An investigation has reportedly been launched into whether Motörhead frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister committed a crime under German law by wearing what appears to be a Nazi cap in a recently published photo. The picture in question, which can be seen below, appeared in a German newspaper prior to the band’s July 5, 2008 ‘Wacken Rocks Seaside’ concert in Aurich, Germany with Machine Head and Saxon.
All “anti-constitutional propaganda” — and specifically any attempt to propagate Nazism — is illegal under article 86 of the German Penal Code. Article 86a also prohibits all “anti-constitutional” symbols, including all Nazi insignia, flags, slogans and salutes.
Speaking to the New York Waste web site, Lemmy stated about his Nazi collection, “I don’t only collect Nazi stuff, I collect objects from all the ‘axis countries.’ Also from countries who aren’t even mentioned anymore as former part of the axis. Like Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Hungary. OK, in the end, they all said, ‘We’re no Nazis’ when they saw that the Germans were losing it. But five years before that, they went, ‘Yeah!’”
When asked where he gets the objects he collects, Lemmy replied, “The USA is a great place for collecting that shit, ’cause the GIs took everything back to America. They took fucking warehouses full of uniforms, Mercedes staff cars. One guy shipped a Focke Wulf 190 fighter home in pieces and rebuilt it in America. Now he owns the only fucking FW 190 in the world. I used to buy a couple of things in Germany, but now you can’t take anymore knifes or things back home in a plane. And it’s become more relaxed to buy stuff like that [in Germany]. There’s five or six stores in Hamburg especially. They’re advertising it. What’s the point, anyway? It’s not a nationalistic kind of thing, I mean, what the fuck you’re gonna do? Pretend it never happened? There’s airplane model kits of Messerschmidt 109 fighters. Shouldn’t you touch them?”
On the subject of whether people should wear uniforms, Lemmy stated, “I’ll tell you something about history. From the beginning of time, the bad guys always had the best uniforms. Napoleon, the Confederates, the Nazis. They all had killer uniforms. I mean, the SS uniform is fucking brilliant! (Hell yeah - JR!) They were the rock stars of that time. What you’re gonna do? They just look good. Don’t tell me, I’m a Nazi ’cause I have uniforms. In 1967 I had my first black girlfriend and a lot of more ever since then. I just don’t understand racism, I never thought it was an option.”
See also: Lemmy’s Nazi Fascination
That’s an oldish interview and I think the picture is maybe even older.
What person in Lemmy’s age group born in England isn’t fascinated by Nazi Germany? After all, they grew up fully aware that some guy named Hitler wanted them dead, and the little island (by comparison) in the North Atlantic beat them back. Many lost their fathers in the war.It’s a way of trying to understand why it all happened by understanding who the Nazis were and what they were about.
I went through a similar experience back in school. I used to collect Nazi/German soldiers and one day my teacher called me into his office. He said, “I hope you aren’t a fan of the Nazi ideal…” I said “No, I just love their uniforms!” heh!
Anyway, to this day, I love the German Iron Cross. I have one on my belt chain and I have a genuine WWI one which hangs of my rear-view mirror.
Incredibly powerful imagery!
Interesting and, quite frankly, cool observation on the powerful imagery, JR!
The most evil people in the history of mankind all seemed to dress themselves up in manners suggesting their great power. Only in hindsight do we see that they really were so insecure that they needed the powerful imagery to mask their own weaknesses and fears.
On another note, I have come to the conclusion that anything made in Germany, regardless of when, is the most reliable well-thought-out rugged piece of craftsmanship and well worth the money (ex. Volkswagens, Mercedes, Hughes & Kettner, etc.)
Thanks for that Patrick. Most of us kids (I’m 47) of a certain age grew up only too aware that we almost lost our beautiful island, to a complete madman. It’s perfectly normal that we should (in my case remain so) be interested in this period. I am still looking at WWII propaganda posters (of all sides of course) and still find it fascinating that we as humans, should have edged so close to the brink. Thanks again brother.
Steve Gad
Hey who gives a fuck?? Lemmy can do as he pleases as he does anyway! as he said Hitler was a groveling bastard,and who would want the cunt anyway! I’ve listened to MOTORHEAD since I had ears stone deaf forever and the only way to hear it is when it’s loud! Leave Lemmy alone show some respect or you will be killed by death slowly!!
I hope that when my time is up in this fucked up world that MOTORHEAD is playing in the after life make being dead something to look forward to…I wear what I like where I like and when I like go Lemmy I’m on your side…..