British music legends, The Stranglers, whose name echoes through the halls of post-punk and new wave history, are preparing to return to Croatia, bringing with them a musical-stage treat that will mark the summer of 2025. This cult band, recognizable by its unique fusion of raw punk rock, intelligent new wave, and introspective post-punk, has scheduled a performance for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in one of the most impressive open-air concert venues – the ancient Roman quarry Cave Romane, located in the picturesque Vinkuran, in Istria. This event promises not only a musical spectacle but also a unique experience immersed in history and natural beauty.

Beginnings and meteoric rise on the music scene

Founded way back in 1974 in Guildford, Surrey, England, The Stranglers quickly established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time. Their ability to release as many as three albums – "Rattus Norvegicus", "No More Heroes", and "Black and White" – in an incredibly short period of just 13 months testifies to their creative energy and vision. These albums spawned a series of hit singles that defined the sound of the late seventies and secured them a place in the pantheon of rock greats. Songs like the energetic "Peaches", the rebellious "No More Heroes", and the cover of the classic "Walk On By" became generational anthems and launched the band onto world charts.

Their musical journey did not stop with these early successes. Throughout the decades that followed, The Stranglers continued to produce hits, among which the melancholic "Always The Sun", the enigmatic "Strange Little Girl", and the globally recognized "Golden Brown" particularly stand out. It was "Golden Brown", with its unusual waltz rhythm and hypnotic harpsichord melody, that became their biggest commercial success, reaching number two on the UK singles chart and remaining an evergreen that still captivates listeners worldwide. It is an impressive fact that The Stranglers, during their long career spanning six different decades, managed to place as many as 24 singles in the top 40 best-selling in Great Britain, thus confirming their consistency and relevance on the ever-changing music scene.

Later career and the album "Dark Matters"

Even in the 21st century, The Stranglers proved their musical vitality. The album "Dark Matters", released in 2021, was met with enthusiasm from both critics and audiences. Reaching a high fourth place on the UK albums chart, it became their most successful album since the 1983 release "Feline". "Dark Matters" carries a special emotional weight as it is the last album to feature the distinctive and unique keyboards of the late Dave Greenfield. Greenfield, whose sound was one of the band's trademarks, passed away in May 2020 from complications related to coronavirus, leaving an indelible mark on the music of The Stranglers. His virtuosity and innovative approach to keyboards, often compared to the work of Ray Manzarek of The Doors, gave the band a unique sonic dimension that set them apart from other contemporaries.

In 2022, the music world was shaken by the news of the death of another founder and long-time member of the band, drummer Jet Black (real name Brian Duffy). Black, who was the driving force of the band from its very beginnings and whose specific, jazz-infused drumming style was the foundation of the rhythm section, retired from active playing in 2015 due to health problems, but his influence remained immeasurable. Tributes to Jet Black were paid by numerous world-renowned musicians, including Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses, Ricky Warwick of Thin Lizzy, and Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, which further confirms his legendary status and the influence of The Stranglers on generations of musicians.

Musical style and influence

The Stranglers emerged on the scene at the height of the punk revolution of the late seventies, but their sound was never limited by narrow genre definitions. Although they shared the aggressiveness and uncompromising attitude of the punk movement, their music was significantly more complex and layered. It was characterized by dark, yet distinctly melodic tones, sophisticated harmonies, and intelligent, often provocative lyrics. The band's unique sound largely rested on the strong, pulsating bass of Jean-Jacques Burnel, which often also took on a leading melodic role, and on the aforementioned atmospheric keyboards of Dave Greenfield. Their musical expression encompassed elements of art rock, gothic rock, and even pop, creating a recognizable amalgam that secured them the status of one of the most influential and original bands of their generation. Critics described them as a band that evolved from "ill-mannered brutes to producers of top-notch pop delicacies," but whose music was never boring.

Bassist and singer Jean-Jacques "JJ" Burnel, today the only remaining member of the original lineup, is a figure who embodies the spirit and continuity of The Stranglers. An interesting anecdote concerns his entry into the band; while returning from karate practice, he gave a ride to hitchhiker Hugh Cornwell, a guitarist and singer who was one of the band's founders. That chance encounter grew into a long-standing musical collaboration that produced some of the band's biggest hits. Although Cornwell left the band in 1990, Burnel, with a refreshed lineup, continued to carry the torch for The Stranglers, performing their timeless hits with equal passion and energy. The current lineup, alongside Burnel, consists of guitarist and vocalist Baz Warne, drummer Jim Macaulay, and keyboardist Toby Hounsham, who took on the difficult task of succeeding Dave Greenfield.

"Men in Black" and social commentary

Fans nicknamed The Stranglers "Men in Black", partly because of their penchant for black clothing, and partly because of the band's fascination with theories about aliens and UFOs, which was the theme of their 1981 conceptual album "The Gospel According to the Meninblack". This album, although initially less commercially successful, gained cult status over time. Through their music and public appearances, The Stranglers often took an uncompromising stance, criticizing negative phenomena in global society, from political corruption to social hypocrisy. Their willingness to experiment with different musical directions, constantly pushing the boundaries of their own sound, resulted in a unique musical signature that still makes them recognizable today.

One of the interesting details from their rich history is the fact that in 1992 they made history as the first rock band to hold a concert in the infamous British prison Dartmoor. This event only further solidified their image as a band unafraid of controversy and willing to push boundaries.

Return to Croatia and the magic of Cave Romane

Fans of The Stranglers in Croatia are eagerly awaiting their July performance, which will be their return after a long time. Interestingly, The Stranglers first performed in Croatia, specifically in Zagreb, back in July 1978. At that time, they were one of the first Anglo-Saxon punk/new wave bands to visit these areas, leaving a deep mark on the music scene at the time and paving the way for many other foreign performers. Their concert in Zagreb back then is remembered as a legendary event that marked the arrival of a new sound and energy.

This time, the stage for their performance will be truly special – the ancient quarry Cave Romane. Located in the settlement of Vinkuran, not far from Medulin and Pula, this quarry dates back to Roman times and it is believed that stone for the construction of the magnificent Pula Arena was extracted from it. The space is extremely attractive due to its impressive ambiance and excellent natural acoustics. Surrounded by stone cliffs up to 50 meters high, which create a strong visual impression and act as a natural acoustic shell, Cave Romane provides a unique setting for musical events. As an open space under the starry sky, with a capacity of about 1200 visitors, it allows a special feeling of closeness between the audience and performers, creating an intimate atmosphere despite its grandeur. It is no wonder that an increasing number of world and regional music stars are choosing Cave Romane for their performances, recognizing its magical appeal and unique characteristics. The Stranglers' concert at this location in Istria will surely be an unforgettable experience, a combination of legendary music and a breathtaking ambiance.

Tickets for this long-awaited musical event, a meeting with the legends who shaped the sound of several generations, are available via the Entrio platform. Fans will have the opportunity to hear timeless hits like "Golden Brown", "Peaches", "No More Heroes", "Always The Sun", as well as songs from the acclaimed album "Dark Matters", performed by a band that, even after five decades on the scene, radiates inexhaustible energy and musical relevance. The Stranglers' concert in Cave Romane will be the highlight of the summer concert season in Istria and an opportunity to once again confirm the timeless power of their musical legacy.