With Wednesday’s performance at Prague’s Karlín Forum, the Olympic band completed the Trilogy Tour, which included ten spring and fifteen autumn stops. The band led by 82-year-old Petr Janda reminded them of three concept albums from the 1980s.
It was not her best era, but it was the most mature and certainly the most ambitious, as the people of Prague could now see for themselves. The records Prázdníny na Zemi from 1980, Ulice a Laboratoř from 1984, a year younger, were created under the influence of Anglo-American art rock. This genre, in simple terms, was based on the impulse brought by the Beatles project about Sergeant Pepper. He tried to create a kind of new culture that, based on rock, would equal or come close to classical music. Music was supposed to remain at least partially entertainment, but the goal was to create art.
Olympic was especially inspired in the first part of the trilogy by the leading representatives of art rock, the British Pink Floyd.
At the beginning of the 1980s in the Czech Republic, there was an unexpected convergence of both trends starting from absolutely different positions. It was used, for example, by Václav Neckář, the group Modrý efekt or everyone who collaborated with Ota Petřina. Ambitious recordings were created, which in many cases still belong to the golden fund of Czech popular music and rock. Olympic was at the forefront of the trend.
Since then, only the singing guitarist Petr Janda and the bassist Milan Broum have remained in his line-up. At Wednesday’s concert, they approached the work of that time with shortened blocks from individual records played in one go.
Since the 1980s, only Milan Broum (left) and Petr Janda have remained in the Olympic lineup. | Photo: Lukáš Bíba
The Prázdnin na Zemi block, with which the program began, most strongly pointed to the inspiration of the band Pink Floyd and confirmed to the witnesses what the public wondered about at the time of the album’s release – lyricist Zdenek Rytíř had songs with an ecological theme, which the communists scrupulously avoided at the beginning of the 80s. It is of course weak and against the wall today, but at the time it was an unexpectedly powerful message.
Ulice remains the catchiest of the trilogy, and it’s no wonder that the hits Okno mé láský and Já (Selfishness) were played almost in their entirety this Wednesday by the band, unlike the others. It was interesting that Janda presented them as autobiographical.
This is, after all, the problem of the entire trilogy: it finds itself in a strange in-between period in time, when it is already a little out, but has not yet reached the stage of re-appreciated artistic value.
The songs Distance and Reserve of Butterflies from the album Holidays on Earth, as Olympic played them this Wednesday in Prague’s Karlín Forum. Photo: Lukáš Bíba | Video: Martin Dybala
After a short break, the band, which has existed for 62 years, offered what the audience wanted most, i.e. a cross-section of their long-term work. As expected, popular hits from the 1960s or early 1970s, such as Dynam
Otázky was noticeably absent, but the musicians apparently decided that there would be too many manly sentimental songs or crawlers with Janda’s singing guitar in the program. They interspersed the selection with a few that are not among the most popular, but they themselves like them the most.
Although it wasn’t a bad concert, everything was overshadowed by the male equivalent of Elina Makropulos – Petr Janda. At the age of eighty-two, to stand up, to sing and, moreover, to play a more than two-hour concert with full commitment is already a certain kind of natural miracle.
There wasn’t an iota of inertia in it, he was clearly enjoying the performance. The full hall came to the legend and saw “a man in his prime” instead.
What are the key themes explored in Olympic’s albums from the 1980s that resonate with today’s audiences?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Music Expert on Olympic Band’s Trilogy Tour
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us to discuss the recent completion of Olympic’s Trilogy Tour. After their performance at the Karlín Forum in Prague, how would you assess the significance of this event for both the band and the Czech music scene?
Music Expert: Thank you for having me! The completion of the Trilogy Tour is monumental for Olympic and a nostalgic moment for fans, especially given that they delved deep into their concept albums from the 1980s. It highlights not only the band’s enduring legacy but also the evolution of Czech rock music, which has been heavily influenced by global trends, particularly Anglo-American art rock.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of influences, can you elaborate on how the global art rock movement, particularly the legacy of bands like Pink Floyd, has shaped Olympic’s music?
Music Expert: Absolutely. The connection between Olympic and bands like Pink Floyd is evident, especially in their early work. Pink Floyd’s ambitious and conceptual approach to music inspired Olympic to explore more profound themes—like ecology and philosophy—during a time when those subjects were often overlooked in communist Czechoslovakia. Their albums from that era represented a pivotal shift in how music could be perceived as not just entertainment but an art form.
Time.news Editor: It seems like their 1980 album Prázdniny na Zemi holds particular importance. Can you discuss the thematic elements of that album, especially in terms of societal context?
Music Expert: Prázdniny na Zemi is fascinating because it was released during a time when artistic expression was tightly controlled. Lyricist Zdenek Rytíř’s focus on ecological themes was daring and resonated deeply, despite the heavy censorship at the time. It’s remarkable how Olympic managed to deliver such a potent message during an era of repression—it really underscores the power of music as a form of resistance and awareness.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that Ulice a Laboratoř from 1984 also played a significant role in the trilogy. How did this album contribute to the band’s image and themes?
Music Expert: Ulice a Laboratoř, coming just a year after Prázdniny na Zemi, showcased Olympic’s continued maturity and ambition. The catchy tunes of “Okno mé lásky” and “Já” suggest a blend of accessibility and depth, which might explain why these songs are still cherished today. The juxtaposition of catchy melodies and profound lyrics signifies that they weren’t afraid to push boundaries while remaining relatable to the audience.
Time.news Editor: Given the historical significance of Olympic’s work, how do you think their recent performances resonate with the younger audiences who may not have experienced their earlier days?
Music Expert: That’s an intriguing point. Younger audiences often discover classic rock through various media; thus, these performances serve as a compelling bridge between generations. By presenting their historical work in a modern context, Olympic not only introduces new listeners to these timeless messages but also shows how their music remains relevant today. It’s a celebration of cultural heritage, powered by a desire for connection across generations.
Time.news Editor: After the tour’s conclusion, what does the future look like for the band? Is there potential for new music or projects that draw on their past?
Music Expert: It’s likely that Olympic may continue to draw inspiration from their rich history while exploring new musical territories. They have a legacy that supports artistry, and fans will be eager to see how they evolve. Whether through new albums or collaborations, the band has the opportunity to innovate while paying homage to their foundational work. The key is to balance their past’s richness with contemporary themes that resonate today.
Time.news Editor: Thank you very much for your insights on Olympic’s Trilogy Tour and their lasting impact on rock music in the Czech Republic. It’s clear that their journey is far from over.
Music Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the enduring influence of music that shapes our cultural landscape.