Rammstein guitarists kiss onstage in protest against Russia's anti-LGBTQ laws
Rammstein rockers Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe took a stand against Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws by kissing onstage during a concert in the country.
The German musicians – who are both guitar players in the heavy metal band - locked lips during a performance of their song Auslander at Russia’s Luzhniki Stadium earlier this week.
There was an international outcry in 2013 when Russia passed what is known as the “gay propaganda law”, and many have said that the legislation has made the country a hostile environment for LGBTQ people.
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However, Landers and Kruspe were clearly undeterred by the policy as they leaned in and puckered up onstage in front of thousands of their fans.
The group also reiterated their statement by later sharing a photo of the moment on Instagram.
“Russia, we love you!”, it was captioned.
Rammstein are currently on a headline tour, with several stops across Europe.
Their display in Russia was not the first time the band have shown solidarity to members of the LGBTQ community.
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Last month they also spread their message when they performed a gig at the Stadion Sląski, Chorzow in Poland.
As the crowd watched, the group’s frontman Till Lindemann appeared in a dinghy while waving a Pride flag.
Landers and Kruspe have also kissed at other shows, leading some fans to nickname them “Paulchard”.
Rammstein were formed in Berlin in 1994. The band is comprised of Landers, Kruspe, Lindemann, Oliver Riedel, Christoph Schneider and Christian ‘Flake’ Lorenz.
They have released seven studio albums, with their latest record – which was untitled – unveiled in May this year.
They have also released 28 singles during their 25 years together.