This Friday an interesting concert is expected in the Arena Campus Sava in Ptuj. The legendary English rock group Slade will perform on the Slovenian stage. And that’s not all! For the guests at the performance, they chose Slovenian guests. And these are neither random nor anyone. Namely, the group Get back will perform with Slade. Slovenian rockers who also perform successfully abroad and whose songs are played by radio stations in several foreign countries. That is why it is absolutely necessary to ask the legendary Brits about the Slovenian band. “It’s always great when you play with different bands and colleagues at concerts abroad. Get back is a very good band. It’s also very nice to hear when they say that they are our fans and that they also looked up to Slade as idol. We are looking forward to performing with them in Ptuj,” Slade lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Hill told us. Branko Potočnik from Get back confirms that it is true that they were also inspired by Slade on their way. “For example, I have been following them for a long time and they are truly legends. They have been on the scene for 54 years, so I know their music well. All I can say is hats off,” he says. Get back are not the only musicians who were inspired by their British colleagues. “Some of the biggest rock bands in the world have told me that they started playing guitars and decided to play music because they liked our music. We are a band that has worked hard for success. We created our own music. We also had a fantastic producer, Chas Chandler, who helped us succeed. That’s what we’ve always said,” adds Hill.
Without privileges Slade have already celebrated 50 years on stage, but there is no indication that they are thinking about saying goodbye. Quite the opposite. They say that they are far from having the last say and that despite the journeys, which have become more strenuous over the years, they are anything but tired. What are their challenges? What will happen in the future? “For me personally, even after 50 years, music is still a challenge, either for the band or for me. I am also creating a solo album, which is definitely a unique challenge. If you ask me about the future, the future is always unknown. But there is no doubt that I will always be in music. With the group’s compositions and also with solo album. It will be something new and different. I hope the fans will like it,” says Hill. Fifty years is a long period of joint activity for any group. Even in Slade, the membership changed, from the founding members only Hill is still in the group today. The last member of the current line-up, Alex Bines, joined the band in 2020. How difficult is it to coordinate between two members with such different mileage? Are any problems? “Not at all. We are an amazing band with great guys. We do very well together in this composition. And, what is very important or most important, we also sound great in the compositions,” he explains. Although, according to fans, Hill is a chief in the group, he says that this is not the case. But does he have any privileges? “Unfortunately, no, none, haha, but I wouldn’t say no if there is a chance to get them,” he replies.
Romantic Christmas rockers The band’s reputation for romantic rock genre has also been sticking to the band for a very long time. Do they see themselves that way? “We are a strong rock band with great rock songs. Our rock ballads, clothes and everything else are the basis for excitement and fun even today. Especially in the 1970s, those were really glamorous times,” he recalls. But they are also a very interesting rock band. Their most famous composition is Christmas-themed, Merry Christmas. A paradox? “The 1960s and 1970s were a fantastic time to be in a band and make music. We worked by trying something else as well. But always as a group. The rest is a coincidence related to the audience,” he explains. What about the new Slade? Is there already any successor? What is the perspective of young people? “Today, times are completely different. Today we live in a world of technology. No matter what the world is like, there are new groups even today. Quite a few are also very good. Many of them were also inspired by our music. There will always be new bands, new musicians and new music. That’s how this world is made and that’s how life is,” he believes.
Family is happy place Once popular gramophone records are making a comeback. More and more musicians decide to record and release something on them. How about Slade? “I grew up with vinyl records. I think it’s wonderful that they’re coming back. They still sound great, of course with the right turntable. Also, Slade has re-released some albums from the past on vinyl, so they are available to fans,” he announced to fans. But what is the private life of the most recognizable member of Slade? “Now it will be 60 years since I have been performing and it is still a pleasure for me. My happy place is family. I enjoy being away from work whenever I can. Family is first and will always be the most important thing in my life, above everything else.” And finally, what about Slovenia and Slovenian fans? Any message for them? “Of course! Keep on Rockin’! Best regards to the concert.”
Frontman grupe Vigor Mario Roth ovih dana našao se u novoj ulozi. Postao je jedan od članova žirija šova Tvoje lice zvuči poznato. Iako je grupa na sceni i jedna od najpopularnjih na području nekadašnje Jugoslavije več deset godina, za Maria ta je uloga nešto novo. Jednog od najpoželnijih Hrvata tom prilikom smo zbog toga pitali o aktualnim stvarima, a uz to otkrio nam je i neke druge.
Postali ste član žirije TLZP. Bili ste možda već prije u takvoj ulozi? Ovo mi je prvi put i beskrajno uživam u tome. Ekipa je sjajna, svi se poznajemo od prije i nema nikakvih tenzija već je sve opušteno i k tome se jako dobro zabavljamo. Ja sam prije uspjeha na glazbenoj sceni radio kao voditelj na radiu tako da mi ovaj žirijski zadatak dođe kao nešto normalno i prirodno.
Kako će biti za vas ocjenjivanje kolega? Biti čete strogi, objektivni? “Tvoje lice zvuči poznato” je emisija koja je prvenstveno osmišljena kako bi se ljudi pred televizijom zabavili. To nije pjevačko natjecanje niti Eurosong. To je zabava za cijelu obitelj a k tome je još i humanitarnog karaktera. Ocijene su tu najmanje bitne, bitno je da se ljudi nedjeljom prije početka novog radnog tjedna opuste i beskrajno nasmiju i zabave. Ocjenjivanje je tu samo zbog priče i malo uzbuđenja.
I sami prije nekoliko godina sudjelovali ste u tom šovu kao takmičar. Smatrate, da je zbog tog iskustva biti žirant lakše? Jedno je biti natjecatelj, a drugo u ulozi žirija. Kao natjecatelj si pun pressinga jer na setu moraš biti ujutro u šest pa do osam na večer do kada snimanje traje. Beskrajno sjedenje satima u šminci, pa nakon toga oblačenje u kostim, pa generalna proba bez publike, pa onda cijeli performans pred publikom. Nije to lagan posao. To se čini kao da je tako, ali iza svake te transformacije stoji jedan ozbiljan tim ljudi koji isto tako jako puno rade da bi show bio što uspješniji i zanimljiviji.
