Debate surrounds the future of the anthem ‘Heart of St. Pauli’ at Millerntor due to its lyricist Josef Ollig’s controversial past as a Wehrmacht soldier and Nazi propaganda war correspondent. With a commitment to diversity, FC St. Pauli plans to address this issue before their match against SC Freiburg. The club’s museum is investigating the song’s origins, engaging fans in discussions about separating the work from its creator as they explore the implications of this beloved anthem.
Will the iconic anthem ‘Heart of St. Pauli’ remain a fixture at Millerntor? Ongoing debates surround the song due to the controversial history of its lyricist.
As the atmosphere builds in the packed Millerntor stadium, anticipation runs high among fans. The familiar lyrics, ‘The heart of St. Pauli, that is my home, in Hamburg, that’s where I belong,’ resonate through the crowd. Spectators sway and join in unison. This anthem has become a cherished tradition among Kiez supporters, but its continued presence is now uncertain due to its connection to a troubling past.
Club’s Announcement Expected This Friday
FC St. Pauli, known for its commitment to diversity and anti-right-wing sentiments, is now faced with a pressing concern. On the eve of their home match against SC Freiburg (3:30 PM, in NDR Livecenter), the club plans to provide clarity regarding the future of the ‘Heart of St. Pauli’ anthem, as announced on Wednesday. The volume of inquiries reflects the community’s strong interest in this delicate matter.
Investigative Efforts by the FC St. Pauli Museum
In an effort to confront its historical context, FC St. Pauli intends to thoroughly examine the background of the song ‘The Heart of St. Pauli.’ According to a post on the club’s blog, this topic is significant not only for the club and its members but also for engaging in dialogue with the fan community.
The spark for these vigorous discussions comes from extensive research conducted by the FC St. Pauli Museum into the song’s origins. This investigation focuses on the lives of the performer (Hans Albers), composer (Michael Jary), and lyricist (Josef Ollig), which the museum explores in a podcast dedicated to the club’s history.
The Controversial History of Lyricist Josef Ollig
The concerns surrounding Ollig’s past as a soldier for the Wehrmacht and his role as a war correspondent for Nazi propaganda have raised alarms among many fans. Drafted into the Luftwaffe in 1940, Ollig took part in the 1941 offensive against the Soviet Union and fought in several significant battles, including those in Kiev and Moscow. He was awarded the Iron Cross second class and earned various military distinctions during his service.
Should the Work be Separated from the Author?
Opinions are divided among fans regarding the song’s future. Some argue that the club should distinguish the work from the author, as they have long cherished the anthem, while others call for an immediate discontinuation of its performance. The fact that the version played at Millerntor is by ‘Phantastix & Elf,’ rather than Albers, has not alleviated the discontent.
The club emphasized the importance of this nuanced discussion, stating, ‘We are experiencing an ongoing, differentiated debate about how to address the song based on our thorough research. The song holds great significance for many fans, and we recognize their responsible approach to this matter.’
FC St. Pauli’s commitment to examining its own history is not a new endeavor. The naming of the stadium sparked contentious debates in the 1990s when it was named after a former president linked to the NSDAP. Upon uncovering this fact, the club took decisive action, renaming the stadium Millerntor-Stadion in 1998.
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Hamburg Journal | 14.02.2025 | 7:30 PM