Steve Ravić delves into the electrifying experience of the upcoming Thompson concert and the media inevitable media attacks on Marko Perković and his fans.
You know you’re on the right path when the haters resort to the lowest forms of communication—especially in journalism—where they often abandon basic morals entirely.
Media envy targets Thompson’s success
In this case, the culprits include Index.hr and journalist Hrvoje Marjanović, whose article “Uspjeh domaćeg dečka” (“Success of a local boy”), published on 8 June, attempts a witless, sarcastic jab at Marko Perković Thompson and his fans. It’s a prime example of embittered journalism, cloaked in mockery and driven by resentment.
Index.hr is not alone in failing to comprehend Thompson’s popularity. While eager to monetise his name through clickbait, they refuse to offer genuine acclaim. Instead, they relentlessly ridicule Croatia’s most celebrated singer while profiting from the very audience they scorn.
A record-breaking concert met with mockery
Following the Thompson production team’s announcements for the 5 July concert at Zagreb’s Hipodrom, which promises to break world records, certain media outlets chose derision over recognition. Instead of praising the remarkable effort behind the event, they mocked the logistical planning—plans that left global audiences impressed.
The concert will provide 2.5 million litres of water on what’s expected to be a hot summer day, with 2 kilometres of bars, 5,000 waiters, thousands of toilet cubicles, and a dedicated app to guide concertgoers. Yet rather than applauding these efforts, critics mocked both organisers and attendees, dismissing them as “patriots” to be laughed at.
When false narratives go global
The situation becomes truly concerning when detractors go further—spreading falsehoods that portray Thompson as a fascist. These fabrications often catch the attention of international outlets, who repeat the lies without proper investigation.
I’ve spent years holding foreign media accountable for repeating Yugo-communist propaganda. Some, like the US-based Newsweek, later acted responsibly—removing or correcting false claims after our efforts revealed the truth. Their 2018 headline, “Croatia World Cup Team Invites Pro-fascist Singer”, was ultimately amended after factual lobbying.
Exposing hypocrisy at Split’s 2019 concert
I recall an encounter at Zagreb Airport in 2019 while leading a film crew from Australia, Japan, and Germany to Thompson’s concert in Split. Overhearing our Australian accents, international journalists asked whether we were covering the supposed “uprising of fascism in Croatia”.
I calmly corrected them, stating, “Fascism does not exist in Croatia.” This led to a proper interview where I clarified Thompson’s anti-tyranny stance—opposing both fascist and communist ideologies. The journalists, finding no trace of extremism, published no negative coverage after attending the concert.
Falsehoods resurface in 2025
Such attacks had diminished—until the record-breaking concert announcement. Now, entertainment journalists, not political ones, are parroting old lies. Chief among them is David Mouriquand of Euro News, who published a defamatory piece on 2 April 2025, titled “Croatian Singer Marko Perković to Break Record for Most Tickets Sold for a Single Concert in History”.
Despite sending a cease-and-desist letter to both Mouriquand and Euro News, there’s been no response. I even offered to meet at the Cannes Film Festival to resolve the issue—again, silence. As of 21 June 2025, the story remains publicly accessible, filled with defamatory claims.
Legal recourse now being considered
We’ve since consulted Australian expat lawyer Don Markušić, based in Zagreb. A line must be drawn—malicious hit pieces cannot be allowed to defame individuals and insult entire communities. Legal action against Euro News and Mouriquand is under serious consideration unless they retract the falsehoods.
Croatians around the world have endured enough mislabelling. It’s time to challenge the lies with truth—and accountability.
Concert sabotage attempts and the power of documentation
We know there will be attempts by detractors to stage photo ops—planting provocateurs to misrepresent the crowd. It’s been done before. One even confessed to being paid off by journalists.
But such rare instances do not represent the 500,000-plus attendees gathering to celebrate faith, patriotism, and homeland through song.
To ensure this concert is accurately documented, Majestic Film, in association with Morrell Films and Empire Motion Pictures, will produce a documentary aimed at global audiences. It will showcase not only what Thompson stands for but the spirit of his fans—together making history.
Final word: singing for truth and unity
As one of Thompson’s lyrics proclaims:
“No surrender! Let us sing, sons of victory.
They will hate; we will love,
every inch of our only Homeland.”
See related story: Thompson: Official App for the “Concert of the Century”