Concert by Danger Dan and Igor Levit: contemplative, almost devout

Danger Dan and Igor Levit held a concert titled “Die keine Angstalt” at the Berliner Columbia Theater, drawing around 800 attendees and thousands more through live streaming. The event was organized in response to their exclusion from the ZDF satirical show Die Anstalt, where they had planned to perform the song “Keine Angst.” The ZDF’s management, led by Intendant Norbert Himmler, intervened and barred them from appearing, citing concerns over the content. In response, the artists took the initiative to host their own concert, turning the controversy into a public discussion. The concert featured the performance of “Keine Angst,” with Igor Levit playing the opening chords in deep tones while Danger Dan recited verses in poetic form. The lyrics addressed themes of resistance, urging people to take matters into their own hands and work together against perceived threats. The audience joined in singing the refrain, repeating “Keine Angst, keine Angst, keine Angst, keine Angst” as a collective chant. The final lines of the song were directed toward members of the so-called Antifa-Ost group, a term used to describe individuals accused of violent acts against far-right groups. These lines were sung along by the crowd, emphasizing solidarity with those facing legal consequences. The decision to exclude Danger Dan and Igor Levit from Die Anstalt sparked a broader debate about the portrayal of right-wing extremism in media. The song “Keine Angst” became a rallying cry, with its message resonating widely. It has been streamed extensively online, reportedly surpassing the number of views it would have received had it aired on ZDF. While some critics praised the ZDF for bringing attention to the issue of right-wing extremism in Germany, others questioned whether the platform had adequately addressed the complexities of the topic. The concert’s structure centered around spoken word contributions, which formed the emotional core of the evening. Among these, speeches by journalist Heike Kleffner and defense attorney Kristin Pietrzyk stood out. Kleffner reflected on victims of far-right attacks in Munich, Halle, and Hanau, calling for continued awareness and action. Pietrzyk, who represented Johann G. and was a co-plaintiff in the Halle case, spoke about the context surrounding the actions of the so-called Antifa-Ost. She detailed the personal histories of individuals involved, particularly focusing on the Jewish heritage of Nele A., whose testimony was presented during her trial in Düsseldorf. Pietrzyk also discussed the challenges faced by marginalized communities in eastern Germany, where far-right groups have gained traction. She highlighted the lack of protection for left-leaning individuals and those considered outsiders, noting how fascist ideologies have become normalized in certain areas. She emphasized the tension between physical confrontations with far-right figures, clearly criminal acts, and the deeper societal implications. People with family histories rooted in Nazi persecution now face the reality of neo-Nazi marches, political support for extremist parties, and a state that fails to protect them under the constitution. As Pietrzyk concluded her speech, the audience responded with sustained applause, indicating the impact of her words. Her analysis underscored the ongoing struggle between individual agency and systemic failure, framing the issue not just as one of law enforcement but as a broader social and political challenge. The concert thus served as both a cultural event and a call for greater engagement with the realities of right-wing extremism in contemporary Germany.