Croats in Stuttgart Join Thompson for an Evening of Emotion and Unity

Music, emotion and a strong sense of Croatian identity filled Stuttgart's Porsche-Arena yesterday, as Marko Perković Thompson performed to a sold-out crowd. Tickets for the concert sold out in just three hours. Many Croats living and working in Germany attended, making it an evening centred on love for their homeland, Croatian heritage and a sense of togetherness.

The enormous interest was evident from the moment tickets went on sale, with exceptionally high demand even causing temporary problems with the ticketing system.

Throughout the concert, the audience sang along with Thompson, making it a special encounter with Croatian music and a sense of belonging for many Croats living abroad.

Thompson Greets Croats in Germany and Their German Friends

Addressing the audience, Thompson made no secret of his delight at finally performing in Stuttgart.

"Well, we've finally made it here to see you. We wanted this so much, and I can see that you did too. And now it's finally happening. Thank you all for turning up and being here tonight," he told the crowd.

He also announced a musical journey through his career, from his earliest songs to his latest releases.

Thompson particularly noted that many Croats had brought along their German friends, whom he also took the opportunity to welcome.

"I've heard from many of you today that you've brought your German friends along. That's great, and I'd like to give them a special welcome tonight," he said.

Love of God, Family and Homeland

Speaking about the values he seeks to promote through his music, Thompson highlighted love of God, family and homeland, stressing that these are values shared by other European nations as well.

"The fundamental values we seek to uphold – love of God, family and homeland – are equally deeply rooted in every European nation," he said.

He added that these shared values help bring people of different nationalities together.

"That's what connects us. That's what unity is all about – unity with all other European nations. It's wonderful that you've brought your friends along so they can also hear about the values we Croats cherish and how we can promote them through music," Thompson said.

Meeting with Croatia's Consul General in Stuttgart

Ahead of the concert, Thompson visited Ivan Sablić, Croatia's Consul General in Stuttgart.

During their meeting, they posed for a photograph beside a memorial plaque dedicated to Croatian patriots and victims of the Yugoslav secret police, known as the UDBA.

A photograph of the meeting was also shared on Thompson's Instagram profile.

Concert Goes Ahead Despite Calls for Cancellation

Thompson's performance in Stuttgart also sparked controversy in parts of German public life. Some politicians and organisations called for the concert to be cancelled over controversies surrounding the Ustaša salute and associated symbolism at his performances.

A petition calling for the concert to be cancelled was also launched. However, city authorities concluded that there were insufficient legal grounds to ban the event.

Despite the controversy, the concert went ahead, with the audience filling Porsche-Arena and singing along to Thompson's songs.

For Croats living far from their homeland, it was an evening of music, friendship and connection with Croatia. Once again, music brought together members of the Croatian community abroad, reminding them of the roots they continue to cherish, even thousands of kilometres from home.