Marko Perković Thompson delivered a performance for the ages as over half a million people united at Zagreb Hippodrome for a night of music, faith, and national pride.
Photos: Boško Ćosić
Historic night draws over 500,000 fans
On 5 July 2025, Zagreb Hippodrome became the heart of a historic moment as Croatian rock legend Marko Perković Thompson performed to an estimated 504,000 fans. The concert shattered attendance records. It became the largest paid concert ever by a solo artist—surpassing even the legendary Vasco Rossi performance in Italy.
Fans travelled from across Croatia and over 45 countries to be part of the event. This created an atmosphere brimming with emotion, energy, and patriotism. Waving Croatian flags and singing along to every word, the crowd turned the concert into something far greater than a show—it became a pilgrimage of cultural and spiritual identity.
A masterclass in organisation and safety
The concert was as impressive in execution as it was in scale. A total of 6,523 police officers were deployed from 12 continental departments. This ensured security across every inch of the venue and surrounding area. An additional 5,000 private security staff were stationed across approximately 520 entrances to manage the flow of attendees.
Emergency and health support were also extensive: 70 professional firefighters, 26 emergency medical teams with 37 vehicles, and a fully equipped 400-bed emergency medical centre were established at the nearby Zagreb Fair. These efforts ensured no major incidents occurred, a remarkable feat for an event of this size.
A night of faith, patriotism, and unforgettable music
Thompson delivered an emotionally charged setlist, featuring patriotic anthems like “Lijepa li si”, “Bojne Čavoglave”, “Geni kameni”, and his latest hit “Ako ne znaš šta je bilo”. Each song reinforced themes of faith, family, and homeland—values deeply rooted in his music and resonant with the crowd. The production featured world-class sound, visuals, and stage effects, elevating the performance to international standards.
But for many, this concert was not just about entertainment. It was a rare and unrepeatable moment to reconnect with Croatian heritage, Christian values, and a collective spirit of unity. Under the lights of the Hippodrome and a sky filled with song, the night felt sacred—an affirmation of identity for Croatians both at home and abroad.
Drone show brings Thompson’s vision to life
The spectacle reached awe-inspiring heights with a breathtaking display of lighting, pyrotechnics, and an extraordinary drone show. This left the audience in silence and awe. Over 1000 synchronized drones lit up the night sky. They formed powerful symbols close to Thompson’s heart — the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a radiant Cross, and the Croatian flag waving proudly across the heavens. These were not just visual effects, but profound expressions of faith, identity, and patriotism shared by the artist and his fans. It was a sacred and emotional moment that elevated the concert from a musical event to a deeply spiritual and unifying national experience
Economic and cultural impact felt across Zagreb
Hotels and restaurants across Zagreb were filled to capacity, as thousands of international visitors contributed to a city-wide economic boost. More importantly, the concert demonstrated Croatia’s capacity to host events of global significance while preserving a deeply national character.
This was more than a concert—it was a national milestone. A celebration of people, pride, and purpose that may never be repeated again. For those who attended, it was a once-in-a-lifetime memory that will echo across generations.
See related story: Thompson stuns Zagreb in historic live concert
