The discussions surrounding Till Lindemann show no signs of subsiding. Since the initial allegations in 2023, the media's focus has been almost exclusively on accusations, scandals, and legal proceedings. It is understandable that such serious matters require thorough investigation and clarification. However, many fans and neutral observers are increasingly concerned that media coverage appears to be growing more and more distorted—favoring sensationalism over nuance. This article aims to offer a more differentiated perspective. It seeks to give a voice to those who have been largely overlooked or not heard at all in the public discourse so far.

Why this article?

The reason for this article stems from recent observations surrounding Hellfest 2025, where Till Lindemann has once again become the focus of public criticism. Once more, reports have surfaced about women being approached from the audience and invited to aftershow parties. Once again, the name Alena Makeeva has reappeared. And once again, allegations are being raised—this time without any new legal consequences. Meanwhile, some media outlets compete with ever more sensational headlines, leaving other crucial aspects overlooked: What do the women themselves have to say—those who felt welcomed at these events? What role do personal rights, journalistic due diligence, and the presumption of innocence play in this ongoing debate?

Looking back at 2023

In May 2023, Northern Irish woman Shelby Lynn publicly shared her experiences following a Rammstein concert in Vilnius for the first time. She spoke of being given drugs without her consent, suffering bruises, and encountering behavior backstage that she perceived as inappropriate. However, she also made one point very clear: Till Lindemann did not touch her. Media outlets distorted her statements, reporting about “rape,” which Lynn herself immediately corrected. Shortly afterward, other women came forward—including influencer Kayla Shyx—sharing experiences that were in part similar, in part different. A central element in the allegations was the so-called “Row Zero” system. One woman in particular became a key figure in this context: Alena Makeeva.

Alena Makeeva: A Controversial Figure

Quelle: https://www.t-online.de/

Russian-born Alena Makeeva was herself an enthusiastic Rammstein fan for many years. By the mid-2020s, she increasingly appeared as a visible companion in the orbit of Till Lindemann’s tours. On social media, she described herself as the “Casting Director on Tour with Till Lindemann” – a title that sparked both interest and controversy.

To many, she initially seemed like a passionate supporter helping to facilitate special encounters between artists and fans. However, media coverage — including reports by Der Spiegel, Die Welt, and Mediapart — soon portrayed her role in a more complex light: she was said to have been involved in selecting young women for exclusive events. People who interacted with her described her in varied ways — from warm and open to highly organized and assertive. While some women spoke of exciting, exclusive moments, others found certain procedures unfamiliar or unclear — including the so-called “phone handover,” which will be addressed later.

As is often the case, the truth lies somewhere between the extremes. Not every invitation held the same meaning or felt equally comfortable for everyone. For some, it was an unforgettable experience; for others, it was confusing or emotionally challenging. For a long time, Alena Makeeva did not speak publicly about the reports. It wasn’t until the summer of 2025 — around two years after the debate began — that she gave an interview with Die Welt, in which she shared her motivation: she said her intent had been to offer long-time fans a unique experience — something that went beyond an ordinary concert.

What cannot be denied, however, is her dedication and passion for the band and its community. Over the years, Alena Makeeva has created a sense of closeness that gave many fans unforgettable moments – with heart, organizational talent, and a kind of openness that has become rare. Even if not every encounter was experienced in the same way, one thing remains true: without people like her, the fan experience would often be far less special.

Between Media Narratives and Reality: The Interview with "Katharina"

To challenge the one-sided media portrayal of recent years, we spoke with a woman who was herself part of aftershow parties in the context of Till Lindemann. Her name has been changed; in this article, we refer to her as "Katharina." Her statements are based on her own experiences. We have not altered, shortened, or interpreted them.

“It was very hard for me,” Katharina says when we ask her about the media coverage in 2023. “I was really excited to be invited for the first time after making contact with Alena. [...] Then came the allegations involving Shelby. [...] I felt immense anger toward the media and the people, because the media achieved exactly what they intended to: hate and finger-pointing at one person... and also at me!”

This anger is not only directed at journalists but also at the broader societal dynamics that manifest in comment sections and everyday conversations. “Just because I’m a fan and believed in Till.” Katharina emphasizes how quickly an accusation can turn into a verdict, especially when the other side is not given a voice. “It quickly became clear to us fans that it was really just lies and vague portrayals.”

She describes her impressions of aftershow parties in a nuanced way. “In theory, anyone who signed up could attend. [...] The press describes the aftershow party as a very exclusive event. [...] In reality, it’s just a simple guest room with finger food and drinks from the fridge.”

Till Lindemann himself? “He often doesn’t show up at all. But with this space, he always offers his guests a place to feel welcome.”

