Chinaski

Chinaski was formed in 1987 and was named after Charles Bukowski’s alter ego Henry Chinaski. The band became the most popular pop rock band on the Czech music scene.

Last month, the six guys from the Czech Republic came to England for the first time to play two concerts in London and Brighton for the young Czechs and Slovaks.

We were able to enjoy their biggest hits like ‘Klára’ (Clare), ‘1970’ or ‘Tabá?ek’ (Tobacco) as well as their new songs. For those living in England for far too long, the songs from the new movie ‘Autopohádky’ (Fairytales From the Automobile) were less known. The audience not only enjoyed the good quality music, but also the opportunity to meet fellow citizens.

Chinaski came back to do three encores. Later they said to me: “The smaller audience is actually better. There were two hundred people, and it was great.”

Chinaski are not my favourite band, but on the night they proved they are one of the best bands full stop. This was the first time I‘ve seen them playing live and as I later found out, I wasn’t the only one. Young Czechs and Slovaks praised the group very highly after the concert and I could hear: “This was the best concert”, all over the venue.

The Hydrant, 26 February 2012

Rating: