He had a relapse immediately after the Netflix documentary - Haftbefehl's emotional comeback after loss, addiction, and a near-death coma
German rapper Haftbefehl is set to make a major comeback in 2026 after a turbulent year marked by personal struggles and loss. The artist, whose real name is Aykut Anhan, will headline the World Club Dome in Frankfurt, following a difficult period that included a drug-induced coma and the death of his close friend Xatar.
Haftbefehl's downward spiral began in mid-2025, shortly after the release of his Netflix documentary. He admitted to a severe relapse into drug use, which led to a coma in July of that year. The trigger was the sudden death of Xatar, his mentor and friend, who was found dead in his Cologne apartment in May 2025 at the age of 43. The cause of Xatar's death was never made public.
The rapper's substance abuse took a physical toll, resulting in severe damage to his nose that required reconstructive surgery in January 2026. Later that year, he completed a six-week rehab programme in Villingen-Schwenningen, though details of his treatment remain undisclosed.
Now, Haftbefehl is preparing for a return to the stage. He will perform at a large memorial concert for Xatar at Cologne's Lanxess Arena on May 7, 2026. His comeback tour includes three major arena shows in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Berlin between September and October 2026.
Haftbefehl's return follows a year of recovery and reflection. His performances at the World Club Dome and the Xatar memorial concert will mark his first major appearances since his health crisis. Fans will see whether the rapper's comeback solidifies his place in German music once again.
