The legendary British music group The Stranglers, one of the most influential bands from the British punk and new wave scene, is soon returning to Croatia. This time, we will be able to hear their sounds in the unique ambiance of the ancient Roman quarry Cave Romane in Vinkuran, near Pula, where on July 8, 2025, they will hold a spectacular concert under the starry sky. This event will certainly be one of the musical highlights of this summer in Istria, as well as in the entire region.

The History and Importance of The Stranglers in the Music World

The band The Stranglers was formed back in 1974, and in just 13 months, they released their first three albums which brought them great success and recognition. Their music is a blend of punk rock, post-punk, and new wave, and over the decades, they have left an indelible mark on the music scene. Among their biggest hits are songs like "Peaches", "No More Heroes", and "Walk On By". In the following years, they achieved further success with the songs "Always The Sun", "Strange Little Girl", and "Golden Brown", which is still considered one of their most beloved and recognizable melodies today.

In total, they have achieved an impressive 24 top 40 singles in a career spanning six decades. With this, they have proven their lasting relevance and ability to adapt to various musical styles, as well as their loyalty to their distinctive sound.

The Unique Background of the Band and its Members

Jean-Jacques Burnel, the bassist and vocalist, is today the only remaining member from the original lineup. His entry into The Stranglers was almost accidental—while returning from karate practice, he picked up a hitchhiker, Hugh Cornwell, the band's founder. It was this fateful ride that forever linked their musical destiny.

The band is also known by the nickname "Men in Black" due to their distinctive black attire and fascination with themes related to extraterrestrial theories, which further contributes to their mystical and special presence. Historically, they also recorded a unique moment in 1992 when they became the first rock band to hold a concert in Britain's Dartmoor Prison, a testament to their courage and originality.

Influence and Messages Through Music

Their musical expression exudes dark, yet melodic tones, and their lyrics often criticize negative social phenomena, through which their uncompromising attitude has left a deep mark on musical and cultural history. By experimenting with different musical genres, they managed to create a recognizable sound that stood out in the sea of music of the 70s and later decades.

The Stranglers and Croatia – a Long-standing Connection

The Stranglers had their first performance in Croatia in July 1978 in Zagreb, making them one of the first Anglo-Saxon punk and new wave bands to play in our country. That historic performance opened the door for their many future visits, which have always been marked by warmth and a friendly relationship with the local audience.

Bassist and singer Baz Warne expressed his delight that the band is returning to Croatia, emphasizing that the local fans are always warm and welcoming, and each of their visits is a special event. As he points out, the audience's favorite song is "Golden Brown", and sometimes they even intentionally omit it from the setlist to provoke a reaction, but for the upcoming concert in Croatia, he promises they will definitely play it.

Cave Romane – a Unique Venue for a Superb Musical Experience

The concert in Vinkuran will take place in the ancient quarry Cave Romane, which is known for its impressive and attractive ambiance. This unique venue is located near Pula, in the town of Vinkuran, and delights visitors with its natural acoustics thanks to the high stone walls that surround the area. The rocks form a natural acoustic shell, which contributes to a superb sound experience, and the open-air space under the stars can accommodate up to about 1200 spectators.

Due to its uniqueness and atmosphere, Cave Romane is increasingly being chosen by world and regional music stars as the perfect location for concerts, and this year The Stranglers will have the opportunity to perform there.

Phantasmagoria as the Opening Act – a Return After Almost Two Decades

The opening act will be the Zagreb-based post-punk/dark rock band Phantasmagoria, a band that has a cult status on the local underground scene. Known for their dark and energetic performances, Phantasmagoria will present to the audience their most famous songs like "Alex", "Invitation to Paradise", and "I See With My Own Eyes", as well as newer tracks like "Broken Mirror" and "Ode To The End Of The World".

Their performance in Istria will be their first in almost 20 years, and it is particularly significant for the band members as it represents the fulfillment of a long-held wish—their joint concert in Opatija in 1993 was unfortunately canceled. This is an opportunity for fans to once again experience the energy and special atmosphere that Phantasmagoria brings to the stage.

For all who wish to attend this spectacle, a special charm will be added by the stay in the region of Istria itself, which offers a multitude of activities and natural beauties, ideal for a musical vacation and exploration. More information about accommodation in Vinkuran and the surrounding area is available here.