Rammstein in Dublin at The RDS Arena Live Review
German Neue Deutsche Härte legends Rammstein haven't toured down under since 2011, but I had the pleasure of catching them in Dublin during their Europe Stadium Tour. After having to cancel their 2022 Belfast date due to ongoing covid restrictions, Rammstein finally made their way back to Irish ground and it was definitely worth the wait.
Upon arriving and entering the stadium the impressive sight of the band's massive stage structure instantly set the tone for the night, powerful, heavy, and industrial. Fans quickly filled the floor space and seating areas, with the merch stands equally packed. As people began to settle in, French piano duo, Abélard, performed their own versions of Rammstein songs and got everybody ready for the main act.
Come 8pm, the band made their theatrical entrance, a moment Irish fans and I had waited years for. They descended towards the stage via an elevator, kicking off the show with 'Ramm4" amid clouds of dramatic stage smoke.
Their spanned over 2 hours with a 21-track set list and barely any stage banter, Rammstein came to perform, and perform they did. With incredible visuals, pyro, and surreal stage props to match their distinct style, the show was a sensory onslaught. One standout moment came during their performance of 'Puppe' when a giant baby stroller was wheeled out and set ablaze.
Following a chilling (despite the flames) performance of 'Sonne', the band moved to 'Tower B' a small stage nestled in the crowd, and were joined by Abélard, for a piano rendition of 'Engel' before heading back to the stage, travelling on rafts over the crowd. At one point on their short journey back, a pride flag was handed up from the audience and proudly flown.
Back on the main stage, the band powered through 'Ausländer', 'Du Riechst So Gut', 'Pussy' and 'Ich Will' before heading off and coming back for a final encore of 'Rammstein' and 'Adieu'.
As white confetti rained over the crowd, the members of Rammstein re-entered the same elevator they’d arrived in, slowly ascending back into the sky. A fittingly dramatic end to an unforgettable night.
This show was an experience that goes way beyond being just a concert. It was a masterclass in performance art. From the towering flames to the delicate piano moments, every detail was meticulously crafted to immerse the audience in Rammstein’s world. Even for someone who’s seen countless live shows, this one stood out as something entirely unforgettable.