Bio je netko, koga ste ili bi željeli imitirati a nije bilo prilike? S obzirom kako sam bio u čak dvije sezone, imao sam 24 transformacije, odnosno imitacije i sve su mi bile podjednako drage. Neke su bile jako dobre, neke malo manje dobre ali to je normalno. Ne možeš u svima biti najbolji. Sve je stvar što ti gljiva da za zadatak i kako ti tome osobno i pristupaš. Naravno da ulogu igra i tip pjevača. Ja sam bariton i samo takve pjesme mogu pjevati, da su u mojoj glasovnoj postavi. Volio bih da sam mogao dobiti priliku biti Indira, pa Jasmin Savros, Louis Armstrong… ima ih.
Idu vam od ruke inače imitacije koga od poznatih? Mislim da sam to savršeno pokazao u mojim dvijema sezonama. One koje odlično imitiram sam i dobio u emisiji.
Može se dogoditi, da će netko od takmičara dobilo zadatak da imitira vas. U tom slučaju, budete ga ocjenjivali ili to prepustili kolegama i sami se distancirali? Kakvi ste inače u slučajevima ocjenjivana nekoga, ko vas imitira? Ocjenjivati moram jer mi je to zadatak. Bez obzira kakva transformacija i imitacija bila, svakako ću nagraditi visokom ocjenom jer znam da im ne bi bilo lako imitirati mene dok ja sjedim par metara od njih. Ocijene se moraju dati jer su takva pravila iako bih bio najsretniji da nema ocjenjivanja i da bez pressinga uživamo u zabavnom showu, ali pravila su drugačija i trudim se biti realan u svojim ocjenama.
Vigor je jedan od najpopularnijih bendova već deset godina. Vi živite samo od muzike. Kako je danas biti profesionalni muzičar? Pogotovo u bendu, gdje zarade podjele se na više dijelova? Kada imaš hitove, kada imaš publiku i koncerte na koje ta publika i dolazi, onda se od toga dobro živi. Ja već deset godina radim samo to i od toga živim i ne mogu se žaliti na bilo što. Imamo tu sreću da nam je život tako podijelio karte, da smo sami svoji šefovi, sami odlučujemo što želimo,a što ne želimo. Nitko nam ne visi nad glavom i to je pravi blagoslov jer sami upravljamo svojim poslom i svojim odlukama.
Grupa Vigor prijatelj je s klapom Rišpet. Slično prijatelji ste s još kojim od kolega? Dugo i lijepo prijateljstvo gajimo sa Joletom, Mejašima, Mineom, Grupama Tarapana i Učiteljice, Miroslavom Škoro, Indirom…Ima ih još ali ću ih sigurno zaboraviti spomenuti.
A vi sami? Imate neka velika prijateljstva među kolegama? Družim se samo s onim ljudima koji imaju lijepu i toplu energiju. Većinu njih sam već naveo. To su ljudi koji su “raja” i svaki put kad se vidimo pišemo neke lijepe i zabavne trenutke.
Kako je inače s prijateljstvima na hrvatskoj muzičkoj sceni? Ima toga puno, malo? S obzirom na količinu posla i na to koliko putujemo i radimo koncerte, vrlo rijetko se susrećemo sa svima jer su i oni zauzeti svojim poslovima pa prilike za druženja baš i nisu česte. Kada se vidimo na snimanjima emisija ili na nekim zajedničkim koncertima, uvijek popričamo i nazdravimo.
Jednom prilikom za hrvatsku estradnu scenu izjavili ste da je sterilna. Zašto? Zamjerili ste se možda kolegama, medijima… zbog toga? Naravno da se nisam zamjerio kad to svi misle. Kada sam rekao sterilna, mislio sam da nam fali drskosti u produkciji, tekstovima, aranžmanima. Mislim da je pobjeda Baby Lasagne na hrvatskom izboru pjesme za Eurosong to i potvrdila. To je dobar pomak. Mi u Hrvatskoj često moramo paziti na tekstove pjesama jer radio postaje i televizije to neće emitirati. O formatiranim radio postajama gdje komitenti odlučuju što će se puštati u njihovom oglašivačkom prostoru da ne govorim. I tu je naš najveći problem.
Kao frontman u bendu najviše ste ispostavljeni. Smeta vam to ponekad? Ja sam već davnih dana naučio što je bend i što je timski rad. Kada si u grupi i kada si frontman, normalno je da privlačiš više pažnje. Grupa je kao jedan lanac,a frontman je malo sjajniji privjesak na tom lancu. Ja sam u grupi Vigor već jako dugo i sve mi je to normalno kao i mojoj ekipi. Svatko u bendu ima svoj posao i svoju zadaću. Moja zadaća je pjevati i svijetliti malo više od svih.
Prije dvije godine slavili ste okrugli rođendan. Bila je to za vas neka posebna preokretnica? Godine ne brojim. Godine su samo broj, a dokaz tome što se ja osjećam kao da godine ne idu, kao da stoje. Čovjek se osjeća i živi onako kako se osjeća duhom. Svi starimo i to je neizbježan životni proces, ali ako se u duši osjećaš mladim i ako si pun životne energije, to se onda vidi i na van. Jako je bitno i s kime se družite. Kako postajem stariji, tako i biram ljude u svom životu. Prije nisam znao reći ne i sad je dosta. Kako sam to naučio ljudi su se u mom životu iskristalizirali i svako je na svom mjestu sada. Neki i dalje pored mene, nekima sam se zahvalio i zatvorio svoja vrata. Kada imaš prave ljude oko sebe i život ti postaje manje stresan i pun lijepih trenutaka.
Da li biste rekli, da se u kom smislu zbog toga mijenjate glazbeno? Sazrijevate i slično? Da li će zbog takvih stvari muzika, tekstovi,… Vigora biti možda u kom smislu drugačiji? Apsolutno da. Ja sam stariji i zreliji, tako i moje pjesme zajedno sa mnom postaju zrelije, sa puno više zrelijih poruka u njima. Kada sam imao 35 godina, mogao sam pjevati Maro, Marija da si malo starija. Sada u četrdesetima da snimim takvu neku pjesmu bilo bi apsurdno i smiješno.
