Stahnsdorf, located south of Berlin, is planning to dedicate nine streets in a new housing development to rock ‘n’ roll legends. Mayor Bernd Albers (Bürger für Bürger) is championing the proposal, which includes names such as Freddie-Mercury-Straße, Tina-Turner-Straße, and John-Lennon-Weg.
Diversifying Street Names with Rock Icons
Mayor Albers stated that the initiative aims to introduce more diversity in street naming by honoring modern music representatives. He emphasized a conscious effort to include many women, who he noted are currently underrepresented in street names. Stahnsdorf already has a ‘Composers’ Quarter’ with streets named after classical musicians like Beethoven, Bach, Schubert, and Chopin. The new proposal seeks to expand this musical tribute to include artists from different centuries, moving “against the monotony of street names.”
Nine Legends to Be Honored
The proposal suggests honoring nine women and men from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. The planned street names are:
- Debbie-Harry-Weg (replacing Planstraße 1)
- Madonna-Ciccone-Straße (replacing Planstraße 2)
- Elvis-Presley-Straße (replacing Planstraße 3)
- David-Bowie-Straße (replacing Planstraße 4)
- Annie-Lennox-Weg (replacing Planstraße 5)
- Freddie-Mercury-Straße (replacing Planstraße 6)
- Tina-Turner-Straße (replacing Planstraße 7)
- John-Lennon-Weg (replacing Planstraße 8)
- Aretha-Franklin-Weg (replacing Planstraße 9)
According to the municipality of Stahnsdorf, while Presley, Lennon, and Mercury already have streets named after them in Germany, the five female musicians and David Bowie do not. This move would mark a significant recognition for these artists.
A Nod to a Past Berlin Proposal for David Bowie
The idea of a David Bowie street is particularly noteworthy, as a similar proposal in Berlin failed several years ago. Following Bowie’s death, fans had advocated for renaming Hauptstraße in Schöneberg to David-Bowie-Straße, as the musician had lived there in the 1970s. However, that idea was not implemented.
“Stahnsdorf Rocks” – The Resolution
The resolution, aptly titled “Stahnsdorf rocks,” is scheduled for discussion in the municipal committees starting September 1st, after the political summer break. Mayor Albers acknowledged that the construction of houses and streets in the “Schmale Enden II” development area might take some time. However, he emphasized that the decision regarding street names should be finalized before the plots in the settlement are ready for construction.
This initiative reflects a growing trend to acknowledge modern cultural figures in public spaces, moving beyond traditional historical and classical figures. By honoring these rock legends, Stahnsdorf aims to create a unique and vibrant identity for its new residential area, potentially attracting residents who appreciate this musical heritage.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/lets-rock-stahnsdorf-soll-ein-rockmusiker-viertel-bekommen-id344542
