Association Offerspektive, which is described as “the central point of contact in Brandenburg”. [the state surrounding Berlin] “For the victims of right-wing, racist and anti-Semitic violence.”
Edited by: Josh Lang