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The members of the band Die Ärzte: Farin Urlaub, Rodrigo Gonzalez and Bela B

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Jörg Steinmetz / dpa

With a view to the European elections in June, the Berlin punk rock band Die Ärzte has released a hymn to personal responsibility with the song “Democracy”. “We actually live in a democratic state that is firmly based on its basic order and yet democracy seems to be a particularly important asset to protect more than usual,” said drummer Bela B, 61, to the dpa news agency in Berlin for the publication.

Guitarist Farin Urlaub, 60, said he had the feeling that Germany was becoming more and more like the USA: “Everyone is screaming, nobody is listening anymore; Everyone is right, it's always someone else who makes mistakes; and compromises are already considered a defeat.«

In the song written by Urlaub from the album “Dunkel,” which was released in 2021, it says: “You are essential, it doesn’t work without you.” This is also followed by a reference to your own options: »If you are now wondering how you can improve the world: How about voting? Your cross against swastikas, that's where it starts." At the end of the video, another message appears: "Voting is the highest privilege in a democracy. If you forego this, you may soon no longer be able to vote.

“Lack of any competence”

Numerous clips from the band are quoted in the AI-based video, including “Cry for Love”. The song, released in 1994, is considered an anthem against right-wing extremism and is celebrated frenetically at the band's concerts.

The song has the secondary title “Our Bass Player Hates This Song”. When asked whether everyone had now made peace with the song, Rodrigo González replied: "Of course not!" The bassist said years ago: "I still find it extremely problematic that Die Ärzte make a song like that. It's something like the “Show with the Mouse” when things like: stone, the earth, the sun are explained. I think a text like this disenchants us a bit.«

The doctors have been politically and socially involved for years. In the video you can see a Farin vacation avatar in the Bundestag. “We act politically as a band because neutrality is not an option these days,” said Urlaub. "Personally, I would be extremely unsuitable as a real politician, if only for lack of any competence."

From Bela B's point of view, Die Ärzte as musicians automatically belong to the artistic opposition. “Our opinions and our comments are read differently and for many people perhaps more honestly than those of many politicians.” Activities such as festivals that are organized “as climate-neutrally as possible” set political standards. "We can only do all of this because we don't have to make any compromises."

wit/dpa