Cologne shows clear edge against racism and neo-Nazis on Friday with a reprise of "Arsch huh, Zang ussenander" ("Ass huh, get angry"). The large rally ties in with the legendary concert 20 years ago on the Chlodwigplatz in Cologne. Bommel Luckerath of the Black Fooss was one of those who took part at the time and will be there this time as well. On our site interview he gives a preview of the open-air concert.
20 years ago, a wave of xenophobic attacks like those in Rostock-Lichtenhagen, Hoyerswerda and Solingen had given the impetus. Everyone was "pretty catchless" and "paralyzed," Bommel Luckerath recalls on our site interview. "At that time we said to ourselves, we must somehow make a statement and give vent to our indignation."
Exactly 20 years to the day after the big "Arsch huh" event against racism in Cologne, on 9. November again held a rally with a large open-air concert in the cathedral city. Many of the artists involved in 1992 are on stage again this year. This, of course, includes Bommel. Among others, BAP, the Black Fooss, Brings, the Hohner, Kasalla and the Zeltinger band will perform on the grounds of the Deutz shipyard on the banks of the Rhine.
100.000 people came to the Chlodwigpla in Cologne at that time
About the event "Arsch huh, Zang ussenander"!" on 9. November 1992 were around 100.000 people came to Cologne's Chlodwigplatz to protest against neo-Nazis and racism. "Nobody had expected so many," Bommel recounts.
The musicians who had called for the protest event founded an association and continued to be active against right-wing extremism in the following years with concerts, discussions, conferences and other activities.
The question of racism and discrimination has lost none of its relevance since 1992, according to a recent statement by the participating artists. Time and again, Nazis have shown themselves to be completely blatant, as the activities of the right-wing populist group "Pro Koln" or the NSU nail bomb attack in Cologne in 2004 made clear. On 20. Anniversary there is therefore no reason to celebrate: "It can only be a day of protest."