An exclusive acoustic performance by the nu-metal band Papa Roach recently took place in Kassel, organized by Radio Bob. Fans who attended shared their excitement about this unique event.
Kassel — “The band embodies a sense of life we had back then. Their music preserves a time that was deeply formative for me,” says Frank Mensing from Schwerin. He holds a special connection to the American band Papa Roach: in 1999, he spent a year abroad at Vacaville High School in California, the same school where the band was formed. “Jacoby [Shaddix] had already graduated in 1995, but the band was still a prominent presence as a school group,” he recalls.
This personal connection won Mensing two tickets to the Radio Bob private concert. The event’s tickets were awarded to fans who could best explain why they deserved to attend. “This approach ensures that only true fans, who know every song by heart, are in the audience,” explains project manager Lennard Schadde.
For Mensing, singing along was no problem. “Many of my classmates back then were extras in the music video for ‘Last Resort.’ They were standing around the stage during filming,” he says. As for him, he missed out: “I was on the swim team, and our coach Anthony discouraged us from skipping practice for the shoot. So, the entire team wasn’t there. Then the video became a massive hit,” he laughs.
The enduring appeal of “Last Resort” was evident during the acoustic concert. From the opening tracks, including “Kill The Noise,” “Forever,” “Leave A Light On,” and “Scars,” the 100 attendees in Radio Bob’s studio swayed, sang, and danced along. Many captured the performance on their phones, cherishing the opportunity to see their favorite artists up close. “It’s an intimate experience without barriers,” Schadde notes. The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of “Last Resort,” energizing the room as fans enthusiastically joined in, shouting every word and cheering for the band.
“It was something completely different and absolutely amazing,” says Julian Krüger, who traveled from Frankfurt with a friend to see the band he’s followed since he was 12. “They have songs for every mood,” he explains, summing up his enthusiasm for the band.
Even with a short set of five songs, Papa Roach demonstrated their range. The emotional ballad “Leave A Light On” contrasted with their high-energy tracks, showcasing their versatility. Another standout moment came when the band broke the traditional barrier between artist and audience. After performing their fourth song, they invited a young fan onto the stage. This fan, Patrick Krines, had previously tattooed the signatures of all band members onto his arm—except for guitarist Jerry Horton, who was absent from a prior event due to a hand injury. That night, Horton signed Krines’ arm, completing the set. Krines beamed as he announced, “I’ve got a tattoo appointment booked for 6 p.m. the day after tomorrow.”
While not everyone walked away with a fresh tattoo, the night left a lasting impression on all attendees. For Mensing, the experience isn’t over yet: “I’ll be seeing them again in Hamburg soon.”
The acoustic concert marked the beginning of the band’s German tour, promising more unforgettable moments for fans across the country.