Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters Sparks Outrage After Wearing Nazi-Like Uniform During Performance in Berlin
Pink Floyd co-founder and bassist, Roger Waters, has come under fire for wearing a uniform similar to that of Nazi SS officers during a performance in Berlin. The 79-year-old musician’s attire, which included a red armband and crossed hammers on his collar, has drawn criticism from fans and Jewish organizations.
Background: Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”
The outfit worn by Waters at the concert at the Mercedez-Benz Arena in Berlin was the same as that worn by the main protagonist in Pink Floyd’s 1982 movie “The Wall.” The film tells the story of a rocker who loses his mind and starts seeing himself as a fascist dictator, ultimately donning an SS-like uniform with the crossed hammers logo and red armband. During the performance, a giant inflatable pig emblazoned with the logo of an Israeli armaments firm and Star of David hung above the crowd while dead figures, including Anne Frank and Al Jazeera journalist Abu Akleh, were displayed on screens.
The Controversy
German Rabbinical Group Calls for Ban
The Orthodox Jewish rabbinical association in Germany has called for Roger Waters to be barred from performing in the country, stating that his outfit and imagery used in the performance violates the dignity of the victims of the Nazi regime in a manner that disrupts public peace.
Criminal Investigation Launched
German police have also launched a criminal investigation into Waters. There are suspicions that his image is capable of approving, glorifying, or justifying the violent and arbitrary rule of the Nazi regime.
Waters’ Response
Legal Battle to Perform in Frankfurt
Waters has recently won a legal battle to perform in Frankfurt after being labelled “one of the most widely spread Antisemites in the world.”
On a Matter of Public Interest
At the beginning of his Berlin performance, text flashed on the screen that read, “On a matter of public interest: a court in Frankfurt ruled I am not an Anti-Semite. Just to be clear, I condemn anti-Semitism unreservedly.”
Outrage Continues
Waters’ Anti-Israel Stance
Waters is a vocal leader in the boycott Israel movement and has increasingly drawn outrage for projecting Anne Frank’s name at recent concerts to draw comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. His criticism of Israel has been likened to anti-Semitism under the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism.
Protests Organized
The Jewish community of Frankfurt has organized a protest, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews has referred to Waters’ concerts as political rallies. Waters’ scheduled performances in the UK have also drawn criticism and protests.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Roger Waters’ appearance during a concert in Berlin continues to draw criticism and outrage. Waters’ ongoing protest against Israel has led to accusations of anti-Semitism, and his use of imagery and symbols reminiscent of Nazi Germany has drawn worldwide attention and condemnation.
FAQs
1. What was Roger Waters’ attire during the Berlin concert?
Waters wore a uniform similar to that of Nazi SS officers during the performance in Berlin, complete with a red armband and crossed hammers on his collar. The outfit was reminiscent of the main protagonist’s costume in Pink Floyd’s 1982 movie “The Wall.”
2. What is the controversy surrounding Waters’ appearance?
The controversy stems from Waters’ use of imagery and symbols associated with Nazi Germany, which he has used to draw comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. His ongoing protest against Israel has led to accusations of anti-Semitism.
3. What was projected on the screens during the concert?
Dead figures, including Anne Frank and Al Jazeera journalist Abu Akleh, were displayed on screens during the concert, along with symbols such as the Star of David and Third Reich-style banners.
4. Has Roger Waters responded to the backlash?
Waters has responded to the backlash, stating that he condemns anti-Semitism unreservedly. However, his ongoing protest against Israel continues to draw controversy and criticism.
5. Has Roger Waters faced legal consequences for his appearance?
German police have launched a criminal investigation into Waters for suspected incitement. However, a court in Frankfurt ruled in his favor, stating that his upcoming concert may continue as planned due to artistic freedom.