Through her words, a picture emerges of someone who distinguishes clearly between the reality of events and the artist persona. “Till is a true gentleman. He’s very polite and personally greets everyone with a handshake. [...] I once asked him after a concert how he felt about the evening. He just said, ‘Good, but now I’m off work and don’t want to talk about work.’”

Katharina stresses the separation between the artistic figure and the private individual: “What the media doesn’t understand is the artistic self versus the private person. [...] I can name IKKIMEL as an example. Totally different offstage than onstage.”

She also has a clear opinion about recent developments surrounding Hellfest 2025: “The word ‘casting’ is exaggerated. Sure, Alena does casting for video projects, and those performers are sometimes invited to concerts. But no one is cast just to attend a party.”

What remains is frustration about distorted portrayals and the lack of willingness from many media outlets to correct their mistakes. “To this day, I still get asked how I feel about the accusations — sometimes even in an insulting and aggressive way, directed at me personally.”

Her final words are a plea:

Don't let yourself be insulted or attacked by people who have no idea what they're talking about! [...] Even if it feels like a fight against windmills, we have to raise our voices in order to be heard.

In a media landscape where sensationalism often takes center stage, voices like that of "Katharina" serve as a necessary corrective. We are grateful for the trust.

Following the account of a young woman who reflected on the events surrounding Till Lindemann and his circle with nuance and confidence, we conducted another interview — this time with Varvara Tychkova, a PhD-level scientist with a long-standing passion for music and Rammstein. She, too, attended aftershow events and concerts, and maintains personal contact with people from Lindemann’s circle.

What she shares is both clear and compelling — not only because she chose to speak under her real name, but also because she firmly rejects sweeping judgments. Her perspective offers valuable insights into the social dynamics of those events and restores an important nuance to the image distorted by much of the media.

Perspective over Panic: Varvara on Her Experiences with Till Lindemann

Quelle: https://www.instagram.com/varvara_weidmann/

Varvara Tychkova is well aware of the discussions that have repeatedly flared up since 2023 regarding Till Lindemann’s aftershow parties and his inner circle. She herself has been a guest at several of these events – not as an outsider, but as a friend of Alena Makeeva and an acquaintance of some of the band members. What she experienced there stands in stark contrast to many of the accusations widely circulated in the media.

“All guests were of legal age. It was always about mutual respect and decency.” That’s how she describes the overall atmosphere of the events. She recalls conversations, music, laughter – and makes it clear that no one was ever pressured into anything. “That’s simply not possible.” The urgency in her tone is noticeable – perhaps because she herself was stunned at how quickly many media outlets were willing to pass judgment without proper verification.

She explains that there was indeed a kind of system for how people were invited to these events: through Alena or close members of the entourage – but always under clear conditions. “You had to be of legal age, a genuine fan of the artist, and have a true interest.” A relaxed yet respectful structure. No anonymous casting, no pressure, no hidden expectations.

She also addresses the recent incidents, such as those surrounding Hellfest 2025. While she wasn’t present herself, she makes it clear that her own experiences leave no room for the types of allegations that have surfaced. Instead, she describes Till Lindemann as “charismatic, attentive, warm – someone who talks to everyone, jokes, dances, and genuinely cares about the people around him.” A man who, in personal interactions, doesn’t come across as a distant star but allows closeness – without crossing any boundaries.

Her statements carry even more weight because Varvara doesn’t come from the entertainment industry. She is a molecular biologist and bioinformatician, working in science, and often views things with a highly analytical lens. And yet – or perhaps precisely because of this – she is disturbed by how little space is given in public discourse to more nuanced voices.

She is particularly critical of the role of social media. Everything now revolves around “hype, money, and attention,” says Varvara. “Just another episode in the cancel culture.” A dangerous environment that can destroy not just careers, but entire personalities – often based more on speculation than on fact.

At the same time, she calls for personal responsibility. No one should feel afraid when receiving an invitation.

Respect yourself and others. Take responsibility for your actions.

These are clear words that don’t sugarcoat anything – but instead define the framework within which encounters – including those between fans and artists – can take place.

Another Voice – Between Uncertainty and Trust

Following Varvara’s thoughtful account, in which she openly shared both her closeness to the inner circle and her critical stance on the media debate, we now present another perspective — this time from a young woman who has likewise chosen to speak openly. Her name is René, she is 22 years old, and she shares her experience attending an aftershow party after the public scandal of 2023.

Her account is neither retrospective nor filtered; it describes a recent experience — marked by personal reserve, respectful interactions, and a clear awareness of what responsibility and boundaries mean. For her as well, this was not about career ambitions or seeking the spotlight, but about fulfilling a long-held dream: meeting Till Lindemann in person.

After the Storm: An Aftershow Party Up Close

Quelle: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHv5wisoTQq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

René clearly remembers how the invitation came about. In 2024, she sent a direct message via Instagram asking if she could attend the concert and an aftershow party.
“So I was a guest at the concert and also at the aftershow party.”

