ZAGREB, Croatia — Tens of thousands of fans gathered in the Croatian capital on Saturday for a highly anticipated concert by Marko Perkovic, better known as Thompson, a singer associated with controversial nationalist sentiments linked to Croatia’s World War II history. The event took place at the Hippodrome, which authorities expect will draw an estimated 450,000 attendees, marking it as one of the largest concerts in the country’s history.
As he took the stage, Perkovic emphasized the themes of unity and cultural identity, urging Europeans to connect with their Christian heritage. “With this concert, we will show our unity,” he told the crowd, signaling a call for collective strength among his supporters.
In anticipation of the event, roads around the venue were closed off days in advance, and police presence was significantly heightened. Security measures included thousands of police officers, snipers positioned at strategic locations, and aerial surveillance from helicopters, underscoring the challenges posed by the large gathering. Organizers strictly prohibited any insignia that could promote hatred, in an effort to maintain order and adherence to public safety protocols.
Many fans arrived adorned in Croatian flags and wearing shirts emblazoned with Thompson’s name. “See you at Hippodrome,” he posted on social media, encouraging attendees to look out for one another as they converged on the venue. Accounts from concert-goers revealed a sense of excitement, with some expressing joy about the camaraderie among fellow Croats. “Thompson is a patriot. He does not insult anyone, he loves everybody,” said a fan from eastern Croatia, who requested anonymity.
However, the event was not without dissent. Former Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor took to social media to voice her concerns over the event, criticizing the perceived government support for an artist she perceived as divisive. “No media are reporting about that,” she lamented, alluding to the dark legacy of the Ustasha regime, which ruled during World War II and was responsible for brutality and human rights violations against various groups.
Thompson’s music has drawn scrutiny due to its perceived glorification of controversial nationalist themes. Some of his songs include references to the Ustasha salute, which is illegal in Croatia. Despite this, he has retained a loyal following, especially among those who regard the Ustasha leaders as emblematic of Croatian pride, a perspective that continues to elicit significant debate within the country.
Perkovic, whose moniker reflects an antique American firearm, gained fame during the tumultuous conflict in the 1990s following Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, where he actively participated as a soldier. His supporters argue that his music celebrates national pride rather than endorsing any specific political ideology.
Video footage circulating on social media from earlier in the day depicted some concert-goers performing the Ustasha salute, prompting further allegations of latent nationalist sentiment within the crowd. As the concert unfolded, the atmosphere in Zagreb contrasted starkly with the historical awareness of what such symbols represent.
While many celebrated their heritage, the tensions surrounding the event highlighted ongoing divisions in Croatian society regarding the legacy of the past and the present narrative of national identity.