Exclusive Reveal at Arsenal Fest: Unreleased Song by Radomir Mihailović Točak Finally Performed!
The 15th edition of Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac opened with a bang and a flood of emotions. The star of the evening was not just any band, but a true music legend — Radomir Mihailović Točak, founder and guitarist of the iconic band Smak, whose unreleased song “Biska 8” was finally performed live.
How Did “Biska 8” Come to Be?
This track, inspired by baroque music and created many years ago, remained a secret for decades. The lyrics were written by Bora Horvat, but unfortunately, the original text was lost. Smak tried for years to complete the story but failed. The composition was kept on a shelf in Radomir Mihailović Točak’s old wardrobe. The band Fraktal Garden from Kragujevac premiered the song accompanied by the choir of the First Kragujevac Gymnasium, conducted by Professor Suzana Jevtović.
Family and Friends in Music
Adding a special touch, Marija Mihailović, Točak’s daughter, joined as a guest on keyboards. The choir arrangement was done by Točak himself, Professor Jelena Magleševa, composer Marko Matović, and Ivan Ristić, bassist of Fraktal, who wrote new lyrics inspired by his meeting with Mihailović.
Why Is This Song So Special?
Radomir Mihailović played this melody almost daily for 50 years, and as organizers say, all three of his daughters fell in love with it. Točak gifted the song to Fraktal because he liked that sincere people create music out of love. The new arrangement features specific rhythmic breaks and a solo by Petar Radivojević, Točak’s student from the 1990s.
Arsenal Fest as a Musical Spectacle
After the emotional opening, the main stage featured performances by Bajaga and Instruktori, and Zoster, the star of this year’s festival. The biggest attraction was the British band Massive Attack, pioneers of trip-hop, performing in Kragujevac for the first time. The festival lasted three days, with three stages and a rich lineup including The Hu, Buč Kesidi, Senidah, and many others.
Why Does This Matter?
This is not just a music event but a cultural phenomenon that connects generations and reminds us of Serbia’s rich musical heritage. The unreleased song by Radomir Mihailović Točak, preserved for decades, finally received the attention it deserves and thrilled the audience. It proves that true art never dies; it just waits for the right moment to shine.
Conclusion
If you thought you knew everything about Smak and Radomir Mihailović Točak, think again! “Biska 8” proves that behind every corner lies a new story, and Arsenal Fest is the place where these stories are born and live. So, dear readers, what do you think about this musical treasure that was hidden for decades? Is this just the beginning of new discoveries or the end of an era? Drop a comment, spark a debate, and remember — music is life, and life is a festival!
