OPENING CONCERT OF RESPECT FESTIVAL 2025

„Mekons are the most revolutionary band in the history of rock'n'roll" (Lester Bangs) / Sound adventurers, punk rock fundamentalists and voluntary pariahs.

The genre-defying band Mekons was formed in 1977 in Leeds, England. They were born into the emerging British punk scene and went from art students with no musical ability to prolific and noisy offspring of Hank Williams. The Mekons arrive with Jon Langford, Lu Edmonds, Tom Greenhalgh, Sally Timms, Steve Goulding, Susie Honeyman, Rico Bell and Dave Trumfio.

The current line-up was formed in the mid-1980s and has remained unchanged since then. At that time, its ranks were expanded by, among others, multi-instrumentalist Lu Edmonds, a member of the famous Public Image Ltd. or the well-known trio Les Triaboliques with Justin Adams and Ben Mandelson. The band's hallmark is a surprising and inspiring take on folk and country music with occasional excursions into the world of fine art. Their stunning output consistently blurs the boundaries between high and low art and includes exhibitions in the UK and USA, a deranged pirate musical recorded and staged with Kathy Acker, a performance art piece with Vito Acconci and several books including the unique art catalogue/novel-in-progress Mekons United. A documentary about the band, Revenge of the Mekons, received a national release in 2015 by Music Box Films. The Mekons continue to make bold, quirky music while staying true to the punk ethos. Late in 2024, the band will release the first single from a new album due out next year.

Also performing will be the renowned visual artist František Skála, who will present his original songs accompanied by friends. His music is full of joy, spanning across all genres and styles, with daring lyrics packed with wordplay, life stories, sound imagery, and useful advice. Expect a mix of waltz, country, rock'n'roll, chanson, blues, slow ballads, and even rap.

Event is promoted by Rachot Production.