Lately, I’ve been looking into some bands, reading up some band facts and researching band histories here and there. Which got me, from the point of view of a Rammstein fan, thinking about the general matter of band dynamics - and I realized that the dynamics present in the band aren’t that common.
The band exists now for almost 32 years, with an unchanged line up of six members. Working in a creative field such as music over such a long time period can of course cause tension, conflicts and differences. When six creative minds come together - each with their own ideas, yet all sharing a common goal and a passion for making good music - it’s no surprise that things can get heated in the studio or on the road.
"One time in Belgium we thought 'we can't do this anymore' and wanted to quit the band. But I guess it has to be like this. You have to go through pain." (Richard, 2001)
Yet somehow - as a fan of the band, it’s comforting and reassuring to know that even though the joint creative work of making music and albums can be exhausting and nervewracking, even though the band members most likely have to clench their teeth to work through discussions and inevitable conflicts… that the band as a whole always insisted on being a democracy.
We’re pretty much a communist collective. Everything is decided collectively, and it’s frowned upon if someone seeks or receives a lot of attention. Everyone represents the band, not just the singer. Till has never had a problem with that. We know that we’re only Rammstein when we’re together. If someone ever strays, there’s the group dynamic that brings them back into line: “Get back in your place.” Of course, that cuts down on individuality a bit. But we love it. We feel safe and comfortable with it because we know that’s where our strength lies. (Schneider, 2011)
A democracy in which every opinion is heared and counted, where the band members really want to discuss every idea, want to listen to different views, eventhough it’s hard being critized or having to sit through opinions they definitely not share.
"First we lay out ideas in the rehearsal room and openly discuss them. We all have to be able to stand behind and identify with the idea. It is a proper process for us. (Oliver, 2012)
As far as we fans can witness it, consideration plays a major role in the band - appreciating everyone for what they are as well as expressing the importance of each and every irreplacable member.
"Because it’s a band of six separate bosses, there are always influences coming from different directions and it’s much better that way because otherwise the music would end up moving too strongly in one specific direction." (Paul, 2014)
Of course, a willingness to work on oneself also plays a role here, whether through therapy or something similar.
"Talk. Talk a lot. We constantly treat ourselves. There is no other way, because otherwise we would only argue. It's 100% like a marriage." (Till, 2015)
This kind of almost stubborn unity and mutual respect - even after going through such tough times as the Mutter Era - as well as allowing each other creative freedom (as with Till’s and Richard’s solo projects) is what makes Rammstein such a valuable band, and these aspects are on my mind a lot right now.
"The most important thing for this band is staying together. For me there can only be Rammstein in this constellation. If someone left, that'd be the end of Rammstein. That's why staying together is the most important thing for me." (Richard, 1997)
When I look around in the rock music scene, be it bands as old or older than Rammstein or younger ones, it seems to be exceptionally rare to find something comparable, and I’m almost deterred by turbulent, volatile band histories, marked by continous and serious conflicts. And I’m thankful how Rammstein managed to go through thick and thin up to now.
