It happened in a split second. Literally.
You’ve probably seen the GIF or at least heard the legend of #penisgate. Back in August 2015, Lenny Kravitz was performing at the Gröna Lund theme park in Stockholm, Sweden. He was only one song into his set—right in the middle of a heavy riff on "American Woman"—when he decided to drop into a deep, rock-star squat.
Then came the sound. Or maybe just the feeling.
His skin-tight lenny kravitz ripped leather pants gave way at the worst possible seam. Because Lenny has a well-documented aversion to underwear, the Swedish crowd (and eventually the entire internet) got a very clear view of his anatomy. It wasn't just a small tear; it was a full-on structural failure of the cowhide.
The Night the Leather Gave Up
The venue was packed. Fans were screaming.
Kravitz is known for that "Leonardo de Kravitz" energy—the scarves, the shades, and the incredibly tight trousers. But leather has its limits. When he squatted, the crotch seam disintegrated. He didn't notice immediately, continuing to shred on his guitar while his "pierced presence" (as VICE so eloquently put it) swung freely in the cool Swedish air.
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He eventually realized the situation and performed a quick, awkward retreat backstage.
Steven Tyler’s Iconic Reaction
The aftermath was almost better than the event itself. While the internet was busy hunting for unblurred photos, fellow rock legend Steven Tyler of Aerosmith sent Lenny a text that Kravitz eventually shared with the world.
"Dude. No underwear and pierced. Fuck me.. You never showed me that shit."
That single tweet from Lenny, featuring the screenshot and the hashtag #penisgate, basically broke the celebrity internet for 48 hours. It turned a potentially humiliating moment into a masterclass in "owning it."
Why Lenny Kravitz Ripped Leather Pants Still Matter Today
People still talk about this because it feels authentic to who Lenny is. He wasn't wearing a costume; he was wearing his actual life.
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There’s a common misconception that wardrobe malfunctions are always publicity stunts. Some critics at the time, like those at Elite Daily, questioned if the "conspicuous penis jewelry" was a bit too convenient for the camera. But if you look at the physics of it—high-tension leather plus a 51-year-old man doing a power squat—a rip is almost an inevitability.
Honestly, the most impressive part? He went back out.
After a few minutes, he returned in a fresh pair of leather pants. This implies two things:
- He is a consummate professional.
- He apparently travels with a literal "backup leather" inventory in his wardrobe trunk.
The Commando Lifestyle
Two years after the incident, Lenny did an interview with Mr. Porter and confirmed that he hadn't learned a single lesson. He was asked if he was wearing underwear during the interview. His response? "No. Thus the problems that I incur."
He joked that it was a little cold in Sweden that night and he might have "warmed things up" had he known he'd be on display. That's the nuance of Lenny. He's a guy who washes his clothes with a hose and Dr. Bronner’s soap on an island in the Bahamas. He’s "over" the fashion industry, even if the industry is still obsessed with his pants.
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What This Teaches Us About Style (and Physics)
If you're planning on channeling your inner rock star, there are some practical takeaways from the lenny kravitz ripped leather pants saga.
First, leather doesn't breathe and it certainly doesn't stretch unless it's been treated specifically for mobility. Most stage gear is reinforced with "gussets" in the crotch to prevent exactly what happened to Lenny. Clearly, his pair that night was more "street fashion" than "performance armor."
- Reinforcement is key: If you're going to squat, you need a diamond-shaped gusset.
- The Commando Risk: If you skip the base layer, you're one thread away from a viral hashtag.
- Own the moment: Humor is the best damage control.
The Stockholm incident didn't hurt Lenny’s career; if anything, it solidified his status as one of the last true rock stars who doesn't overthink things. He didn't release a formal apology or a corporate statement. He just laughed with Steven Tyler and kept on touring.
Even now, years later, the incident serves as a reminder that rock and roll is supposed to be a little bit dangerous—and occasionally, a little bit too revealing. If you're going to wear the pants, you have to be prepared for them to fail you.
Your Next Steps: If you’re looking to incorporate leather into your own wardrobe without a "Stockholm Surprise," look for "stretch-leather" blends or trousers specifically designed with a panelled crotch for movement. Always test your range of motion in a full squat before leaving the house, and maybe, just maybe, consider a thin pair of no-show liners.