November 30, 2009 17:03

Pete Doherty apologises to German fans after Nazi anthem error - video

Babyshambles man sang right-wing version of German national anthem

Photo Gallery: Pete Doherty
Photo: Pa Photos

Pete Doherty has apologised for singing a Nazi-endorsed version of the German national anthem during a gig in Munich on Saturday (November 28).

Doherty's performance at they city's On3 Festival was reportedly cut short when he began singing a right-wing version of the German national anthem 'Das Deutschlandlied' that has been prohibited since the end of the Second World War.

Watch video footage of Doherty singing part of 'Das Deutschlandlied' by clicking below.

Doherty's spokesperson told Sky News that the singer had sung the song in error and did not mean to cause offense.

"[He] wanted to celebrate his appearance in Munich by assimilating and integrating with the crowd, something he tries do wherever he goes," she explained.

The song Doherty relayed during his performance begins, "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" ("Germany, Germany above all, above all in the world"), and was the sole verse of the anthem sung in the Nazi era. Since the end of the Second World War it has been considered offensive and not included in Germany's national anthem.

"He was unaware of the controversy surrounding the German national anthem and he deeply apologises if he has caused any offense," the singer's spokesperson continued.

"Peter himself is from Jewish descent and has fought against racism and fascism with numerous organisations including Love Music Hate Racism," she added. "This is a subject he feels very strongly about."

After singing the anthem Doherty continued his set for another five songs before festival organisers asked him to stop playing. A radio station, Bayerischer Rundfunk, which was broadcasting the show live, cut short its transmission shortly after Doherty had started the song.