Schrei Nach Liebe

Album: Die Bestie in Menschengestalt (1993)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This track mocking neo-Nazi groups was originally released by the German punk band Die Ärzte in 1993. One of the best known political anthems and anti-fascist songs in the group's home country, it peaked at #9 on the German singles chart.
  • The song title translates into English as "Scream For Love." It was recorded in the context of The Hoyerswerda Riots in which a group of mainly young neo-Nazis launched a series of attacks on asylum seekers in Hoyerswerda, a town in the northeast of Saxony, Germany between September 17-23, 1991. During the clashes, 32 people were hurt and 83 were arrested.
  • In 2015 a social media campaign lifted the song to the top of Germany's singles charts, following far-right arson attacks on refugee shelters. "I was really surprised, I never thought we'd manage it," said the campaign organizer Gerhard Torges. "I haven't got involved with volunteering to help refugees here because I don't know where to go and I don't have time. It's much easier online."
  • Die Ärzte donated all proceeds from the song's re-release to German human rights group, Pro-Asyl. "The campaign would have been cool with any other anti-Nazi song, but of course if it's going to be ours, we're very happy to support it," the band said. "To all Nazis and their supporters, we wish you bad entertainment."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?