Unforgettable Concerts on Instagram: "Nena – “99 Luftballons” | Live Performance One song. One warning. A pop anthem with explosive meaning. When Nena performed “99 Luftballons”, whether in 1983 or 2018, she wasn’t just singing — she was sounding the alarm. Beneath the synth-pop shimmer was a Cold War parable: 99 red balloons released into the sky, mistaken for a threat, triggering global destruction. It was catchy, yes — but it was also chilling. From the haunting original to electrifying moder