After numerous concerts at Sava Center over five decades, Parni Valjak began a new chapter of love with the Belgrade audience at a sold-out Blue Hall, which was filled with timeless hits, strong emotion, and energy for more than three hours. Igor Drvenkar's performance stood out, showcasing the band's continued musical success and bringing new energy to the stage. The crowd, including celebrities such as Sergej Ćetković and Ivan Bosiljčić, was thrilled throughout the evening.
The concert started with a slideshow of photos from the band's past and kicked into high gear with "Ljubavne." Hits like "Zastave," "Neda," and "Kada me dotakne" were among the highlights, with Gabor Bunford joining the band on clarinet for several songs. A particularly emotional moment was when Drvenkar dedicated "Jesen u meni" to Aki, the band's late lead singer, saying, "I dedicate this song to the man who left me this place, which is not easy to carry. I always think how hard it is, but then I remember how much he was connected to you! It's a great honor to sing what Aki sang."
The crowd's enthusiasm continued with songs like "Godine prolaze" and "Uhvati ritam," demonstrating how deeply Parni Valjak's compositions are embedded in the region's collective memory. The band, led by Husein Hasanefendić Huso, showcased their musical prowess and production power, blending well-known classics with new songs like "Moja glava, moja pravila" and "Pustit ću glas." The concert concluded with a powerful rendition of "Ugasi me," leaving the audience eager for more.
Parni Valjak's been the heart and soul of Balkan music for decades. This show was a reminder of why they're still the best. But can they keep the magic going, or are we seeing the twilight of their reign?