Nena’s “99 Luftballons” is one of the most unique classic rock songs of the 1980s. During an interview, one of the song’s writers said a Rolling Stones concert inspired him to craft “99 Luftballons.” ...

Only Slate Plus members can gift Slate stories. Become a member to share 10 free articles a month. “99 Luftballons” was the iconic—and, it turns out, accidental—Cold War protest song that rang out on ...

Nena may refer to three things. It’s the name of a German new wave band, the title of their 1983 debut album and the nickname for the group’s frontwoman. Gabriele Susanne Kerner had earned the moniker ...