Več godinama svrstavaju vas među najpoželnije i naj seksi Hrvate. Jednom prilikom rekli ste mi, da se ne možete priviknuti tome. Priviknuli ste se do sada več? Kako inače gledate na takve oznake? Ja sebe uopće ne doživljavam tako niti sam ikad to i prihvaćao. Ja za sebe smatram da sam zreo muškarac, svjestan sebe, svojih mogućnosti i svega oko sebe. Što znači biti sexy? To nema veze s izgledom, odijevanjem. Ono što je oku nevidljivo dolazi iznutra. To nema veze sa fizičkim izgledom. Biti sexy ne znači da je netko zgodan, a još manje lijep. Seksipil dolazi iz našeg zadovoljstva vlastitim životom, a onaj tko je ispunjen on jednostavno zrači nekom lijepom energijom. To je sexy.
Biti seks simbol vjerovatno nije uvijek najlakša ili zabavna stvar. Jednom ste mi ispričali, da vas obožavateljice štipkaju i na ne baš najprimernijim mjestima. Kako reagirate u takvim situacijama? Hahahaha, to je vrlo rijetko moram priznati jer većina naše ženske publike je vrlo pristojna. A to je tako lijepa spoznaja.
Nedavno otkrili ste jednu od svojih tajni. Več godinama imate obrijanu glavu, što je jedan od vaših prepoznatljivih znakova. Sada ste otkrili, da glavu brijete jer ste prije nekoliko godina počeli gubiti kosu, što je dugo bilo nepoznato o vama. Za nekoga, ko je popularno javno lice, teško je pričati o takvim osobnim stvarima? Naravno da mi nije teško. Pa nije biti ćelav kraj svijeta. Muškost ne dolazi s kosom niti muškost s njom nestaje. Ja kada sam počeo gubiti kosu sam vidio da to ne izgleda lijepo, već smiješno haha pa sam se iz tog razloga počeo šišati vrlo kratko. Ja sa gubitkom kose nisam izgubio na samopouzdanju već upravo suprotno. Dobio sam čak i više samopouzdanja jer sam shvatio i vidio da u tom izdanju sebi izgledam puno bolje. Često muškarci odlaze na transplataciju kose jer im je gubitak kose nešto strašno. Nije stvar u kosi. Stvar je u onome što se nalazi ispod nje.
Vigori spremate novi CD, uz to i LP gramofonsku ploču s najvećim hitovima. Zašto ste odlučili za LP? Još smo u pregovorima oko toga, ali s obzirom kako je diskografija u svom zalasku jer se sve prebacilo na digitalni sadržaj odnosno streamnig paltforme na internetu, to je jedna ideja jer mislim kako grupa Vigor to zaslužuje. Pa zar nije cool imati svoj LP u današnjem modernom svijetu?
Ploče inače opet se vračaju u modu. Imate i sami kod kuče možda gramofon i ploče? Moj tata je imao čitavu jednu kolekciju gramofonskih ploča, ja sam odrastao na njima i ako klincu mi je to bilo sasvim normalno i svi smo bili u čudu kada je izmišljen CD. Ploča ima neku svoju vrijednost i ljepotu, a mislim da je to nekako najviše zbog nostalgije i nekih ljepših vremena.
Kao frontman jedne od najpopularnijih hrvatskih grupa često ste u medijima, što u tom najmanje volite? To je nešto što je normalno u ovom poslu i ako ste stalno u medijima to znači da ste interesantni, zanimljivi i da ljudi vole to što radite. Mi živimo u nekom drugom vremenu gdje je svatko gospodar svojih društvenih mreža i danas svatko pošto poto želi biti poznat, a za to zapravo uopće nema pokriće. Nekad si morao puno vrijediti da dođeš na televiziju i u novine. Danas to nije tako. Danas glupost prodaje sve i to me najviše smeta.
Sam ne sečam se nekog vašeg baš velikog skandala, ali svake toliko ipak, namjerno ili nenamjerno, volite isprovocirati s nekom izjavom, stavom,… Kako daleko idete u takvim stvarima? Nisam tip od skandala niti me to zanima. Ne čitam trač rubrike tko je što jeo, kada je išao na wc, koga ljubi, tko je koga ostavio… Mene su moji roditelji cijeli život učili da gledam samo svoja posla a da me tuđi životi ne zanimaju. Kako ljudi mogu očekivati da će napraviti nešto lijepo i veliko u svom životu ako se bave tuđim? Oni koji to rade su samo nesretni i njima ne treba zamjerati. Nesretnom čovjeku ne zamjeraš samo ti je žao jer se nisu ostvarili niti na jednom svom životnom polju.
Dio privatnosti ipak čuvate za sebe i ne pokažete baš sve. Čega recimo nikad ne kažete ili ne bi rekli? Gdje sebi i za sebe postavite granicu? Sve stvari iz privatnog života. To što smo mi javne osobe ne znači i da smo javni wc. Smatram da nikoga ništa ne bi trebalo zanimati osim naših pjesama. Ja sam pjevač i sav fokus treba biti na tome. Smatram da nije bitno kako mi izgleda sestra ili brat, otac ili majka ili moji prijatelji. Oni nisu javne osobe i njih želim zaštiti. Ja sam birao ovaj put, ne oni. Njihovi životi su potpuno drugačiji i to treba poštivati. Ja na svoje društvene mreže pazim što objavljujem jer su meni društvene mreže alat za moj posao. Ne objavljujem baš svaka privatna druženja i privatna putovanja. Zna se što je za javnost, a što ne. Zašto bi svi u svakom trenutku trebali znati što radim, gdje se nalazim, što jedem…
On 19th February in Cankarjev dom hall in Ljubljana will be concert with maestro Roberto Abbado for Festival Ljubljana. The famous Italian conductor will perform in Slovenia for the third time and in connection to this occasion we have spoken with him.