According to her, the event took place in a hotel — possibly, she suspects, due to the increased need for privacy after the incidents of the previous year.
“And yes, there are those leather couches people talk about, which we sat on — but those just belong to the hotel’s interior design.”

Till Lindemann joined the group later in the evening, introduced himself personally, and greeted everyone.
“At first, the mood was a bit tense because no one really knew — okay, is Till Lindemann really standing in front of us right now, how are we supposed to act?”
She describes him as reserved, almost shy in that moment. The atmosphere loosened up once she and others started singing karaoke together. There was dancing, music, and even a game involving passing a phone around.

One key point she makes:
“Till never approached anyone to dance.”
Rather, it was the women who approached him. He, on the other hand, always stayed with the group.
“He was never alone with a girl in a side room or anything like that.”

A particularly memorable moment for her involved Till’s respectful and caring behavior toward a young woman who became unwell after consuming drugs and alcohol.
“He immediately said, ‘Please drink some water, are you okay? Should I call an Uber to take you home?’”
In the end, he made sure she got home safely.

René also speaks clearly about the often-debated issue of drink control.
She doesn’t drink alcohol — on principle — and never felt pressured in any way.
“I drank a Coke... We could always open and pour our own drinks.”

She also firmly contradicts the accusations regarding phones and surveillance.
“We didn’t have to hand over our phones. We were even allowed to take photos.”
The music was played from her own phone, which she had connected to a speaker.

Her experience with Alena Makeeva was entirely positive.
“This woman keeps making my dreams come true.”
She’s been in contact with her for a year and is grateful for everything she’s been able to experience because of her.

She also comments on the accusations circulating around Hellfest — calmly, but firmly.
“It’s not a crime to invite girls. Because you can always say no.”
She repeatedly stresses that no one was forced into anything. Some girls left the party early because they felt uncomfortable —
“They weren’t held back or told they had to stay.”

At the same time, she calls on other women to take responsibility for themselves.
“If your gut tells you you’re unsure, then you don’t have to do it.”
Her message isn’t naïve — she acknowledges that others may have had different experiences.
“I’m not trying to invalidate anyone else’s experience. This is simply my experience that I’m sharing.”

Her personal conclusion is clear:

I’m living my dream thanks to Till and Alena, and I will forever be grateful for what I got to experience.

Conclusion – Between Public Scrutiny and Personal Responsibility

The interviews published in this article do not claim to represent an ultimate truth. They are personal accounts — honest, subjective, and fully aware that every individual perceives situations differently. And yet, it is precisely these personal voices that highlight how complex reality truly is — and how important it is to listen before passing judgment.

A recurring theme throughout all the conversations is evident: respect, consent, and recognition of boundaries — but also uncertainty, especially when dealing with a figure like Till Lindemann, whose public persona is vastly different from his private self. For some, the experience was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream; for others, it brought moments of hesitation or emotional ambiguity. Yet in none of the accounts presented here was there any indication of coercion, misconduct, or systemic abuse.

The role of the media in this debate remains ambivalent. Reporting is essential, and skepticism is legitimate. But blanket condemnation, unchecked sensationalism, and the dynamics of social media have created an environment in which nuance is quickly lost. And yet, it is precisely the nuances that matter — and the people behind the headlines.

These are the people who have spoken up in this article. They deserve to be heard — not because their stories are sensational, but because they are real. They don’t speak in headlines, but in moments — sometimes quiet, sometimes clear, always with the intention to add to the public narrative, not distort it.

What should we take away from this?
Perhaps that truth is rarely black or white. That it's valid to ask critical questions — but just as valid to share positive experiences. And that respectful dialogue doesn’t end where opinions begin to differ.

A Personal Thought to Conclude

Before I engaged with the interviews and conversations published here, I had no real idea of what these aftershow parties were actually like. My understanding was shaped by the same headlines many of us had read. It was only through open and respectful dialogue with those directly involved that I began to understand the reality behind the reports.

These conversations taught me that it makes a difference to ask questions instead of passing judgment — to listen instead of speculate. And they reminded me once again how easily we fall into pre-shaped narratives in today’s media landscape — especially when complex situations are forced into simple black-and-white categories.

So here’s my appeal:
Don’t judge people or situations you haven’t experienced or understood firsthand.
Because what we see, hear, or think we know is often just a fragment — not the full picture. If you truly want to form your own opinion, it takes courage, openness, and sometimes the willingness to admit that you might have been wrong. That’s not a sign of weakness — it’s a mark of integrity.

These interviews stand for exactly that:
Not for a defense, not for a verdict — but for an honest conversation that reveals the many layers of human interaction.

Thank you for your attention.
And above all: thank you to everyone who had the courage to share their perspective.