The Toten Hosen around frontman Campino (60) gave their benefit concert on Friday evening (February 24) under the motto “Three chords for your donation” in the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf. In an Instagram post, they then thanked everyone “who was there in the hall, on the radio and in the live stream” for the “touching concert” that collected donations for Turkey and Syria.
“Thanks to everyone who has already donated and made this memorable evening possible,” the band also writes in the post, which shows pictures of the emotional performance. “So far, you have raised well over a million euros.” The musicians explain that they want to provide the fans with exact numbers at the beginning of next week. “Until then, we look forward to all further donations – every euro helps those affected in the earthquake areas.”
According to the “Rheinische Post”, around 11,000 spectators attended the benefit concert, with Toten Hosen Thees Uhlmann (48) and the Donots invited as musical supporters. According to the report, Campino emphasized on stage that the concert should not be a mourning evening, because the musicians had no suitable music for that. As a punk band, they would fight instead. “Today we’re fighting for every cent. We’ll auction everything we can’t hold on to,” shouted the singer.
“It didn’t take 60 seconds for all 10,500 tickets to be gone,” the band said on February 15 via Instagram. “Many thanks to everyone who got a ticket and helped us get this far with the campaign. You guys are amazing!” The ticket price was 75 euros, the proceeds after deduction of production costs go to the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Medico International. All musicians waived a fee, the hall was made available free of charge and advance sales were handled free of charge.
The Toten Hosen had announced the benefit concert on February 13th. “Horrifying images and horrific news have been reaching us from Turkey and Syria for a week,” the band wrote on Instagram. “We are deeply touched by the suffering of the local population and think in particular of those of our fellow citizens who fear and mourn for their friends and relatives in the affected areas.” With the performance, they want to send “a small sign of sympathy and solidarity” and help “to alleviate the suffering” as best they can.
