**Inside the Controversial Birth of “Pussy”: How Rammstein’s Simplest Song Became Their Boldest Statement with Label Backing, International Feedback, and a Game-Changing Music Video Concept Leading to Its Pre-Album Release**
In an unexpected twist during the production of *Liebe ist für alle da*, Rammstein’s decision to release “Pussy” as the first single wasn’t entirely their own. Drummer Christoph Schneider revealed in an interview with Rebeltv that both label executives and management played a significant role. The song was circulated among international contacts to gauge reactions, and the feedback helped steer the final decision. Although the band initially hesitated—viewing “Pussy” as simplistic and uncharacteristic—everything changed when a bold music video concept was proposed. That visual narrative redefined the song’s meaning and inspired the band to release it ahead of the album, opening a provocative new chapter in their creative journey.
**Inside the Controversial Birth of “Pussy”: How Rammstein’s Simplest Song Became Their Boldest Statement with Label Backing, International Feedback, and a Game-Changing Music Video Concept Leading to Its Pre-Album Release**
When Rammstein released “Pussy” in 2009 as the lead single for their album *Liebe ist für alle da*, the choice raised eyebrows across the music world. Known for their intense industrial sound and complex themes, the band took a strikingly different turn with a track that was simple, provocative, and overtly satirical. But as drummer Christoph Schneider later revealed in an interview with Rebeltv, the decision to lead with “Pussy” wasn’t solely the band’s.
According to Schneider, “A lot of people were involved. The label and management wanted to start with this single. They threw it to many people, also abroad, and after the reactions of the people they decided yes—and no more.” Initially, the band wasn’t convinced. The song, with its deliberately exaggerated English-German lyrics and cheeky tone, felt almost too basic. “At first, we didn’t know how to handle it,” Schneider admitted. “This is a simple, almost stupid song.”
What changed everything was the vision for the music video. Director Jonas Åkerlund pitched a bold, explicit concept that would match—and amplify—the song’s satire. The resulting video, which featured full frontal nudity and adult film actors, shocked audiences and was immediately banned from numerous platforms, but it also captured international attention. Suddenly, the song made sense—not just as a track, but as a multi-layered artistic provocation.
By launching “Pussy” before the album, Rammstein defied industry norms and reignited their reputation as fearless boundary-pushers. The decision was strategic, theatrical, and deeply polarizing—exactly what the band thrives on. In the end, what started as their “simplest” song became one of the boldest statements in their career, opening the door to a new era of unapologetic crea
tive freedom.
