Thompson nearly breaks down at start of concert: 'Emotions are swelling'

Marko Perković Thompson ignited the stage at Šubićevac Stadium in Šibenik, marking his first concert in the city in 13 years. The event drew an immense crowd of over 27,000 people, eager to experience the Croatian singer's performance.

Thompson opened the concert with "Bojna Čavoglave," a song he has performed at the start of every concert since 1995. He explained that the song symbolizes Croatia's defense and liberation during the Homeland War, representing the bravery of Croatian defenders against "Yugo-communist and Serbian fascism." He dedicated the performance to his former comrades from the reconnaissance-sabotage unit of the 134th Drniš Brigade of the Croatian Army.

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Šibenski koncert počinjemo Bojnom Čavoglave! U sklopu obilježavanja Oluje svaki svoj koncert, od 1995. godine pa do danas, započinjem pjesmom "Bojna Čavoglave", pa će tako bilo i ove godine u Šibeniku.

Visibly moved, Thompson addressed the crowd, acknowledging the passage of time and remembering those who are no longer alive. "A lot has passed, surely you and I would wish that those who are not alive were with us, so we who are alive will always remember and cherish their memory," he said, his voice thick with emotion. He also proudly acknowledged the young people in attendance.

Concluding his remarks before continuing the celebration, Thompson stated, "It is a time for celebration, tonight we came to celebrate here." The concert, held as part of the "Oluja" (Storm) commemoration, underscored the deep connection between Thompson's music, national identity, and historical memory in Croatia.

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Ta pjesma za mene simbolizira vrijeme kada smo branili, obranili i oslobodili Hrvatsku u Vojno-redarstvenoj operaciji Oluja. Ona predstavlja trajni podsjetnik na hrabrost hrvatskih branitelja u obrani od jugo-komunističkog i srpskog fašizma te simbol vrijednosti i slobode na kojima je utemeljena moderna hrvatska država.