You have already toured in Slovenia, in Ljubljana. Do you have any friends among Slovenian conductors? Do you ever meet? Have you ever cooperated? I have been to Slovenia twice, but unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to meet any of my colleagues in person. The conductor is the main authority in the orchestra and on stage. There is probably a certain relationship between you and the musicians that is indispensable and mandatory on stage. How do you get along with the orchestra in backstage? The relationship must be very strong. After all, we make music together. The orchestra knows what it will play, and the conductor determines the type of performance. Your colleague Alfonso Scarano, as he told me in an interview, has a strict professional relationship with the orchestra on stage. In their free time on tour, they play football together, among other things. What are you like? Haha, if I go play with them, I’ll break down. Today, cards come into play more. When I was younger, we also competed with the orchestra. I even organized some matches myself. But I used to do a lot of sports. In addition to football, also tennis and skiing. But then the knee problems started. So now I’m a couch sportsman. I still never miss a good football or tennis match on TV. It relaxes me and clears my mind, although I often get upset by what is happening on the screen. Do you have a favorite football club? Of course! Lazio Roma. This is our family tradition. My grandfather started cheering for the club. My parents were even its presidents. Today, there are several top conductors in the world, but it would be difficult for me to point to just one who would be a marked departure from others, for example as Herbert von Karajan or Leopold Stokowski in the past. How do you view your colleagues? Is there anyone among them that you particularly appreciate? Do you think any of you stand out in particular? I think you’re right. There isn’t just one standout today. Von Karajan was number one in his time. But even then there were many excellent ones. Have you ever thought about whether a famous musical surname helped you on your way or did it make you have to prove yourself even more because of it? I think it was more the latter. To this day, I encounter comparisons with my uncle Claudio, who was a top, world-renowned conductor. He is still highly regarded, recognized as one of the greatest artists of his kind of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Your daughter also played violin, but later she didn’t choose music for her profession. I never gave her any advice. He works in Italy’s Luft optic, a company for a world-famous brand of glasses, sunglasses etc. She is a video expert. I wasn’t disappoint that she stopped playing the violin. She told me that she lacks the most necessary thing for a musician, passion. She is happy in her profession and I am happy for her too. Conductors and maestros are regarded by the audience as serious, strict people. Would you say that you are different from this picture? I think that in our conversation so far you have already gotten some picture of me and that you can see that I also know how to joke. I laugh a lot because it is positive and necessary. There are, of course, things that need to be taken seriously. What are you like in private? Do you know how to get away from work and rest? I love to cook, it’s a great type of relaxation for me. I like it because you can use a lot of imagination, try creativity. You have FB profile, are you very active on social platforms? Are you one of those who can’t be without? I only have FB. Being present on social networks is essential these days, but I’m certainly not one of those people who are constantly on social networks. Too frequent presence takes a lot of time, and the question is also how quickly they can get fed up. Interviews are also part of your job. What kind of interviews do you prefer? Is there a topic you don’t like? I think that I am open, that there is nothing that I do not dare to answer. You perform all over the world. Maybe you have a favorite hall? Festival Ljubljana, haha. Well, there are a few more. Your idol was Carlos Kleiber. You have said of him several times that he was literally a genius. Why? Did you ever meet him? Once in Italy, during rehearsals for one of his concerts. He asked me if I had ever conducted Aida, because he never did himself, I think this is very interesting about him. He loved to joke, even about himself. He was a genius. He knew how to approach music in a special way. Together with the orchestras, he worked magic on stage. Never before have I seen so much passion woven into music. Everything he did was imbued with incredible elegance. He knew how to merge mutually contradictory things into a whole. All this can be summed up as genius. Would you say you have something in common with him? I don’t think so. We are different, which is fine. But he had a great influence on my uncle Claudio and also on our generation. I often notice that today’s young conductors do not copy Kleiber, but his influence is felt. He is buried in a small village in the middle of Slovenia, where he lived during the last years of his life. Have you ever visited his grave? I have to admit, unfortunately not. Now that you mention it, if there’s a chance, I’ll go. Your uncle Claudio was also a famous conductor. Have you ever performed together? No, unfortunately never. But we met often, especially in the last years of his life, when he lived in Bologna.
You have a rich and successful career. You are an example to younger generations of conductors. What do you think your legacy will be? Gee, you ask tough questions! (laughs). It’s really hard to judge yourself. I think you should ask the audience, colleagues, experts… Maybe this one will be easier. What are you most proud of in your career? What do you consider your greatest success? Oh, that’s not any easier either (laughs). After a performance of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera La favorita in 2014 in Salzburg, a gentleman approached me and said maestro, congratulations on your Parsifal. I conducted this Wagner opera half a year earlier in Bologna. The aforementioned gentleman was at both performances and instead of congratulating me for La favorite, he congratulated me especially for the performance of Parsifal. Many people later told me that Parsifal was the best work of my life. You perform in big concert halls all over the world. Do you sometimes wish to perform also outside them? Would you, for example, perform with orchestra on the opening of Olympics etc? I would, of course. If it would be a small part, some cut. I can’t imagine how you would perform with Beethoven, for example, because those are really long symphonies. Outside of other concert venues, it depends on the acoustics etc. When I was looking at your photos online, I would say that in some of them you look a little like the American actor James Read from the 80s TV series North and South. Have you ever noticed this yourself? Has anyone else ever said that to you? Actually, I think you’re the first one to tell me that (laughs). When we were younger, it was really about the resemblance, especially the eyes and around the eyes, but now probably less.
André Rieu je poznan kot kralj valčkov, saj s svojim orkestrom že leta z velikih in nezmanjšanim uspehom nastopa na turnejah po svetu. Nekajkrat je bil tudi v Sloveniji, kjer bo naslednjič nastopil letos novembra v ljubljanskih Stožicah in kjer ga označujejo med drugim tudi za ljubljenca občinstva. Glasba in igranje sta njegovo delo in življenjski navdih, a glasba ni edina stvar v maestrovem življenju. Ko ni vaj in koncertov, rad poprime za kuhalnico, prav tako pa uživa na svojem domačem vrtu. Včasih pa ga lahko vidimo tudi kje in v vlogi, kjer si ga ne predstavljamo ravno najprej, a zato tem bolj prijetno preseneti. Eden takšnih dogodkov se je pripetil tudi v nizozemskem Limburgu. Sloviti maestro je sicer prišel nastopiti, obenem pa je pripravil presenečenje. To je sledilo po njegovem nastopu z orkestrom in mlado pevko Emmo Kok. Približno 2000 zbranim otrokom v dvorani so namreč pripravili hitri tečaj postopkov oživljanja.
