Die Toten Hosen Honored with NRW State Prize for Cultural Impact

The iconic punk band received the award for their societal influence and decades of social engagement.

The award ceremony took place at the Apollo Varieté in Düsseldorf, attended by notable figures including Ministerpräsident Hendrik Wüst and filmmaker Wim Wenders.
Wim Wenders, a longtime friend of the band, delivered the laudatory speech, highlighting their commitment to social causes and democracy.
Die Toten Hosen were recognized not only for their music but also for their activism against xenophobia, antisemitism, and right-wing extremism.
The band expressed surprise at receiving the state's highest honor and announced they would donate the €25,000 prize money to local charities.
The event marked a symbolic bridging of cultural and political divides, reflecting the band's evolution from rebellious punk roots to respected cultural icons.