Rocker booed off stage for singing Nazi Anthem

Updated on: 01 December,2009 08:09 AM IST |
Agencies |

Pete Doherty was performing in Munich

Pete Doherty was performing in Munich

The lead singer of rock band Babyshambles began singing 'Deutschland, Deutschland u00fcber alles', which was used as the national anthem under the Third Reich.

An outraged crowd at the on3 music festival in Munich began booing and shouting, but Doherty carried on singing five more songs before festival organisers ushered him from the stage.

The concert was also being broadcast live on Bavarian radio. Broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk cut the broadcast as soon as Doherty, a surprise guest at the festival, began his song.

'Deutschland u00fcber alles' is the first verse of 'Deutschlandlied', a song written by Joseph Haydn in 1797. The third verse is used as the current German national anthem, and has the same tune as 'Deutschland u00fcber alles'.

However, the first verse has not been officially sung since World War II because of its association with the Nazis. Its opening lyrics translate as: "Germany, Germany above anything/ Above everything in the world".

Doherty's spokesperson said the singer had sung the song in error and did not mean to cause offense.

"He was unaware of the controversy surrounding the German national anthem and he deeply apologises if he has caused any offense," his spokesperson explained.

'Pete is Jewish'

"Pete himself is from Jewish descent and has fought against racism and fascism with numerous organisations including Love Music Hate Racism," she added. "This is a subject he feels very strongly about."

Did you know?
Pete Doherty was once engaged to supermodel Kate Moss

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