Panic People for Peace: Setting an example with Udo
12 November 2025Peace is a recurring theme throughout Udo's life and work – as an attitude, a message, and a driving force.
For decades, the "Panic President" has stood for tolerance, solidarity, and understanding. Whether with a paintbrush or a microphone, Udo is a pacifist by conviction. His art is full of messages against violence, discrimination, and exclusion—and for humanity. In Oberhausen, he is now setting another example: with his "Panic for Peace" symbol, which shines from the balcony of the castle and is intended to find its way into many Oberhausen windows.
A show of composure is being made on the castle balcony.
In recent years, symbols of peace have been displayed on the balcony of Oberhausen Castle – such as Thomas Baumgärtel's peace banana or Walter Moers' peace symbol. During the current exhibition, Udo Lindenberg and the LUDWIGGALERIE are again taking a clear stance against violence and war. The balcony displays a black peace symbol on a green and blue background – inspired by Udo's Comet-The motif was designed in collaboration with him. A message that cannot be missed: "Guitars instead of guns!"
Peace sign on the castle balcony © LUDWIGGALERIE Oberhausen Castle
A panic rocker for justice
But Udo's appeal for peace has deep roots. As early as the 1980s, he made a name for himself with songs like... What are wars for? A staunch advocate for peace, he has been fighting for the rights of children in crisis zones together with UNICEF since 2001. Equally influential was his commitment to German-German understanding: as one of the first West German musicians to perform in East Germany, he built bridges between East and West and offered encouragement where others remained silent.
Udo Lindenberg in front of Against Right-Wing Violence I © Tine Acke, Ludwiggalerie 2025
Udo's attitude permeates his entire work – both musical and visual. His songs and paintings are both a manifesto and a warning. Against right-wing violence, Guitars instead of guns or his series on the Ten Commandments to show that humor, color, and attitude are not opposites. Udo paints a world in which all people belong to the same family, as he himself says: "Everyone has the same blood." His Colorful Republic of Germany celebrates diversity, unity and peace – in vibrant colors and clear words.
Since 2006, he has also been spreading this message through his foundation. The Udo Lindenberg Foundation supports young artists, humanitarian projects in Africa, and advocates for democracy and civic courage. As a Greenpeace ambassador, Udo also fights for climate protection.
Paniker for Peace window display at the museum shop © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen
And now you: Peace in Oberhausen windows
The radiance of this symbol should now shine far beyond the castle walls. Under the motto Panic for Peace The LUDWIGGALERIE invites everyone to bring Udo's statement into their own home. A selection of images is available on the website. window picture and Table lantern Available for download with the iconic peace symbol – simply print, cut out, hang in the window or stand up – and your little peace light is ready!
The idea originated in the Ruhr region: When the era of hard coal mining ended in 2018 with the closure of the last coal mine, Prosper-Haniel, in Bottrop, the WDR (West German Broadcasting) launched the #lichtbeidernacht (light at night) campaign, calling on people to thank the miners by placing lights in their windows. This gesture inspired Caroline Tillmann-Schumacher of the LUDWIGGALERIE to start a similar participatory project in the Udoverse.
The days are getting shorter, the evenings darker – the perfect time to make a statement. Lanterns and window decorations bring light to the city and warmth to our hearts. They remind us that peace is not something to be taken for granted – but something that everyone can make visible.
Paniker for Peace lantern in front of the Great Castle © LUDWIGGALERIE Oberhausen Castle
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Lena Elster
General