Ex-Yu Rock Centar triggers revival

Which country has the best rock music in the world? Most people would think of the United States or the UK, probably not former Yugoslavia. But, in fact, music buffs consider the rock music scene in the region to be among the best and most exciting worldwide.

"Everyone listened to the music, there was a whole industry associated with it. We were in love with the rock stars," says Sanela Ademovic. She is political adviser at the Swiss embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in charge of the cultural section. There are believed to have been about 1,000 rock bands across the entire region between 1960 and 1990.

The rock scene was able to flourish partly because socialism was interpreted more flexibly than, say, in the Soviet Union. "Political criticism was allowed if it remained within limits," says Ademovic. And this criticism was expressed mainly through music. Travel regulations were also relatively lax and this allowed residents with a passport to travel to other countries and imbibe inspiration from other cultures.

The wars that began in 1991 divided the region. Some bands separated and members fell out with each other. Others got together again and spoke out publicly against the wars. "The music is what connected us back then and can still connect us today," says Ademovic.

The Ex-Yu Rock Centar was established so that the importance of this period in music history is not forgotten and can be revived. The centre is located in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is often referred to as the "cradle of rock". On 29 November, the centre was inaugurated with its first exhibition titled "You shock me!", inspired by one of the most famous songs of the successful band Zabranjeno Pusenje. It gave a peek into the golden era of rock in former Yugoslavia between 1980 and 1992.

"We worked on the exhibition for almost a year," says Igor Misic, who is involved in the project and is a former musician himself. His task was to obtain memorabilia for the exhibition from rock musicians. "It was quite tough," he says, because these objects have an emotional value. "But I managed to convince them that they are more valuable in a museum than if they are stored in a basement." Since then, over 300 artefacts from about 40 musicians have been exhibited at the centre, including numerous album covers, concert tickets, old photographs, worn shoes and musical instruments. "All originals," says Misic, who guides visitors through the exhibition.

The idea for the Ex-Yu Rock Centar came from Will Richard and Valery Perry. Both are from the United States but have lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a long time. Perry grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, where the famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located. "I witnessed how the Hall of Fame led to the revival of the region's ailing economy, how cafes and restaurants opened and tourists flocked to the city," says Perry, who has been living in Sarajevo for many years and works as an independent researcher and author. She herself is a fan of Yugoslavian rock music. "Even people who don't understand the lyrics can enjoy the music." Misic considers this external perspective on the rock scene to be important. "I was motivated to get involved in the project because even outsiders perceived the music to be of a very high standard."

The centre is scheduled to officially open in mid-2024. Exhibitions have already started taking place to popularise the centre and find sponsors. The SDC is one of the funders. This year, for example, there were exhibitions on rock in Montenegro, rock in North Macedonia and women in the rock scene. The organisers say that the centre already attracts large numbers of people – both locals and tourists - every day.

In addition to the exhibition space and a stage, there are plans for a café, fan shop and jam room. "The centre is also intended to promote young talent," says Perry, because it is mainly young people in the region who lack opportunities. The rock music of the older bands continues to be popular and there are also successful young bands. But public sponsorship is restricted to mainstream folk music. "The centre can show people how music overcomes boundaries, and that will present a narrative different from the one scripted by politicians," says Perry, who has worked extensively on conflict and reconciliation.

Ex-Yu Rock Centar has so far received financial support from organisations including the SDC, the European Union, UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture and Sport in Sarajevo. And, of course, more and more music fans are joining as members.

Ex-Ju-Rock-Centar
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame