Did Rammstein singer Till Lindemann reunite with Turkish family after DNA test?

Till Lindemann, the renowned frontman of the German metal band Rammstein, recently traveled to Erzurum, according to a local news outlet, to reconnect with his ancestral roots.

The visit reportedly came two decades after a DNA test revealed that Lindemann has partial Turkish heritage, with ancestors originating from Cigdemli, a village in Erzurum’s Aziziye district. His arrival in the village was met with a grand reception, complete with traditional Turkish instruments, as he finally met his long-lost relatives.

Till Lindemann, dressed in a red military-style outfit and sunglasses, walks through a crowd during a live performance, holding a microphone. Fans surround him, taking photos and videos with their phones, while security personnel ensure his path remains clear in a dimly lit venue with dramatic lighting. — Till Lindemann stands before a massive crowd at an outdoor concert, silhouetted by the golden rays of the setting sun, in Sacremento, United States, Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @till_lindemann_official)

Who is metal band Rammstein’s frontman Till Lindemann?

Till Lindemann, born on Jan. 4, 1963, in Leipzig, East Germany, is a singer, songwriter, and poet best known as the lead vocalist of Rammstein.

The band is a pioneer of the Neue Deutsche Harte genre
It has gained international fame with its industrial metal sound and elaborate stage performances featuring extensive pyrotechnics

Rammstein has built a massive following and is recognized as one of Germany’s most influential music groups, with over 25 million albums sold worldwide

Lindemann is known for his deep, distinctive voice, provocative lyrics, and theatrical performances. Beyond music, he has published poetry collections and made occasional film appearances.

Till Lindemann stands on stage at an outdoor concert, facing a massive crowd as the sun sets behind him. Wearing an elaborate red outfit with fur-trimmed sleeves, he is illuminated by golden sunlight streaming through the trees, creating a striking silhouette against the audience and stage equipment. — Till Lindemann walks through the crowd during a live performance dressed in a striking red outfit as fans capture the moment with their phones, Los Angeles, United States, Oct. 14, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @till_lindemann_official)

How did a DNA test lead Till Lindemann to discover Turkish ancestry?

In 2004, Lindemann reportedly took a DNA test that revealed his Turkish lineage, linking him to ancestors from Erzurum’s Cigdemli village.

This discovery led him to incorporate Turkish elements into his music, most notably in Rammstein’s 2005 album, “Rosenrot”. The song “Zerstoren” includes a sample of “Huma Kusu”, a Turkish folk song performed by Devrim Kaya, as a nod to his heritage.

For years, the singer expressed interest in visiting Türkiye to explore his roots, but it was only in 2025 that he finally made the journey.

Photo shows Palandoken Mountain — Part of the avalanche that falls from Palandoken Mountain flows onto the northern slope of the ski resort, Erzurum, Türkiye, Feb. 15, 2025. (AA Photo)

Lindemann visits village in Erzurum, gets greeted with traditional celebrations

Upon arriving in Cigdemli, Lindemann was greeted with a traditional Turkish welcome featuring davul and zurna, instruments commonly used in celebratory village gatherings, as reported by the local news outlet.

The villagers, many of whom are distant relatives of the singer, embraced him as one of their own. Overwhelmed by the hospitality, Lindemann jokingly asked, “Did I instantly become a Dadas? Was there no test for this?” – a reference to the term “Dadas,” which signifies a person from Erzurum known for bravery and loyalty.

During his visit, Lindemann indulged in local delicacies, including kete (a traditional pastry), ayran (a yogurt-based drink), and cag kebabi (a type of spit-roasted lamb unique to Erzurum).

Despite the warmth of his welcome, the harsh Erzurum winter proved to be a challenge. He was quickly seated next to a large soba (stove) to warm up.

Till Lindemann, the lead singer of Rammstein, smiling as he embraces an elderly villager in Erzurum, Türkiye, surrounded by locals in warm winter clothing with snow-covered hills in the background. — Rammstein singer Till Lindemann shares a heartfelt moment with a villager in Erzurum, Türkiye, during his visit to reconnect with his Turkish heritage, Erzurum, Türkiye, Feb 13. 2025. (Photo via X)

Surprising reaction from 102-year-old villager, Till Lindemann humorous moment

One of the most unexpected moments of the visit reportedly came when Till Lindemann’s presence caused a minor stir among the village elders. Hearing German spoken in the village square, 102-year-old resident Ramazan K. became alarmed and reportedly shouted, “What’s happening? Is this a German invasion?”

The misunderstanding was quickly resolved, with Lindemann lightheartedly embracing the elderly man and quipping, “If there were an invasion, you’d defend this village on your own, my uncle.”

The visit was filled with joyful moments, solidifying Till Lindemann’s connection with his Erzurum heritage.

As he departed for his planned ski trip in Palandoken, he promised to return, stating that after his upcoming Istanbul concert on Dec. 6 he would visit Cigdemli once again.

The metal icon’s visit to Cigdemli village in Erzurum was reported by a local news outlet and has led to discussions about its authenticity.

While some question the story’s accuracy, others argue that Rammstein’s lead singer could have Turkish ancestry and see his connection to the region as meaningful.