Cologne’s vibrant carnival season is always a barometer of the city’s cultural and political climate, and this year, it’s become the backdrop for a pointed critique from one of its most beloved musical figures. Peter Brings, frontman of the hugely popular Kölsch-rock band Brings, has publicly criticized former Cologne mayor Henriette Reker for what he describes as a failed attempt to authentically engage with the city’s dialect and traditions.
In an interview with German publication “Express” over the weekend, Brings didn’t mince words, stating, “Henriette Reker always thought she could speak Kölsch, it was awful.” The comment underscores the importance placed on linguistic authenticity within Cologne’s carnival culture, where the Kölsch dialect is not merely a language but a symbol of identity and belonging.
Brings’ criticism arrives as Cologne continues to debate the role of Kölsch in its annual carnival celebrations. The discussion gained momentum recently with the success of Druckluft’s carnival song, which notably utilized standard German lyrics rather than Kölsch. While Druckluft’s song has resonated with audiences, Brings remains a staunch advocate for maintaining the dialect’s prominence.
However, Brings didn’t limit his commentary to criticism. He also offered praise for the current mayor, Torsten Burmester, albeit for a different reason. According to Brings, Burmester’s strength lies in his recognition of his own limitations regarding the Kölsch dialect. “He doesn’t even try,” Brings said. “Torsten Burmester comes across as down-to-earth. That could be something, we all hope for the city.”
The dynamic highlights a fascinating tension within Cologne’s political and cultural landscape. While fluency in Kölsch isn’t a formal requirement for the mayoralty, it’s clearly seen as a valuable asset – and a potential liability if attempted without genuine understanding. Reker, who served as mayor from 2015 to 2025, was known for her pro-immigration stance and faced an assassination attempt shortly before taking office. Her tenure, however, appears to have left a less favorable impression on at least one of the city’s most prominent musicians.
Brings and his band, Brings, have been a fixture of the Cologne music scene since 1990. Their songs, written and performed in Kölsch, consistently fill stadiums in their hometown, demonstrating a deep connection with the local population. The band’s enduring popularity speaks to the continued relevance of Kölsch as a cultural touchstone.
The irony of a successful musician critiquing a politician’s linguistic abilities isn’t lost on observers. It also underscores a broader issue facing musicians in the streaming era. As reported in July 2025, Brings himself acknowledged the financial challenges of relying on streaming revenue, joking that “80 million streams, then I could stay at the Ritz every night.” The comment highlights the disconnect between a band’s widespread popularity – Brings garners 800,000 monthly Spotify listeners – and the actual monetary return for artists.
The situation in Cologne reflects a global debate about fair compensation in the digital age. Spotify currently pays out approximately 0.0033 cents per stream to rights holders in Germany, meaning a song needs an astonishing 200,000 streams to earn just €1,000. This paltry sum forces many artists to seek alternative revenue streams, such as live performances and merchandise sales.
While Brings’ recent comments focus on local politics and cultural authenticity, they also serve as a reminder of the economic realities facing musicians today. The band’s continued success, despite the challenges of the streaming landscape, is a testament to their enduring connection with the Cologne community and the power of music rooted in local identity.
The exchange between Brings and his assessment of both Reker and Burmester is likely to fuel further discussion about the role of tradition and authenticity in Cologne’s public life. As the carnival season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these themes continue to unfold and shape the city’s cultural narrative.