Tečaj, ki povsod pride prav Kombinacija nastopa in tečaja se morda komu na prvi pogled zdi nenavadna, Rieuju pa se ni zdela prav nič. Tudi sam je mnenja, da postopke oživljanja obvlada še vedno premalo ljudi, še kako prav pa pridejo kjerkoli in kadarkoli. Obvladanje omenjenega postopka rešuje življenja, saj je zelo pogosto tako, da o preživetju nekoga odloča prav ta spretnost kot vmesna vez do prihoda reševalcev. Pritegniti pozornost tako velikega števila otrok ni bilo lahko, a z glasbo je šlo lažje. Prav poseben odziv pa je bil, ko se je med mladino v dvorani spustil tudi sam maestro. Tudi Rieu je je preizkusil, kako mu gre od rok oživljanje, s čemer je opogumil marsikaterega boječega in sramežljivega izmed otrok, da je pogumno preizkusil. Rieu sicer prav tako poziva vse vlade ter šolske in izobraževalne ustanove, da to usposabljanje vključijo v svoje izobraževalne programe, saj je korist takšnih osvojenih znanj neprecenljiva. V dvorani se mu je pridružila tudi pevska gostja Ema Kok. Tudi sama je pokleknila k lutkam in poskusila, kakšno je oživljanje ponesrečenca. Kokova bo sicer tudi gostja na Rieujevem novembrskem koncertu v Stožicah v Ljubljani.
With no doubt they are one of international sensations in the last years. From native Australia Umbilical brothers duo perform worldwide and their performances are high successful everywhere. This weekend, November 26th, they will perform again in Slovenia. At this occasion we have spoken with Shane Dundas.
You perform under the name of brothers. Does anyone else still today believe you are brothers? We still get asked “Are you guys actually brothers?”. My standard answer is “Not as far as we know, but the DNA test results haven’t come back from the lab yet.”
If I’m not mistaken, you will perform in Slovenia for the third time? In which country have you performed the most times? Oh man I think we’ve been to Slovenia at least 5 times! We love coming back to the SiTi Theatre. Lovely people, nice crowd. Apart from Australia, I feel like we’ve performed most in the USA and the Netherlands. And maybe Sweden. It’s been a long time and about 40 countries so I can’t keep track.
They publish superlatives about you. You’re probably happy about it, but anyway. Are such superlatives for an artist, specifically speaking about you, also dangerous? Can one quickly fall asleep on one’s laurels because of them? Do they block the desire and need for new challenges? Who doesn’t like a superlative? There have been some nice reviews over the years. And some not so nice. It’s all opinion and taste isn’t it. The true test is on the night, with the audience. That is the challenge, every night. I guess we could coast on the praise but people have appreciated it when we’ve surprised them. If your head is in the right place the good reviews encourage you to keep going, rather than fall asleep at the wheel. And a restless brain never stops jumping around in your head, for better or worse.
The performance The Distraction is also described in superlatives. If I ask you an ungrateful question: How satisfied are you two with The Distraction? Is it on stage and on the screen what you envisioned in the idea? I don’t think any of us is totally satisfied with the show, and in fact that’s an impossibility. We’re different people with different perspectives and we like different things in it. The overall concept (a live green-screen performance, where the audience has 2 places of focus to choose from) is what we envisioned. But inside that is the craziest mashup of ideas. It’s grown through a lot of playing around, to the point where it’s not a thing we could have imagined.
Similar as all things, humor changes too. How do you two see it? Is it hard to be a comedian these days? I think most comedians would agree there are challenges in terms of cancel culture, if that’s what you’re referring to. It doesn’t tend to happen with us but there are artists who intentionally cross lines and break taboos. It’s part of their art and they’re usually making a point. And then there are performers who are ready and waiting to shock, and watchers ready and waiting to cancel. In an ideal world intelligence and common sense on both sides would help defuse that battle. Humor changes but people will always need to laugh. We all need it, especially now. It’s a public service.
You have several imitators. What do you think about them? Give me their names and addresses! Generally we’re not aware of imitators. They say it’s the sincerest form of flattery, and I like the idea that what we’ve done could inspire someone to create stuff. Direct copying isn’t so hot. Inspiration and imitation is often part of a young comedian’s journey to their own unique comedic voice. You need to grow beyond that to become you. And it’s more fun, trust me. Ultimately, if you can’t come up with your own shit then what’s the point? Who are you?
What about the competition? There’s competition? Jesus. We don’t think about that notion, maybe because we’re unique in our own country and don’t need to. If you mean other comics who do physical stuff, that’s great. It’s just more fun stuff for the world to enjoy. Also, we’re not at the top of the comedy tree so it’s not like we’re fighting to stay up there.
Many, if not most, artists are perfectionists. How about you two? I think we’re both perfectionists in different ways, in terms of what ideas or aspects of performance are important to us. It’s a really good mix. I have become less concerned about perfection these days, and more into going with the flow, no matter how perfect or imperfect the detail is. That’s partly because something often goes wrong technically during the show, and we’ve just gotta go with it. Otherwise you go insane.
There are different things, techniques and more in your repertoire. You probably also have some secrets about how you invented and developed something? No special techniques, at least not consciously! It’s basically about imagining funny stuff that tickles your brain and playing around with it. Riffing on ideas isn’t a special technique. The actual challenge is arranging all the silly stuff into something that flows for an audience, for the duration of the show. I think we may be less professional than you imagine. For example, some people think we’re serious, well-trained mimes. We did about 2 weeks of mime training in theatre school.
Do things get patented in your business? I don’t know, if you wrote a script you could copyright it, but it’s hard to patent things that aren’t described in words. And would it stop people from copying it in some far-off land where they don’t know the original stuff? We did a TV gig in China, and some of the other acts were clearly copying people we knew of.
I guess patents are not always an easy thing to do in a business like yours. I just remembered of the case of the actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who initiated legal proceedings for copying and unauthorized use of the so-called Carlton dance from the series The Prince of Bel Air. He claimed it was his invention and patent and property. As far as I remember, he lost the case in court. What’s your experience with special effects and things like that? That’s crazy. And funny, just thinking of the courtroom scene. I don’t think this show has been imitated yet, but it probably will be. The only difference here is that Doug Bayne, our amazing and eccentric co-creator on the show, has invented a lot of the mad visual effects stuff you’ll see. Good luck reproducing that. Jesus, your questions about imitators, competition, and now patenting…is there something you need to tell me?
Many singers and actors who perform and work around the world have told me in interviews that the most tiring part of their work is traveling. What about you two? True that. Especially coming from Australia. We’re far from everywhere. I love the places we get to, but getting there.… It took over a day to go from my front door to our first location on the tour. And from gig to gig we’re carrying so much equipment for this show. By the end of this tour we’re either going to be super-fit, or dead. Or both.
