Zartmann Takes Over Heidelberg For The Very First Time

On March 20th, 2025, Zartmann came to Heidelberg for the first time ever, and the city was ready to say the least. The energy was unmistakable from the moment the doors opened at 7 pm. The excitement radiating from the crowd could be felt blocks away. After dropping off our jackets at the cloakroom, we made our way into the venue, hearts racing in anticipation. By 8 pm, the night kicked off with a great performance by newcomer indie artist Emma Rose. Her set was a perfect opener, featuring a mix of released and unreleased tracks like Hausverbot, Liebe Süße Mädchen, and Das Beste. Each song had the crowd bustling and setting the stage for Zartmann.

When Emma left the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. It was clear that Zarti and his band were about to take over. Personally, I was even a tiny bit more excited to catch a glimpse of Aaron behind the drums, who’s also a talented singer himself and featured on more than a few Zartmann songs.

At around 8:40 pm, the intro to Zartmann’s show began. The curtains remained closed, teasing the audience with a mesmerizing light show and the band’s shadows dancing behind them. It was a great buildup, and the crowd was on the edge. Zartmann opened with the number one hit in German Charts as of right now, called Tau Mich Auf, and from there, the energy never wavered. The setlist was a perfect mix of fast and slows. He effortlessly transitioned from slower ballads like Fuß Baumeln to faster-paced ones like Wir Haben’s Überlebt, keeping the audience captivated every step of the way. His ability to shift energy and emotion was nothing short of mesmerizing. The chemistry between him and his band, especially Aaron, was undeniable.

Speaking of Aaron, one of the night’s standout moments (at least for me) was when Zartmann handed the stage over to him to perform his own song, Wo Bin Ich. Zartmann even stepped offstage completely, ensuring all eyes were on Aaron. When Zartmann returned, he emerged on a platform to sing Fuß Baumeln, a song that holds a special place for me with its reflection on leaving home and loved ones behind and the bittersweetness of returning after a while.

The night also gave us a sneak peek into Zartmann’s upcoming EP, set to release next week.

On that account: Major Upcoming Release Alert Guys!

While he didn’t share all the song titles, he did reveal that the first track is called Wann Schreib Ich Einen Song Über Dich. The new songs leaned into a slower ballad-like style, with Zartmann explaining they were inspired by his recent breakup. The final track, performed solo on the piano, was so emotionally charged that it brought tears to the audience (me included) and even Zartmann himself.

Throughout the show, Zartmann’s caring nature shone through. He repeatedly checked in with the crowd, reminding everyone of the awareness team stationed around the venue and encouraging anyone who needed help to reach out. His wholesome dance moves, which always give me a hint of Harry Styles vibes, added a playful touch to the night.

The encore was the ultimate highlight. Zartmann returned to the stage with Meinen die Uns, and the crowd erupted. Jumping and dancing, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. He closed out the night with Eehhhyyy and a reprise of Tau Mich Auf, leaving everyone on a high note. As the lights came up, the happiness radiating from the crowd was undeniable. The walk-out song, Hey Jude by The Beatles, added a bittersweet touch to the end of an already unforgettable night.

As a self-proclaimed German indie ultra, I may be biased, but Zartmann definitely knows how to put on a show. His ability to connect with the crowd and deliver an unforgettable experience is unmatched.

If you haven’t already, make sure to grab your tickets for the 2026 Zartmann Tour! This is one you won’t want to miss.

TITLE PHOTO BY Luis Frederik via Zartmann's Instagram