When Marko Perković Thompson announces a new album, you know something big is coming. After 12 years of silence, in June he finally released “Hodočasnik” — an album that immediately became the best-selling domestic release of the year! Yes, you read that right, the best-selling! Croatia Records confirmed that Thompson remains the king of the Croatian music scene, smashing all sales records. But that’s not all — the concert at Zagreb’s Hippodrome was an explosion of emotions and pride. Over 70,000 people gathered to sing along with Thompson, creating an atmosphere that generations will remember. The audience sang from the first to the last song, and symbols like the Virgin Mary and rosary beads appeared on stage, while retired bishop Ante Ivas led a prayer, adding a spiritual dimension to the concert.
The soundcheck was so loud that Dino Jelusić heard it from his home 8 kilometers away! Crazy, right? Thompson showed he’s not just a musician but a phenomenon that unites people and stirs emotions at the highest level.
And here’s a juicy tidbit: the song “Lijepa li si” has a story — it started as a love ballad but was transformed into a patriotic anthem during a drive from Zagreb to Split, when the authors even picked up two Croatian soldiers hitchhiking and gave them a ride. Today, the song has millions of views and is one of the most recognizable in the country.
If you missed the concert or the album, what are you waiting for? Jump into the conversation, tell us your favorite Thompson song or share a concert story. It’s not every day Zagreb experiences such a musical and emotional bombshell!
