Rock and roll and poker have long had a relationship with each other. Maybe it’s because they are both a bit off the beaten track – “outlaw,” so to speak – but it seems that they were made for each other. Now the online poker room GGPoker has enlisted one of the top hard rock acts in the business today for a commercial with a bit of an edge to it.
Singer for German Band Takes Center Stage
The German band Rammstein has been enlisted for the commercial, with their vocalist Till Lindemann stepping up to take on all the parts in the spot. Over the span of four minutes, Lindemann rides a private elevator to what appears to be a private poker game. Along with Spanish model Violeta de Agua, Lindemann sits down at the table with four different versions of himself before launching into a voiceover that sounds as if it is one of Rammstein’s songs.
While reciting this voiceover, Lindemann and de Agua square off in a fencing duel. At the poker table, he takes on a Cowboy version of himself, a self-assured sharp, a nerdy version, and a Punk Till that he battles against. There is plenty of visual imagery of religion and violence, but it is supposed to be about poker! The video ends with Lindemann saying “Gut gespielt,” or “Well played…” in German.
The video seems to be only for the German market, but it has drawn attention around the world. Over 3200 people have “thumbed up” the video (the YouTube equivalent of a “like”), while commentary from the crowd gushes over Lindemann’s acting skills and the almost lyrical content of his script during the video. One respondent even stated, “This is what poker needs!…I’m not a big supporter of all the choices which GGPoker is taking but this marketing idea is a true masterpiece!”
You can take a look at the video here:
Rammstein Not the First to Embrace Poker
Lindemann and Rammstein are not the first rockers to embrace poker. Back in the Aughts, Scott Ian of Anthrax was a huge proponent of poker, so much so that he was a sponsored player for the online poker room UltimateBet for a spell. Sully Erna of Godsmack also has found his way around the felt, earning over $300K from his three cashes that include a runner-up finish in a $5000 tournament at the 2007 Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic.
By far the most notable rocker who has taken part in poker is musician/producer Steve Albini. Albini has worked with some of the biggest rock acts in the world, including Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and former Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. He has stated, however, that one of his greatest achievements is his dual World Series of Poker bracelet victories, one in 2018 in Seven Card Stud and the second in 2022 in a H.O.R.S.E. event.
Music is only one of the areas where poker (and especially online poker) has attempted to draw in customers. Jason Alexander and Kevin Pollak have long been known for their enjoyment of the game, much like the legendary Gabe Kaplan. In the sporting world, football star Neymar has a reputation as a high-stakes player, so much so that he has allegedly lost a million dollars online, while PokerStars sponsors several sporting franchises and auto racing teams overseas. While the band Rammstein might not be the first thought for promoting poker, it seems to work pretty well in this case!