Most people know you as UB. How is with your acting? Is there any time for that? With all your performances as UB, do you have the time and desire for a film or theater project? We do find time to do other stuff, and there is a desire for it. It’s possible to make gaps in our Umbilical schedule for other projects. I’ve acted outside of our duo and done solo stand-up. David’s a talented actor who’s wanted to act from day one. Last year he worked on a big film that you’ll all see next year. I mean big! I can’t wait to see what he does onscreen. With any luck I’ll also appear in it for about 10 seconds.
You are actors, a performers,… Are you tempted or have you ever been tempted by some other film or theater field? For example, write a script? Bring director? Production? Definitely. Years ago we were heavily involved in the creation of a childrens’ TV series we made with Sesame Workshop, from concept through to writing and acting. We even had input on editing. That was hard work but fun. So it’s not a new idea. David’s very driven and is always trying to create or be part of a creative thing, wherever the opportunity arises. I actually wanted to be a film director when I was a kid. That sensibility has informed my perception and approach to our work. I’ve only recently thought about bringing my experience to directing and creative and work with new and different people. I’d like to try that.
I already mentioned that you will perform in Slovenia for the third time. Have you met any Slovenian colleagues so far? We’ve met some very cool people at the SITI after the shows. We always catch up with Uroš, the artistic director, and some of the other groovy kids who drop in, and it’s always a pleasure. It’s an honor to have other artists check out our work.
They mark you as a unique phenomenon. Because of this and the fame, what is your private life like? Do you have it? Is it hard to have? We’re not that special. Private life isn’t hard at all. At one point we would get recognized or stopped quite a lot, but that’s died down. I live away from the action, a very normal life. David’s in Sydney so he gets a little more attention, but again, it’s fine. People don’t hassle us, or even care much these days. That’s one of the perks of getting older.
Television and film actor, singer, author…, Carlos Ponce visited Slovenia last week for the first time. He impressed many fans and especially female fans during his visit when they had a chance to meet him in person, ask different things and take photos with him.
Just as Ponce charmed the viewers, he and his wife were charmed by Slovenia. She was visiting with him. They traveled to Slovenia from Turkey, where they have been filming a reality show for the last month and a half. The experience was also special because this was the first time they were together and participated in a project.
He’ll be back for cream cake Although there was not much time and the visit schedule was very full, the Ponce couple nevertheless took some time to see Ljubljana and visit Gorenjska region, part of Slovenia. In the capital, they saw old Ljubljana and they also visited Bled. The visit to the pearl of Gorenjska was a coincidence. The weather forecast was good, so they and the organizer decided to go near the mountains. The star who lives in Miami was more interested in the Slovenian mountains than the sea, and Bled is one of the points of Gorenjska that is perfect for visits by mountain lovers. The visit to Gorenjska was of a private nature, Ponce did not meet anyone. He and his wife were on the island, where they also rang the bell, as is the local tradition, and they also walked around the lake. They and the Slovenian team also stopped in one of the restaurants to try famous Bled cream cakes. The couple liked the place, which is why they came up with the idea of buying a puzzle with the image of Bled as a souvenir.
Good Slovenian food During his visit, Ponce also wanted to try some typical Slovenian food. He liked kranjska klobasa and prekmurska gibanica the most. They did not go to the Slovenian coast because they ran out of time, but the couple received a gift from the Sečovlje salt pans from the organizer. As he summed up his impressions, Ponce really liked it in Slovenia. He even learned a few Slovenian words for good day, how are you, good,… When saying goodbye, he also said on behalf of both he and his wife that they would return to Slovenia.
During his visit to Slovenia he also took a chance to say hello to readers of Estrada.si
He says they are veterans, but young at heart. Heavy metal band Judas Priest celebrated 50 years on the scene before the Covid pandemic. At that time, they should have come to Slovenia as part of the tour, but similarly to a number of other concerts and events, their visit also fell into the water. They are now coming to Ljubljana on July 12th. This will be the second visit of the band, who has a rich journey behind and is considered one of the largest heavy metal bands in the world. We spoke to bassist Ian Hill.
We are talking about the 50th anniversary of the group, but in fact it is already the 52nd. Is it difficult for a group with several members to endure, or rather to exist for 50 years? Were there many ups and downs along the way? Oh, both! Especially during the early years. As you pave your way, you search for your place under the sun, as you search in music. When you wait to earn enough to be able to make a living from your work. It was necessary to live, to invest in a band, in equipment, in music… But that’s the beginning of everything and for everyone. I remember that we went on our first real vacation in the true sense of the word after ten years. And when we finally released the first record and the critics said it wasn’t as good as we thought ourselves (laughs). And the members also came and went. Some left, but later came back etc. It was hard, for example, when Rob left, when he embarked on a solo career, but then returned. But looking back, it was nice and I wouldn’t replace it. It was a kind of magical journey. When success comes, you appreciate it even more because of what was on the way.
You are the only founding member of the group. Are you privileged in the band because of that? No, but I wouldn’t mind to be (laughs). Well, neither is anyone else. We have democracy (laughs). We are friends, this is definitely helpful in the operation of the band. Friendship has always been a kind of red thread in our group.
Do you ever wonder if the band’s path and success would be different or what it would be like if the band remained the same all these years? Would your songs, genre be the same? This is an interesting question. Hard one, actually. I should think a little. Yes, I think it would be the same or at least similar. The thing is, some of the members who left the band later came back. However, I might also mention in this connection that the departures of the members were not due to any special divisions, but were caused more by force majeure. Different things and situations that life brings.
You have multiple awards, but surprisingly not as many as we would think on the basics of the large number of your fans and hits. Is there another one you don’t have? Which would you like? Oh, yeah, it’s always some yet (laughs). Grammy for example. Otherwise, I think after so many years on the scene, we don’t work for awards, but for fans. You don’t look at the competition that much anymore either, but the priority is really the fans. Well, of course, it’s always nice when you get it.
You said earlier that the members were leaving the band, some came back… Is the band in contact with former members? Maybe them will also be guests at one of your concerts on the stage anniversary? This would be very difficult, especially because of the logistics, organization, coordination,… when you travel around the world. In connection with the 50th anniversary, impossible at all. But we are still friends with Alan Atkins, Chris Campbell for example. About others, I haven’t seen some of them for years. Who knows what will happen, you never know.
