DADO TOPIĆ SHARES A 1970s BANJA LUKA STORY WITH “SEE SRPSKU”

Legendary rock musician Dado Topić shared a humorous and surreal anecdote from the 1970s during an exclusive conversation with reporters from the portal "See Srpsku", who encountered him and fellow rock icon Dejan Cukić at Hotel “Tesla” in Banja Luka.

The Zagreb-Belgrade duo was in the city on the Vrbas River to attend a birthday concert of the iconic YU Grupa, held at the historic Kastel Fortress.

Recalling the early days of his career, Topić told a story from around 1973 when he was scheduled to perform with his band at the Borik Sports Hall.

“We had sold a lot of tickets, everything was set,” he began. “But on the day of the concert, the local militia showed up and, without much explanation, informed us that the Socialist Youth of Banja Luka had banned the performance.”

Topić said he was baffled by the sudden cancellation, only to read the next day in the Zagreb newspapers that the concert had been halted due to concerns over “national security.”

“I had no idea what that even meant,” he said, laughing. “It was one of those moments that leaves you speechless.”

Despite the incident, Topić expressed his affection for the city today: “Banja Luka is a wonderful place. I feel great whenever I’m here.”