Manolis Mitsias sings 'Giannis the Murderer' despite son of composer's ban

Singer Manolis Mitsias performed the controversial song "Giannis the Murderer" at an event celebrating the summer full moon at the Temple of Epicurus Apollo in Ilia, Greece. This performance defied a prohibition issued by Giorgos Hadjidakis, the son of the renowned composer Manos Hadjidakis, whose music the song features.

Mitsias, who had a close working relationship with Manos Hadjidakis, having collaborated on three albums, declared to the audience, "I was lucky to work with Manos Hadjidakis on three albums. I always told them, I was never afraid to tell them." His rendition took on added significance as it took place near Pothos, a village historically connected to the song's narrative.

The performance followed a recent incident at the Ancient Theatre of Dion, where the song's lyrics were recited instead of sung due to a lack of performance rights. This event sparked considerable public reaction and highlighted the complexities of music licensing and public performance.

Giorgos Hadjidakis had previously issued a statement clarifying that his legal intervention was directed at the production company and the licensing process for public performances of his father's works. The public reading of this message at Dion had drawn attention to how legal procedures can sometimes create public perceptions that extend beyond the intentions of those managing the rights.

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I was lucky to work with Manos Hadjidakis on three albums. I always told them, I was never afraid to tell them.