Police are investigating former Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters after he wore what appeared to be a “Nazi SS uniform” during a concert in Germany.
Performing in Berlin on 17 May, Waters wore a long black overcoat with a red armband. He also aimed an imitation machine gun into the audience.
Germany bans displaying Nazi symbols – but the country’s laws allow exceptions for artistic or educational reasons.
“We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace”, said German police spokesman Martin Halweg, adding: “the clothing resembled an SS uniform”.
Waters, who was the de facto leader and principal songwriter from 1968 till the early 80s during Pink Floyd’s most successful period, has always been outspoken on contentious topics. He defended himself by correctly stating he had performed this particular part of his act since 1980. He also has an inflatable pig flying at his concert with a star of David marked on it. His pro-Palestine stance has seen accusations of anti-Semitism from former bandmate David Gilmour and Jewish organisations such as the Central Council of Jews who attempted to have his shows in Munich and Cologne cancelled.
“The fact that some in power in Germany and some at the behest of the Israeli lobby have attacked me, wrongly accusing me of being an anti-Semite, and have tried to cancel my shows saddens me,” the 79-year-old said defiantly. “Walking around Munich yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was in the presence of Big Brother. It leaves a bad taste.”
If they had banned Waters right from the beginning or asked him not to perform that particular act then there wouldn’t have been such a fuss.
Waters has been performing the song “in the flesh” for over 40 years wearing fascistic clothing playing the part of a stereotypical fascist leader. It’s as much a part of his act as the flying pigs and life-size model Spitfire he also uses as props. Surely the authorities, booking agents and various rights groups all knew this beforehand?
The Homeland Party, while not agreeing with most of Waters’ politics, utterly condemn the groups and individuals who immerse themselves in a grievance culture. They await the inevitable, just to cry out in horror when the inevitable happens.
If you don’t like Waters, his music or politics then don’t watch or listen; it’s not like he forces himself upon you. It’s almost like these folk enjoy crying out in pain.
