FC St. Pauli to Address Controversial Stadium Anthem: Uncovering the Dark Past
St. Pauli, Germany – Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli will address the future of its stadium anthem, "Das Herz von St. Pauli," after a recent revelation about the author’s past during World War II and the Nazi regime.
Unveiling the Troubling History
The anthem, sung by Hans Albers in the 1957 film of the same name, has been under scrutiny due to the wartime activities of its lyricist, Josef Ollig. Researchers from the FC St. Pauli museum, who had previously investigated Albers’ biography, have now delved into the past of Ollig and composer Michael Jary.
According to a club statement, Ollig’s wartime dispatches appeared in various Nazi propaganda outlets, including the "Hamburger Fremdenblatt." In 1944, he received praise and high military honors from his superiors in the Wehrmacht’s Supreme Command. As the war drew to a close, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant and been stationed on the Western Front, where he personally flew final Stuka attacks.
St. Pauli’s Commitment to Historical Scrutiny
FC St. Pauli has expressed a commitment to confronting its past critically, including examining and discussing the history surrounding the anthem. The club has noted the nuanced nature of the ongoing debate, which has been informed by in-depth research.
"We appreciate how important the song is to many fans, but also how responsibly they are handling the situation," the club stated in the "Hamburger Abendblatt" newspaper.
The Stadium Anthem’s Pre- and Post-Game Significance
Before home games, the anthem is played in a rock version by the band "Phantastix & Elf." After the match, fans continue to sing the anthem even without musical accompaniment.
Past Reckonings: Umbenaming Wilhelm-Koch-Stadion
FC St. Pauli has a history of addressing its past and taking action accordingly. In 1998, the stadium named after former club president Wilhelm Koch was renamed Millerntor-Stadion following revelations of Koch’s membership in the Nazi Party.
Ongoing Discussions and Deliberations
The club’s decision-making process regarding the anthem will likely involve weighing the song’s emotional significance to fans against the troubling aspects of its creator’s past.
The ongoing discussions and considerations highlight the complex and sensitive nature of confronting historical heritage, particularly in the context of art and cultural expressions. FC St. Pauli’s commitment to transparency and responsible decision-making underscores the club’s ongoing efforts to address its past while honoring its present and future identity.
Additional Information:
- The "Hamburger Abendblatt" article provides further context on the club’s past actions in confronting its history.
- The club’s official website contains a statement on the ongoing discussions surrounding the anthem.
- The "Hamburger Fremdenblatt" was a Nazi propaganda newspaper published in Hamburg.
- Stuka was the nickname for the German Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber used during World War II.
