Rammstein are nearing the end of their European summer tour but that hasn’t stopped these giants from turning up the heat. On Monday (29th), guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe kissed onstage during their performance at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. The smooch was less about their affection for each other and more of a statement on Russia’s anti-LBGT laws. The band shared an image of the kiss via Instagram with the following caption: “Russia, We Love You.”
Russia’s “gay propaganda” aka “anti-gay” federal law referred as “for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values, was passed in 2013 and signed by President Vladimir Putin. Essentially, it has been illegal to show any homosexual affection for the last six years.
Metal Hammer reports, under this strict law, foreigners can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days, or fined up to $5,000 rubles, then deported.
A week before the group’s Moscow appearance, frontman Til Lindemann and the rest of the group were spotted riding inflatable boats waving pride flags at their appearance at Stadion Śląski, Chorzów, in Poland. The band were supporting Poland’s LGBTQ community after being attacked during Pride Month.
Rammstein are currently scheduled to return to Russia this Friday (2nd) at the Gazprom Arena in Saint-Petersburg. The group will return for another round of European tour dates next summer and you can check out the cities here.
