Former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters is under scrutiny by German police following his performance in Berlin on May 17th. The controversy stems from Waters’ decision to wear an outfit resembling a Nazi SS uniform during the concert, sparking an investigation into potential incitement to public hatred.
During the performance at Berlin’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, Waters appeared on stage in a long black overcoat and a red armband. Adding to the visual shock, he also brandished an imitation machine gun, aiming it towards the audience. This act immediately drew criticism and triggered legal examination due to Germany’s strict laws against displaying Nazi symbols. While German law prohibits Nazi symbols, exceptions are made for artistic or educational purposes. Police are now tasked with determining whether Waters’ costume falls under such exceptions or if it constitutes a violation.
German police spokesman Martin Halweg stated, “We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace. The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer.” The specific garment in question featured a red armband adorned with two black crossed hammers within a white circle. This outfit is not new to Waters’ performances, having been part of his stage wardrobe for several years.
Waters has defended his use of the controversial uniform, asserting that it is intended as a theatrical representation against fascism. He argues that the performance is “clearly a statement in opposition to fascism, injustice, and bigotry in all its forms.” He draws parallels to Pink Floyd’s 1982 film, The Wall, where similar costumes were used to depict a rock star’s hallucination of leading a fascist rally. Bob Geldof, who starred in the film, wore comparable attire in those scenes.
Further complicating the issue, during the Berlin show, screens displayed names of deceased individuals, including Anne Frank, the young Jewish victim of the Holocaust. This element of the performance has intensified criticism, with Israel’s foreign ministry publicly condemning Waters for “desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.”
The use of Nazi-like imagery is not the only source of controversy surrounding Waters. He has previously faced accusations of antisemitism, particularly for incorporating an inflatable pig marked with the Star of David into his concerts. These accusations have led to attempts to cancel his shows in cities like Munich and Cologne, spearheaded by Jewish organizations such as the Central Council of Jews. Waters vehemently denies these accusations.
Despite the ongoing controversy and planned demonstrations, Waters is scheduled to conclude his German tour in Frankfurt. A legal attempt to prevent the Frankfurt concert was unsuccessful. Moreover, calls for cancellation have extended beyond Germany, with a British MP advocating for the cancellation of Waters’ upcoming Manchester gig in June.
Waters has a history of making contentious public statements. His remarks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including an open letter to Ukraine’s first lady suggesting “extreme nationalists” in Ukraine provoked the war and repeating the claim at the United Nations that Russia’s invasion was “provoked,” have drawn significant criticism and further fueled debates about his views.
The investigation into Waters’ Berlin performance and the Nazi-style uniform is ongoing. The public prosecutor will ultimately decide whether to proceed with charges. This incident highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression, historical sensitivity, and legal boundaries, particularly in Germany, given its history and laws concerning Nazi symbols.
