ZDF Cancels Musician's Performance Over 'Incitement to Violence' Fears

German public broadcaster ZDF has drawn criticism for canceling a planned performance by musician Danger Dan and pianist Igor Levit on its satire program "Die Anstalt." The duo was set to perform "Keine Angst" (No Fear), a song that advocates for resistance against right-wing extremism.

“

You'd be stupid to rely on the German state: there are so many fascists in the police.

The song's lyrics reportedly provide instructions for organizing actions against Nazis, including advice on how to avoid leaving traces due to alleged infiltration of security authorities by right-wing extremists. It also contains the line, "You'd be stupid to rely on the German state: there are so many fascists in the police."

“

one of the bravest pop musicians in this country

Danger Dan also sends "greetings to Nina, Gucci, Maja and Nanuk," individuals facing legal prosecution for alleged violent assaults on Nazis. While acknowledging that not everyone may agree with the song's content, the article suggests that ZDF's interpretation of it as an "incitement to violence" might be an overreach. A colleague is quoted describing Danger Dan as one of the country's bravest pop musicians, whose message against the far-right threat should be taken seriously as a wake-up call, rather than a call to violence.

“

He is still primarily a rapper of the hip-hop fun guerrilla Antilopen Gang - and skilled in every form of mischievous provocation and attention economy.