Two years ago, some of your former members formed the group KK’s Priest. What do you think of them? Kenneth has been on the scene for a long time and it’s nice he is back. I wish them all the best.
Rob Halford has published an autobiography. What do you say about this? Would you follow his steps? My idea is that if I would, I would tackle the first few years in particular. That’s when the most important things happened. That would be most interesting in my opinion, because I think a lot or everything else from later years is already known.
Maybe a movie about Judas Priest will also be done. Who would you like to portray you in it? Oh, I don’t know. What do you think? Brad Pitt (laughs)?
In the past, you also had motorcycles at stage concerts. Do you still have them? For 40 years, yes, they still will be.
Twelve years ago, the band had a farewell tour, and then you came back because it was wish of many fans. What next, in the future? New songs, concerts, we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary… In short, I would say that we have quite a few years ahead of us.
What about when you’ll really say goodbye one day? Do you see any of your successors? The new Judas Priest? This, however, is very difficult to say. There are a lot of new bands. Everyone has to succeed on their own, in their own way. I think it will be decided by the fans.
You were in Ljubljana decades ago. Why is the next concert so very late? It was hard to get to, which is a shame. We were not often in Eastern Europe, for example. If I am right we were in Ljubljana last time in 1999, after the end of the war in the former Yugoslavia. However, we are looking forward to the concert and of course we will do our best.
It will be the best concert, as they say? Oh, absolutely! Absolutely! (laughter)
Heavy metal musicians at least on the world music scene don’t exactly explain about private life. Would you tell something about Ian Hill when he’s not at concerts? I’m a family man. I have a wonderful wife and 4 kids, well, the youngest is already 30 and the oldest is 42 years old. We are very close. I’m on the road a lot because of my work, touring. So whenever I’m home, I make up for that time.
5 Seconds Of Summer visiting Slovenia for the first time
After a long wait due to Covid, the famous Australian band 5 Seconds Of Summer finally performed for the first time in Ljubljana’s hall Stožice. The group performed in the Slovenian capital as part of their current tour in Europe, North America and Australia. Four Australians have become globally famous over the past ten years. They are conquering the top of the music charts, they have received a number of awards, their debut album has risen to the top of the charts in as many as 11 countries and they have sold more than 10 million albums so far. Now they have also come to us and their first arrival is connected with several attractions. For the concert spectacle, stage equipment was brought to Slovenia in eight tow trucks and the team came with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they also had 2 large lasers on stage to perfectly stage the concert. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also have their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers had to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They also needed 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.
Do they believe in dragons? “It’s always amazing when we go to a country for the first time. Now, after a long lull, experiencing the excitement of the fans is especially gratifying, especially when we’ve released so much music. This is a great opportunity for us to soak up the culture and create a special night for the people, our fans, who deserve it the most,” said bassist Calum Hood about the band’s first concert in Slovenia. He also said that they will visit the capital during their stay in Ljubljana. “After almost two years of absence from touring, the band completely changed their view of touring. We will explore Slovenia as much as possible and time, we hope it will. We take such things as a kind of blessing,” he said. They visited Ljubljana Castle and the Dragon Bridge. The bridge obviously impressed them, or at least they found it interesting, as they also jokingly asked if Slovenians believe in dragons. At the concert, they added about Ljubljana that they are very far from their home Australia, but that they feel great here and jokingly added that they want to become the most popular Slovenian band. In recent years, Australians have no longer lived on the continent “down there”, but all live in Los Angeles. “We have created homes, with people we love, a space to calm down and to create projects that we want to realize. This is a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with each other,” he explained.
Plane and yugo roots They don’t talk too much about their private lives, but we nevertheless heard some interesting things from them that are not exactly known. Calum Hood, for example, loves painting. He has not yet prepared a painting exhibition, at least for now, but the other three from the group praise his talent and creations. The group has its own charity, Friends of Friends. “We are aware of the scale and influence we have as a music group and we want to contribute to a world in which people will be humane and empathetic. It is important for us to be able to help those in need,” he says about their work. He is also considering donating a painting of his own to charity. He is also surprised by the revelation that he has a pilot’s exam and that he also knows how to fly an airplane. If Hood is interesting because of the hobbies, an even bigger surprise is probably guitarist Michael Clifford. As he revealed, he also has Yugoslav roots. His grandmother was born in Belgrade. “I used to often joke that my grandmother comes from a part of the world that I will probably never see myself, but now I’m performing in these parts and I’m finally here,” he says. When he revealed part of his origins, the remaining 5 SOS trio immediately started joking that he really has a real, distinctive Slavic look. “I look at the audience and I see a lot of beautiful people. We Slavs are really beautiful,” he said to the Ljubljana audience, adding that although Yugoslavia fell apart, Belgrade, as a former part of it, is not that far away.
To be on the stage for several decades The group entrusted us with another of their great wishes. “We want to be, and that’s our plan, on the scene for several decades. Like the legendary Smokie or Rolling Stones, which have been performing for over 45 years. The prospects and our vision of the group’s mission are completely simplified. We love doing what we do and people like it. We want to be a multigenerational group. One that will last several decades, that will be fruitful for both us and the fans. One day, we really want more different generations in the audience, just like the two mentioned groups have,” Hood added.
On
3rd February in Slovenia’s capitol Ljubljana will for the first time
perform one of the most famous tenors on the world, Joseph Calleja. Artist from
Malta with the voice and interpretation for which many believe is very similar to
great Pavarotti, talks in interview for Estrada.si web magazine.
We are doing our interview at the last minute, just before your concert in Ljubljana. Your schedule is full, you are in America, probably tired and there are also a few hours time difference, however we managed to reconcile. Are you always so professional? Its the life of an opera singer, made harder by Covid restrictions, many of which are completely silly. The pandemic has become endemic, at least in the several countries were vaccination uptake is high. I hope for everyone’s sakes that the various authorities realise.
You will perform in Ljubljana. Do you know any of your Slovenian colleagues? Have you performed with anyone before? I have encountered some very beautiful voices from Slovenia along the years. Looking forward to performing with more.
You have recently sang in a duet with your daughter. Were you just a father or also a singing colleague, an educator? When you are a good father, you have to be everything. Children are born perfect, it’s the parents job not to damage them as much as possible.
