Lothar König (1954–2024) was a Protestant pastor, activist, humanitarian, punk – and someone who demonstrated integrity throughout his life. Even in the GDR, he openly opposed state repression, advocating for freedom and human rights – and early on, he came under the scrutiny of the state security. After studying theology in Erfurt and Jena, he initially served as a pastor in Merseburg, where he became one of the co-organizers of the Monday demonstrations in 1989.
In 1990, he took over the leadership of the Young Community Stadtmitte in Jena. Under his guidance, the “JG” became a special place: Here, young people, punks, artists, students, believers, skeptics – people who wanted to make a difference – gathered. König created a space where one could argue, doubt, be loud, celebrate, and show integrity. It became a central place for especially young people who engaged in various ways for an open society and a sense of community – detached from status and origin. With his legendary loudspeaker van, he supported demonstrations nationwide. Until his retirement in 2019, he shaped generations of young people – as a pastor, discussion partner, and determined opponent of anti-Semitism, racism, and exclusion. König gained national prominence in 2011 when he was charged with alleged breach of the peace in connection with a demonstration against neo-Nazis in Dresden. The case was later dropped but sparked a broad debate about the relationship between state, church, civil courage, and protest. After the self-exposure of the right-wing terrorist National Socialist Underground (NSU), which was responsible for 10 murders and several bomb attacks, König became a sought-after conversation partner as someone who had warned about it since the 90s.
For his decades of commitment, Lothar König received multiple awards. He always understood his faith as a mandate to take responsibility and actively engage in social processes.
On October 21, 2024, Lothar König passed away in Jena. A year later, on October 21, 2025, Feine Sahne Fischfilet, in memory of him – and with the support of his family – released their music video for “Eine rauchen wir noch”:
FEINE SAHNE FISCHFILET - EINE RAUCHEN WIR NOCH (Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFB4R0yeMdI
Monchi met Lothar in August 2012 in Rostock at the “20 Jahre Lichtenhagen” memorial demo: "Lothar was there with his daughter Katharina and many people from Jena. Since I was already friends with Katharina, we met away from the demo the next day for breakfast. At first, I thought: What kind of guy is this? Then we sat there, talked for ages, and since then we have kept in touch. He needed me, I needed him. With the band, we often played at the ‘Jungen Gemeinde’ in Jena, his life's work. A place that is hardly found anymore: Suit wearers next to punks, hippies next to hooligans, regular folks next to freaks. All equally messed up – in the best sense. Concerts, parties, sermons, discussions – always life, always integrity. For me, it was a home for the most diverse people. And when we do the skate park or the Wasted today, I think of Lothar. Because all of that bears his signature. I was impressed that he took on everyone – even his own people. No boxes, no ideology. Close to the people, but clear against assholes.
A year ago, I visited him for the last time in hospice. Although I don’t actually smoke, we shared one last cigarette. He could hardly speak, so I talked: about life, family, the band. Played him a few new songs. At some point, I said: ‘Hey Lothar, someday we’ll write a song for you. I swear.’ He squeezed my hand. Besides my family, there are only a few people who have shaped, accompanied, and inspired me and us as a band so deeply over so many years.
Lothar was a pastor, father, anti-fascist, footballer, smoker – sometimes a pain, but always real. Uncomfortable, independent, brave. Above all, he was a friend. Someone you could argue with and then lie in each other's arms. We spent nights drinking, laughing, crying, smoking. Sometimes I still call his number today. I am grateful that I got to know him. Shortly after my last visit, he passed away. Right after that, we wrote ‘Eine rauchen wir noch’. Today is the first anniversary of his death, and we are releasing the music video for it. When I saw it for the first time, I had to cry. Out of sorrow – and joy for everything we experienced together.”
Feine Sahne Fischfilet are among the most successful and politically engaged German rock bands. With their energetic live shows, clear stance, and songs full of empathy, anger, and hope, they have earned one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. Their current album “Wir kommen in Frieden” was released in 2025 and reached number 1 on the German charts.
FEINE SAHNE FISCHFILET
"WIR KOMMEN IN FRIEDEN“ Winter 2025
Grüne Boje, VISIONS, True Rebel, Ox-Fanzine & livegigs.de
18.11.2025 CZ-Prague, Lucerna Music Bar (Sold Out)
19.11.2025 AT-Dornbirn, Conrad Sohm (Sold Out)
20.11.2025 AT-Linz, Posthof (Sold Out)
21.11.2025 AT-Graz, Orpheum
03.12.2025 Leipzig, Haus Auensee (Sold Out)
04.12.2025 Münster, MCC Halle Münsterland
06.12.2025 Saarbrücken, Saarlandhalle
07.12.2025 CH-Zurich, Halle 622
08.12.2025 Stuttgart, Porsche Arena
10.12.2025 Hannover, Swiss Life Hall
11.12.2025 Hamburg, Sporthalle
13.12.2025 Offenbach, Stadthalle (Sold Out)
14.12.2025 Erfurt, Messehalle
16.12.2025 Koblenz, EPG Arena
18.12.2025 Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
19.12.2025 Munich, Zenith
20.12.2025 Bamberg, Brose Arena
22.12.2025 Berlin, Max-Schmeling-Halle (Tour Finale)
20 years of Feine Sahne Fischfilet
"As long as we live – as much as we can”
Grüne Boje, VISIONS, Ox-Fanzine & livegigs.de
18.07.2026 Rostock, IGA Park
