The iconic Sarajevo rock band Zabranjeno pušenje returned to Zagreb with two glorious concerts out of many sold out concerts that are in preparation for the near future or already been held (Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Zadar and Osijek). Some of those are going to be held in a brand-new edition of the band: unplugged version.
Zabranjeno pušenje is a constant and a kind of rock institution that chronicles important moments of our upbringing, history and events in this region of ours with a special dose of humor and Sarajevo charm. Their legendary songs such as “Jugo 45”, “Zenica blues”, “Hadžija ili bos”, “Guzonjin sin”, “Dan Republike”, “Fikreta” and many others fill their audience with wonderful feelings of happy nostalgia and daydreaming about happier times of carefree youth. Led by the magnetic Seja Sexon, a master of sharp lyrics and a true chronicler of the region, this legendary band once again proved their status as real Rock icons. Today, Zabranjeno pušenje enjoys cult status across the region, attracting fans of all ages who are drawn to their unique blend of humour, insightful lyrics, and unmistakable Sarajevo vibe. From their timeless classics and many hits to their more recent tracks that keep the same spirit of humour, satire, and social commentary alive, the band continues to deliver electrifying performances. When you add in Sejo’s engaging personality and the lively rapport between the band and their fans, it’s easy to see why Zabranjeno pušenje has remained a phenomenon for decades.
Their special Sarajevo charm made us dance and sing along to almost every song since the lyrics are engraved in the collective memory of our generation and have marked thousands and thousands of various celebrations but also gatherings with guitars and wine. They possess the charm of Sarajevo – an unconquered city that has experienced and survived the terrible horrors of war, largely due to their indomitable spirit and enormous sense of humour. This particular evening at the concert reminded us nostalgically of the spirit of one of our favourite and most hospitable nations, and the band itself produced an incredibly large amount of energy that infected everyone present, and the audience also provided enthusiastic feedback. The concert lasted an exceptionally long time, and the set list itself thrilled us because it included all of our favourite hits.
These two concerts were a real treat for their dedicated fans as I believe no one left the venue disappointed or thirsty for more. The band proved that their energy remained undiminished after more than 40 years of performing and creating new music. In fact, this year alone they’ve released two live albums: a celebratory one, “Pušenje ubija”, marking 40 years since the release of their album “Das ist Walter”, and an acoustic album, “Uživo u Lisinskom”, from their “Neuštekani” project and is still being promoted.