Do you think that your daughter might one day follow your footsteps into the world of music? Would you like any of your children to go to the opera? My children like to go to the opera occasionally. My daughter is studying music, albeit in the pop world. I try not to impose my art on them, after all they have to hear me singing all the time.
Mario Lanza was your big idol, you also recorded a record with the songs he sang. Have you ever wanted to star in a movie about him? You’ve played Caruso already. By your opinion, would the role of Lanza be ideal for you? My role of Caruso was very small and just a nice Cameo. I think that a movie about Mario Lanza is not needed – his life was a movie and we have plenty of footage of him in his various and great movies.
There is a recording of your duet with Bocelli on the internet. Have you ever considered recording an album of duets with opera colleagues? I have collaborated with colleagues but never for a duo album. Good idea! Andrea is a good friend and of the greatest and complete artists of our generation.
You also sing Strangers in the night, which is one of Frank Sinatra’s most famous songs. Some believe it is dedicated to Ava Gardner, who was his wife. Have you ever recorded such a confessional song yourself? Dedicated to a woman? How is to sing a song that became world famous in the performance of another singer? Is this a big challenge? I love Sinatra and Strangers in the night can be anything to anyone. Yes, I definitely am guilty of having some songs that remind me of some people in my past.
There are some world-famous opera stars in the generation before yours. Alagna, Safina, Frangoulis, Bocelli,… It doesn’t seem to be as much competition in your generation. There are great voices coming out – Freddie De Tommaso, Jonathan Tetelman, just to mention 2 great tenors with a bright future.
Years ago, Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo made a big boom in opera with their trio. Why doesn’t anyone else do such things? Would you join to such a project? I have mixed feelings about this. I prefer to be involved in something different, after all, who can top what they have achieved? They were fantastic as a trio, and the Great Pavarotti, is truly missed.
What is the position of opera today, especially in connection to young public? Now that I have been singing for 25 years I think that, generally speaking, Opera is in decline. We need to focus more on young people, and make the arts important again in schools.
As a singer you are in your best years. How do you rate your voice, colleagues, competition? The only competition is with myself – I can be my biggest enemy or my biggest friend.
New generations of singers are coming. In your opinion, is it easier or harder for them to succeed in opera today than it was for your generation for example? Hard question – today opera is less popular than before, and to find jobs is also harder. A situation only made harder by Covid.
Your two foundations help singers from socially disadvantaged situations to study. You yourself are also a singing educator. How are you different from the educators you had during your studying years? I raise money for young artists, I don’t teach yet. Teaching is a very serious and responsible matter and my career doesn’t allow me the time to teach yet.
In one of your interviews you said an interesting thing. You said that you achieved things too quickly or too young. Why? And do you still think so? I started when I was 19 – my voice is intact and I never damaged it. But some roles and recordings I would have done better if I waited 5 – 8 years. Still, I have no regrets, as opportunities must be taken when they come.
You are the cultural ambassador of Malta, one of the directors of the European academy of Music Theater. Do you ever feel tempted to go into politics one day? For example as Minister of Culture? Never say never, but so far I have no intention to pursue politics.
You are opera super star, in private you have two children. Is it difficult to have a family and be famous face the same time? Is it hard to have a privacy and to take children away from media, fans? I behave the same with everyone. In the end opera singers are not movie stars etc.
Do you have any hobbies, pet,…? Too many! I love dogs, cats, have 2 aquariums. I also love scuba diving, trekking and perhaps my biggest love – wine from St emilion. My friend and wine guru, Michael Fermier Tabone, has introduced me to the amazing world of Bordeaux. Too bad I cannot drink it whilst I am on tour!
Famous French pianist Richard Clayderman has a new piano company since last year. The romantic prince, as he was named because of his magic fingers on the piano keys by former American First Lady Nancy Reagan, is listened during his rehearsals by his pet Villanelle. The one-and-a-half-year-old velvet beauty of the Rag doll breed almost always sneaks along to listen the sounds of piano keys. “Sometimes she’s even on the piano, on the keyboard, or on the music stand. I don’t know what other cats are like in terms of music, but mine obviously adores it. Maybe it calms her down, relaxes her or she just likes the sound of the piano keys. She loves evergreens, but obviously she doesn’t like pop and rock, ”says Clayderman exclusively for Estrada.si. Villanelle is Clayderman’s first cat. His mother, however, always had cats, and apparently he inherited a love for these animals, but Villanelle is the first cat he owns. Since he and his wife live in Paris again, he thinks that it is not the most suitable place for a dog there. They live in an apartment with a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower and for a dog they believe is not the best environment. Dogs and cats are his favorite animals. “My wife persuaded me to decide to have a cat. Now I don’t regret it at all. I used to have dogs, but there were no problems with the change,” he says.
A cat fan of the piano is a completely domestic cat. She has more than enough living space, as the apartment is large and she can take good walks during her wanderings. “At first, I also thought that, like some other pet owners, I would take her somewhere on a leash, but she doesn’t like it, so we gave it up right away,” he says. The Claydermans often play with Villanelle, preferring to throw balls and plush mice. She also loves the so-called cat climbing tree, which also has a bed. If she doesn’t like a leash, she likes to cuddle on Clayderman’s knees or in his lap and spend the night in couple’s bed. Otherwise, she chose a maestro as her own. Judging by the behavior, she prefers to be with him. She is very friendly in terms of importance and loves to nurture. She always hides the claws and does not scratch. The Claydermans take care of the cat themselves completely. If there is a situation that will be necessary, they will hire a cat babysitter.
“Even though she has her own basket, she’s happiest in our bed. God thank we have a big bed, haha! She likes to stretch as long and as far as she can,” he says. In the apartment Villanelle has access to all rooms as it is a clean cat and also does no damage. Last year, due to the situation and Covid, the Claydermans didn’t go on holiday, but spent time in Paris. This year, however, it promises to be different. They are planning holidays at Saint Mallo, by the sea. This will also be the first holiday for Villanelle. She’ll go with them, too. The holiday will be a test for everyone, for the Claydermans and for the cat. It will take a few hours by car and accommodation in a residential hotel must be arranged. Namely, to make the first trip and temporarily move Villanella to a new environment, making them want the best that can be provided in avoiding any inconvenience.
