oh Dionysis Savvopoulos comes to Rockwave Festival “mixing old tracks and burnt tracks with the rock of our future”.
THE Dionysis Savvopoulosthe father and soul of Greek verse and song comes to expand the circle of his musical journey with two historical appearances. A journey full of colours, stories and melodies that touched and united thousands of hearts and lives comes with a festival that celebrates its own journey in 2025.
The Rockwave Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year honor to him Dionysis Savvopoulos for the path he opened in Greek rock music and his contribution to music. Therefore, it is an honorable and exciting meeting held not one but two Rockwave stages.
Saturday 14 June at Terra Vibe in Athens and Saturday 21 June at Terra Republic in Thessaloniki.Concert for “the children with the black hair and clothes…” and return to his unpredictable and especially subversive homeland – how else would Nyonios do it?
Dionysis Savvopoulos – A symbol of his generation and a source of inspiration for the next
On June 21, at the vernal equinox, she will celebrate with us World Music Day at the first Rockwave Festival in the history of the festival that will take place in Thessaloniki. A rock partnership to remember that “This is the Balkans, it’s not a joke».
THE Dionysis Savvopoulos, Greek composer, lyricist and singer, born December 2, 1944 in gorgeous Thessaloniki and since then he has surprised himself, his family and the community with his true integrity and the courage of his views. The first signs were already visible when, still a young student, he decided to leave the Law School to follow his passion and music.
It began its performances in 1964 writing bold songs with political, emotional and historical content. He was present with the youth of the 60s reacting strongly against the authorities, giving voice to suppressed feelings and expressing the concerns of an entire generation.
Dionysis Savvopoulos was the main exponent of this constant demand for change, a symbol of his generation and a source of inspiration for the next. As Manos Hadjidakis told Lefteris Papadopoulos: “I consider Savvopoulos to be the most vital representative of your generation that succeeded ours».
With his innovative, daring lyrics, his irresistible musical compositions and his distinctive voice, all sweetness and roughness, like his appearance and opinions – which are so often criticized by the public and, or even mainly, by himself.
Dionysis Savvopoulos founded a new school in Greek singing
His noise and compositional approach, where country singing, “light” and traditional music meets rock culture, created a sound and style that was fully unusual. Revolutionary for its time and place.
Deeply rooted in social and cultural developments, his work remains a benchmark, continuing to inspire and influence generations of artists from that time to the present day. Top creators like it Alcinoos Ioannidis, the Katsimicheans and Socrates Malamas dionysis Savvopoulos has been cited as their main influence, which is proven by most of their recorded and live collaborations.
In one a special concert designed exclusively for the 30th anniversary of the Rockwave Festival, Dionysis Savvopoulos will take us on a journey through his first artistic period through songs that mark his rock phase, such as “An Mhuir Dubh” and “Jackal”, and he will paint ”Ballos” for us with his voice.A 17-minute track he described as: “More synthetic songs… With ballos music, I move around like a singer in the Balkans in my mind. I am going to the Black Sea,Bucharest and Constanta. I also go to Athens and Ankara. My song is an image, so to speak, but it can walk on its own…».
Another memorable track is “Zeibekiko” from the iconic album “Dirty Bread” (1972). According to the creator himself, “Zeibekiko” was written at a time when the anniversary of the Asian Minor Disaster was silent as of the junta. Three years later, he decided to record it again, this time with the participation of Sotiria Bellou, on the album “10 Chronia Kommatia”.The collaboration was not just a musical partnership; it was the “union of souls” that created the symbol of a song, which brought a whole historical memory to the fore. A moment that proved that one song is enough to make history.
In 1972 Dionysis Savvopoulos declared “I’m a Greek who plays rock music”
In the year 2024 it will be Greek who will be playing rock at the Rockwave Festival!
TICKETS GO ON SALE DECEMBER 3RD! Electronics: more.com
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80 Years Savvopoulos – On NEWS 24/7 through the words of his colleagues
On the occasion of Dionysis savvopoulos’ 80th birthday, NEWS 24/7 he created a documentary about the work and contribution of the great Greek singer through the words of his close collaborators. On camera Savvopoulos himself talking about the songshis records and concerts, his own memories of his collaboration with musicians. Watch the video.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Music Expert on Dionysis Savvopoulos’ Upcoming Rockwave Festival Performances
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day and welcome to this special interview where we’re diving into the world of Greek music and its legends. Today,we have with us Dr. eleni Papadopoulos,a renowned musicologist and expert on Greek rock. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Papadopoulos.
Dr. Eleni Papadopoulos (E.P.): Thank you for having me! ItS a pleasure to discuss such a pivotal figure in Greek music.
TNE: Let’s talk about Dionysis Savvopoulos. He is regarded as the father of Greek verse and song. What makes his contribution to Greek rock music so significant,especially as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Rockwave Festival?
E.P.: Dionysis Savvopoulos is a cultural icon who helped pave the way for modern Greek rock. His blending of traditional melodies with contemporary rock elements established a unique sound that resonates even today. By performing at the Rockwave Festival, he honors the legacy he built for future generations of musicians—an influence that is profound and enduring.
TNE: Indeed! His upcoming performances at both the Terra Vibe in Athens and terra Republic in Thessaloniki promise to be historic. Can you tell us about the significance of these venues and what audiences might expect?
E.P.: Terra Vibe and terra Republic are pivotal locations in Greece for live music, often showcasing both emerging and established artists. With Savvopoulos performing on these stages, audiences can anticipate not onyl a nostalgic trip through his old classics but also a glimpse into the future of Greek rock as he mixes ’burnt tracks’ with new expressions.It’s a nod to the evolution of music itself—rooted in tradition but looking forward.
TNE: In this context, he references “children with black hair and clothes.” What does this evoke for audiences, and how does it fit into the party of World Music Day?
E.P.: That line invokes the rebellious spirit of youth, which has always been a part of the rock movement. It embodies a certain angst and passion that resonates especially within the Balkan context. Celebrating World Music Day with Savvopoulos illustrates the interconnectedness of cultures and the vibrant rock scene of the Balkans as a whole. It’s a statement that, despite our challenges, we have a rich tapestry of music to celebrate and embrace.
TNE: And speaking of challenges, Savvopoulos left a law career to pursue music, showcasing his courageous commitment to his passion. How do you think this decision has influenced his artistic output?
E.P.: His choice highlights the transformative power of art.By prioritizing his passion, he not only found his voice but also inspired countless others to do the same. His music often reflects themes like political dissent, personal identity, and past narratives, all stemming from a place of genuine emotion and personal experience. This authenticity is what makes his work resonate deeply with audiences.
TNE: As a musicologist, how do you see the evolution of Greek rock from Savvopoulos’ era to the contemporary scene?
E.P.: Savvopoulos laid the groundwork for many Greek rock artists. His integration of traditional Greek elements into rock has inspired countless musicians to explore their cultural identities within modern genres. Today, we see a diverse landscape where artists are infusing global influences while still paying homage to their roots. The festival is emblematic of this ongoing journey.
TNE: what do you hope audiences take away from Savvopoulos’ performances at the Rockwave Festival?
E.P.: I hope they experience a sense of connection—to the music, to the past, and to each other. Live music has an unparalleled ability to unify people,regardless of their backgrounds. Savvopoulos’ performances will undoubtedly evoke strong emotions and serve as a reminder of the rich cultural history we all share.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr.Papadopoulos, for sharing your insights on Dionysis Savvopoulos and his monumental contributions to greek rock music. We look forward to his performances at the Rockwave Festival!
E.P.: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Greek music, and I can’t wait to see how this festival unfolds.