Laibach as the first foreign band performing in North Korea

Published: 29.9.2015

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Laibach as the first foreign band performing in North Korea

Slovenia is a land of inspiration and success. In the end of August, Slovenian music group Laibach was the first foreign band performing in North Korea. The historic event took place in Pyongyang, at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the independence of the Korean peninsula from the Japanese colonial rule.

Laibach as the first foreign band performing in North Korea

Slovenia is a land of inspiration and success. Besides numerous athletes who are winning medals at the most important international championships, many Slovenian artists are becoming globally known for their work as well. In the end of August, Slovenian music group Laibach was the first foreign band performing in North Korea. The historic event took place in Pyongyang, at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the independence of the Korean peninsula from the Japanese colonial rule.

The Whistleblowers, Tanz mit Laibach, Across the Universe or We Are Millions And Millions Are One are only a few of famous Laibach’s song arrangements. The Slovenian avant-garde music group associated with industrial, martial and neo-classical musical styles was formed in 1980 in Trbovlje. The band represents the music wing of the Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK) art collective, which was organized in 1984. Their speciality is blending music with visual art with ironic tone and using political and controversial images.

The original idea for the concerts came from the Norwegian artist and activist Morten Traavik, who had previously organized cultural exchanges with North Korea. Laibach’s performance in Pyongyang included some of their recognizable song arrangements and tunes from The Sound of Music, such as Edelweiss, Do-Re-Mi and The Hills are Alive. The musical was one of the few western movies, which was allowed to be watched by the North Koreans. The concert took place in the Kim Won Gyun musical conservatory in front of the audience of 1000 locals and a small number of foreigners, making Laibach the first western music band that has ever played in the country. As members of Laibach said: “There is no second chance to play in Pyongyang for the first time. Who wouldn’t want to embark on such an experience?”

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