Die Ärzte back on top
September 11, 2015
"Because you are scared of a cuddle, you're a fascist," proclaims "Schrei nach Liebe," or "Cry For Love." And it's this mocking sentiment which has seen the 1993 punk anthem crash into top spot in the German charts once again, as part of a social media campaign in response to attacks on refugee shelters in Germany.
Originally penned as a reaction to neo Nazi violence against refugees, the song by Berlin punk rockers Die Ärzte (The Doctors) was given second wind after Gerhard Torges, a 46 year old teacher from the north German city of Osnabrück, kicked off the haphazard campaign in response to creeping xenophobia in Germany.
The song shot from oblivion to number 12 on the German Top 100 charts last week, and was officially declared the highest selling single in Germany on September 11.
Die Ärzte formed in Berlin in 1982, and rapidly made a name for themselves with their tongue-in-cheek brand of unrelenting punk rock, and vocal stand against neo Nazis. They have released 12 albums to date, and continue to tour.
The band plans to dedicate any proceeds to a local human rights NGO, working with refugees. Germany anticipates it will take in 800,000 refugees this year alone.