Rammstein members kiss on Moscow stage in defiance of Russia’s anti-LGBT stance

Two members of Rammstein kissed onstage in Moscow as a sign of defiance at the country’s notoriously anti-LGBT+ stance.

Guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe were seen moving towards one another before kissing during a performance of “Aüslander”.

The German heavy metal band posted a photo of the moment on their Instagram page with the caption: “Russia, we love you!”

Legislation against “gay propaganda” was passed in Russia in 2013, and has helped create an inhospitable environment for LGBT+ Russians.

There has been a rise in hate crimes against LGBT+ people, and even recently anti-gay pogroms in Chechnya. 

On 21 July, a prominent LGBT+ activist was found dead in St Petersburg, having been strangled and stabbed.

The two musicians have kissed several times onstage during their ongoing Europe tour, with fans dubbing the pair “Paulchard”. 

Fan-shot footage also caught the moment:

It follows their performance in Poland where they crowdsurfed in a rubber dinghy waving a Pride flag, following the news that LGBT+ people had faced violence during a Pride march in the country.

Both moments have prompted delighted reactions from fans, with one referring to it as a “power-move” while another said it was “heartwarming” to see.

Rammstein released their latest, untitled album (referred to as Rammstein) in May, and are currently touring in support of the new music.

They are scheduled to perform a number of dates in the UK in 2020, including the Cardiff Principality Stadium on 14 June.