This weekend I flew to Prague with my family to see our favourite band, Rammstein. This the seventh time I have seen them live, having seen them in London, Birmingham, Berlin and Madrid. A Rammstein concert is a spectacle like no other, immaculately choreographed, with inventive sets, props and pyrotechnics. It is by no means merely two hours of explosions though, it is much more than that.
This tour does not have a new album to promote, but rather is a celebration of their work so far, and a compilation album, Made in Germany will be released in December. It is essentially a ‘best of’ and the concert on Saturday was in the same vein. A set list of all killer and no filler made for a thrilling night for the 18000 Rammstein fans in Prague’s O2 Arena.
Following a brief commotion in one corner of the Arena, which was originally attributed to the presence of a local celebrity, the six members of Rammstein emerged and made their way down through the crowd onto the floor of the arena, where they were escorted like contenders in a boxing match to a platform in the middle of the venue. They then crossed a walkway which had been lowered from the roof, onto the stage, where Schneider lit a beacon and the set began with Sonne.
Part way through the set the walkway descended again whilst Richard played keyboard, then the rest of the band arrived on their knees on a bewigged Schneider’s leash. They then played several songs on this tiny platform in the middle of the crown.
Leaving the Arena via the walkway once more to the strains of Ohne Dich, I experienced the same feeling I have at the end of everyone of their shows. You just want them to stay a little bit longer.
They returned to the stage for their encore, finishing with the classic Engel.
I didn’t think I would see a better show than Reise Reise, but honestly this was quite the best performance I have seen in my life. I want to take everyone I know to see them, yet at the same time I want to guard them jealously. I could see every show on a tour and never get tired. Alas that it not possible so I will look forward to seeing them in London in February 2012.
If you have tickets to see them over the next few weeks – enjoy! You will not be disappointed.
And so, mesdames et messieurs, nous avons l’honneur ce soir de vous présenter, la nouvelle collection de Rammstein!
Although I am a professional music photographer, these are my photos as a fan, taken from my regular seat in the stands. The copyright is mine so please link here rather than copying the images. If you have any questions, please get in touch via the Contact Form.
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Stunning set of images, Sara. Your photographs have really whetted my appetite for our trip next week to Freidrichshafen to see the boys again!
Thanks Kim! Wish I was coming with you
As a fan from Hong Kong, I want to say thank you for letting me feel the concert thousand miles away.
Hope they can come to Asia Pacific area, so I can see them live.
Hi Fiona! Thank you so much for stopping by. I really hope you can get to see them. I guess it’s quite difficult to transport that set around! Fingers crossed though x
Sara,
Wonderful pictures and report. I’m lookoing forward to seeing Rammstein in the USA,MA. What camera and settings were you using. Once again, great shots, thanks.
Hi Jay. Thank you for commenting and the compliments! I’m sure you’ll love the show when you see it. Exposure is always tricky with them – you’ll need to underexpose quite a bit for the pyro. If you’d like any more info just drop me a line on the contact form.
Absolute great Photos. Compliments from Germany!
Hey Stefan! Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I really appreciate your comments. Hope you get to see them on this tour! S
Wauw – fantastic pictures. I’m impressed.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. Pleased you like them! x
Wow, I loved seeing your pictures. I hope they come back to Los Angeles, I want to see them live so bad. I missed the concert last year! Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Thank you! I think they just announced their North America tour. Will you get to see them? I hope so x
Hi Sara!
I was in O2 arena too (it was 4st time i saw Rammstein in our country and it was great as always) and these photos are absolutely sensational!You catch the atmosphere of show, great work!
I love Rammstein and youre pictures too
Greetings from Czech republic
Thank you so much for your kind comments. It really was a night to remember. All the best to you x
Thanks a lot for reminding me how amazing the concert was..i love your photos!Actually, did you have any troubles to take camera into arena? When you were there as a fan…
Many thanks for such wonderful images – I have tickets for the 02 gigs in London next year, and, having read this am even more excited!
Thanks Ian! You will LOVE it!
Wow, really stunning!!!!
Thanks Wilma! x
Hi Sarah,
I was also at the gig in Prague. I was sat on the 4th Teir so was a lot higher up than you! It’s the best gig I’ve been to also, and I’m 47 and seen EVERYONE!!
I didn’t take my camera as I thought they would take it when you go through the metal detector.
I was talking to some German fans in a local pub, you probably noticed about 50% of the crowd was German, and they tell me Rammstein cannot use all the pyro etc at some shows due to regulations in Germany. That’s why so many go to Prague.
Anyway, wonderful photo’s.
Thankyou.
Very interesting! I’m going to drop you a line…
Wow Sara, thanks so much for the photos, and the descriptive write up too – looked absolutely AWESOME and I’m so envious!! Will definitely be pulling out all the stops to see them! Thanks again!
Thanks Diana! Yes, you must go! I demand it!
Hey, absolutely great photos, you probably caught me on one or two of them, but it’s too dark to recognize. It was an epic concert, the best show I ever visited!
Thanks Pavel! I thought it was the best show ever too. Where were you standing? I’m going to make a slideshow with the rest of the photos, so maybe you will be on there! Thanks for taking the time to comment
Wow!!! beautiful pictures…I wish I was there I was in Prague two months and it’s beautiful city.
Rammstein is one of the best bands I have only seen them live once when they came out to South Africa in Febuary.I would really love to see them live again.I was dumb when I was in Berlin because flake walked past me and I was scared to say hello.
Ps love pictures and I hope you enjoy them in 2012
Thanks Siobhan! Hmm, I’m not sure I would dare say hello if I saw one of them either
Yes I’m really looking forward to seeing them next month. Hope you get to see them again sometime soon x
Oh wow! I don’t even normally go to concerts and I kinda want to go now after seeing your images! Incredible, Sara! The photography is wonderful, and the processing is beautiful!
Thanks Nathan! I definitely think you should start going to gigs
Thanks for the processing tools!
Fantastic photos!!
Thanks Blonnie xx
Fantastic photographs Sara! You must have had a blast!
Thanks Melanie! It was great x
You clearly know your craft and it shows in each loving detail of the incredible images you posted. They are amazing, just like you Sara!
I bet the band will love seeing them!
Thank you Elena! Such lovely things to say x
Love these photos Sara…Simply gorgeous. I’m seeing them for the first time in Feb in London at the O2….I can’t wait! Also, it’s my first ever gig as well….I think I’m off to a good start!
Thank you! Oh my goodness – if it’s going to be your first gig, anything else you see will have a lot to live up to! Have fun x
Excellent photo’s fantastic colours!
Thanks Tony. It was a real feast for the eyes!
amazing pics, cant wait until o2 london feb 24th
Thanks Dave! We’re seeing them on the 24th too. Can’t wait!
These pictures are stunning. I can almost feel the atmosphere! I just love these pics and of course the band .
Just got back from the O2 London gig. These photographs sum up the night! Amazing. Rammstein were, as always, brilliant. and Sara, you have captured them completely!
Thanks for your kind comment! I was there too and it was fantastic. So good in fact that we’re going to see them in Nottingham on Friday!
Yeah great night….
Saw them in Berlin in 04 at the Velodrom that was the first of many!
Here are some shots of the O2 gig taken by my friend on her compact. Not bad though!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38405224@N06/6939745931/in/set-72157623229942423
They are really good! I’ll have to get close one time!