Controversy over political statements at the Glücksfühle festival

In the dispute over political statements at the Glücksfühle festival, the more than 40-year-old Alphaville classic “Forever Young” is experiencing a small comeback. After the band was uninvited and stayed away despite being invited back, several artists spontaneously included the song in their program at the Hockenheimring.

The trigger was the organizers' request not to talk about politics during performances. Alphaville was initially disinvited, but was later invited back after numerous media reports about the event - and still stayed away. The disinvitation provoked strong criticism and overshadowed the start of the festival.

“That was super stupid”

Co-organizer Markus Krampe described his original decision on the sidelines of the festival as a mistake. “That was super stupid,” he said. But he would have appreciated it if Alphaville had performed after the re-invitation. “Then perhaps we could have set an example,” said Krampe.

The background to the conflict were political statements made by Alphaville singer Marian Gold at an earlier concert. According to Krampe, visitors then complained - they wanted to switch off at the festival and not hear topics that were already known from the news. That's why he asked the management to refrain from making political statements on stage in the future.

“Muzzle decree” or “Good vibes only”?

The organizers declared that the festival was “completely apolitical”. It's not about Gold's political stance, but about the framework of the event and the promise of "Good vibes only". Alphaville, however, viewed the demand as an inadmissible restriction on freedom of opinion, speech and art. Gold spoke of a “guzzle order” and a hostile, unnecessary process.

DJ Beauty & the Beats also canceled his appearance. It is normal moral courage to speak out for democracy, diversity and human rights as well as against right-wing extremism, he wrote on Instagram. The attempt to silence artists is unacceptable.

DJ Jaehn and singer Gregory make their mark

DJ Felix Jaehn also reacted in horror. “Since when should art be apolitical?” he asked. As a queer and non-binary person, he will not allow himself to be denied the right to speak out against a party that is partly classified as right-wing extremist. Jaehn announced that he would use the stage to send a corresponding message.

Co-organizer Lukas Podolski supported his partner Krampe despite the controversy. “Everyone makes a mishap, a mistake in life,” said the ex-national soccer player. “Then life goes on.” But he thinks it would be nice if we could “express ourselves in some way” after the festival.

Podolski warns against insults

At the same time, Podolski warned critics about insults on social media. He doesn't allow his family or himself to be insulted and doesn't want to be pushed into a political corner.

While the organizers are trying to limit the damage, the demand for an apolitical festival seems to be further politicizing the debate. Singer Tom Gregory opened his set on the main stage with “Forever Young,” and rapper Nura also played the classic and said: “If you book me, you definitely won’t get an apolitical show.” DJ Alle Farben had already played the song at the pre-opening on Thursday evening.

250,000 spectators, sold out

The festival lasts until Sunday. According to the organizers, it is sold out with 250,000 spectators. Podolski and Krampe have been organizing it since 2023.