How the Rammstein Scandal Exposes the Dark Side of Rock

Allegations of sexual misconduct against Rammstein singer Till Lindemann have rocked the music world. Lindemann is accused of recruiting young women for sex at concerts - allegedly through a system that involved coercion as well as the intoxication of young, female fans with alcohol and date rape drugs. Lindemann has his lawyers declare that all the accusations are untrue without exception. The accusations have sparked a re-examination of the music industry, so-called “groupie culture“ and the culture of “sex, drugs, rock ’n’ roll.“ The first woman to go public with allegations against Till Lindemann was the Irish fan Shelby Lynn. Since then, dozens of other women have claimed to have similar experiences at Rammstein concerts. In June 2023, Berlin’s public prosecutor’s office launched an investigation against Lindemann. But aside from any potential criminal charges that may result, many are asking: what exactly is systematic abuse of power when it comes to ro