Live report MADSEN & KOCHKRAFT DURCH KMA, ‘Smile’-Release Show, Stadtpark, Hamburg – June 5th, 2026

The Stadtpark Open Air is a series of live shows held in one of the most beautiful parks in Hamburg. Located in the northern part of the city, the open-air shows are special due to their unique atmosphere in a natural environment. Bands like Dream Theater and Alice Cooper have played there, and later this year, blues veterans ZZ Top will perform. Tonight, however, it is a German band celebrating the release of their latest studio album, “Smile”. We’re talking about Madsen.

Before the brothers and their bandmates take the stage, a young German band will kick off the night. Kochkunst durch KMA plays an interesting fusion of punk, synth rock, and wave. Tonight, the main focus is on punk rock, and the band makes good use of their 40 minutes. Even with some technical issues and forgotten beats at the start of “Alle Kinder Sind Tot,” the band’s performance remains impressive. “Gutes Arbeitsklima” follows, and the momentum returns. With “Wir Fahren Schneller” and “Influencer:innen Hassen Diesen Trick,” the end of the set slowly arrives, and the honest, warm applause proves that Kochkunst durch KMA has a solid fan base in Hamburg. And very important; don’t forget their show on January 2nd, 2027 in Duisburg.

Madsen played the final show of their 2025 tour at the Alsterdorfer Sporthalle in December, and now, six months later, the band is returning to Hamburg with a new album. Today is the release day of “Smile“, and it is the title track that opens the 100-minute, energy-packed show. Madsen has very dedicated fans in Hamburg, which becomes apparent during the first song. In addition to the enthusiastic fan base, even the weather is on Madsen’s side. It was supposed to be a full day of rain showers with dark clouds right at showtime. However, the rain never arrived, allowing Madsen and their fans to celebrate loudly the new album and the band’s classics.

Everyone is having a great time tonight, with Madsen also playing a few chords of Robbie Williams’ “Angel,” which is well-received. However, it’s the new songs that are celebrated by the fanbase. Although most of them haven’t heard the songs before, “Achterbahn” and “1995” are very much appreciated. Another new song, “Pass auf dich auf,” made it onto the setlist. Its lyrics fit perfectly into the current times.

“Rückenwind” has a thunderous riff, as does “Leuchttürme,” the first song in the encore. Fans love these songs, as most of them have known Madsen since 2005. “Die Perfektion” is a song from those early days, and the audience becomes a huge choir. “Du schreibst Geschichte” is another moment when the fans start singing along, showing the great vibe at Stadtpark.

The punk influences get their time in the spotlight, with a furious version of “Auf deinem Balkon” . There’s no doubt that the Madsen’s biggest hit will be on the setlist tonight. The band can’t leave without playing “Lass die Musik an,” and here it is. The fans loudly sing along to the first chords, which lead to a wave of euphoria.

Tonight’s show was the release party for the new album “Smile”, and it was a great celebration of the new songs. Everybody literally smiles at the end. Madsen clearly had a blast being back on stage, and the fans enjoyed every moment of the performance. Madsen has the ability to create a party vibe and entertain without compromising on meaningful lyrics or speeches. Fans appreciate this, and they got the entire package tonight. There couldn’t be a better way to welcome a new album. Just smile.