SESH

Molotow is a renowned nightclub and live music venue located in Hamburg, Germany. Since its founding in 1990, Molotow has played a pivotal role in the city’s vibrant alternative and indie music scene. Originally established at Spielbudenplatz on the city’s famed Reeperbahn, Molotow quickly gained a reputation as an incubator for emerging talent and a hotspot for music lovers seeking a unique and intimate concert experience.

The club is known not only for its energetic live shows but also for its late-night club events, drawing an eclectic crowd from Hamburg and beyond. Over the years, Molotow has weathered significant challenges, most notably a threatened eviction in 2013 due to real estate development on the Reeperbahn. After considerable public outcry and demonstrations supporting the club, Molotow was forced to leave its original location in early 2014.

However, the club was able to find a new home just a short distance away on Nobistor, where it continues to thrive with expanded space and updated facilities, all while retaining its gritty charm and underground ethos. This sense of resilience has only added to the club’s legacy, making it a symbol of Hamburg’s resistance to cultural homogenization in the face of gentrification. Molotow is also well-known for its role during the annual Reeperbahn Festival, often serving as a central stage for both up-and-coming and established acts.

Through its history, Molotow has become a rite of passage for many musicians and a beloved favorite among locals, cementing its status in Germany’s club and live music lore. Notable artists who have performed at Molotow include international acts such as The White Stripes, The Hives, Franz Ferdinand, The Libertines, Mando Diao, Eagles of Death Metal, and Arctic Monkeys, as well as celebrated German artists and bands like Tocotronic, Die Sterne, Kettcar, and Fettes Brot. The club has also seen the early performances of now-famous bands such as Bilderbuch, AnnenMayKantereit, and Leoniden, maintaining its reputation as a springboard for breakthrough talent on both local and global scales.