Imagine this: half a million people gathered in one place, all ready to sing, jump, and enjoy Marko Perković Thompson’s concert at Zagreb’s Hipodrom. Yes, you read that right – 500,000 people! This wasn’t just a concert; it was a massive spectacle that shook Croatia and proved Thompson is still the king of the local music scene.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Just before the concert started, a few men lit flares and caused three small fires on the Sava embankment. Firefighters had to act fast, and police arrived to calm things down. About 100 meters of the embankment burned, but luckily, no attendees were hurt.
The concert kicked off with the song “Ustani, sjene” (Rise, Shadows), and the atmosphere was charged with emotion, pride, and unity. Thompson opened by urging the crowd to return to their traditions and Christian roots, sparking heated reactions in the public. Symbols like the Virgin Mary and rosaries appeared above the stage, and retired bishop Ante Ivas led a communal prayer, adding a spiritual layer to the event.
Producer Branimir Mihaljević revealed that organizing the concert required about fifty Indians, two Portuguese, eight Maltese, four Americans, several Slovaks, and hundreds of locals. Six months of intense preparation resulted in a flawless spectacle filled with joy, song, and tears of pride.
However, the concert wasn’t without controversy. Croatian singer Severina posted on Instagram that antifascism is the greatest concept in the world, clearly expressing her stance on the event, which sparked debates due to Thompson’s association with nationalist imagery and revisionist narratives.
This concert was more than just a musical event; it was a political and social phenomenon that divided public opinion. With half a million people at the Hipodrom, Thompson showed he has a massive fan base but also stirs strong emotions and controversies.
Were you there or have thoughts on this spectacle? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s cheering and who’s jeering this musical and social phenomenon!
