Tactically reinterpreting Bijelo Dugme's classic hits, Laibach delivers 'Die Kanone' through Mute Records - Now available for public consumption.
Laibach and Bijelo Dugme Collaborate on New Single "Die Kanone"
Slovenian industrial group Laibach and legendary Yugoslav rock band Bijelo Dugme have joined forces to create a unique fusion of post-industrial, martial soundscapes with Balkan folk and classic rock influences. The result is the new single, "Die Kanone", now available on Mute.
"Die Kanone" follows a series of interpretations by Laibach, including covers of "I Want To Know What Love Is" by Foreigner and "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday. This latest collaboration was initiated by Goran Bregovic, Bijelo Dugme's founding member and principal songwriter.
The single's artwork features a Volkswagen Beetle, a symbol of Sarajevo's industrial past. The Beetle, once mass-produced in the city, serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of manufacturing, alluding to Germany's current shift from automotive production to arms production.
The single reimagines "Top" by Bijelo Dugme, the most successful rock band in the history of former Yugoslavia. The cannon metaphorically represents distorted expressions of masculinity, according to Laibach's statement.
Bijelo Dugme's classic lineup consisted of Goran Bregovic, Željko Bebek (vocals), Zoran Redžić (bass), Ipe Ivandić (drums), and Vlado Pravdić (keyboards). The band disbanded in 1989 as Yugoslavia's political climate deteriorated but reunited in 2005 for three sold-out concerts in Sarajevo, Zagreb, and Belgrade.
In a 2023 Guardian interview, Laibach described the Russo-Ukrainian War as a "cynical proxy war for the geostrategic interests of the superpowers and financial capital." However, their artistic output, such as "Die Kanone," addresses themes of militarism and identity but does not explicitly position them in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Laibach has shown symbolic support for Ukraine by canceling shows in Russia as a sign of opposition to the war. There is no available information linking these views to a change in their performance situation in Ukraine.
In 2006, Bijelo Dugme's cover of the Russian anthem was seen as sympathetic to Russia. A 2018 interview with pro-Kremlin media, where they expressed willingness to perform in occupied Crimea and Donbas, has also been interpreted as sympathetic to Russia. However, it's essential to note that these interpretations do not necessarily reflect the artists' political views.
Regarding their performances and concert bookings in Ukraine, there is no explicit information indicating that Laibach's political stance on the war has negatively or positively affected their ability to perform or book concerts in Ukraine.
Laibach will perform several shows across Slovenia in 2025. Their most recent album is "Alamach", and their creative peak is often considered to be the 1979 album "Bitanga i princeza", featuring symphonic ballads and poetic lyrics. The band's debut album, "Kad bi' bio bijelo dugme", brought them nationwide fame and earned the label "pastirski rok" (shepherd rock) for its unique sound.
The lyrics of "Die Kanone" were translated into German for the occasion. The Bel Etage Music Hall cancelled Laibach's Kyiv concert due to the statement's offensive nature to many Ukrainians. Despite this, Laibach continues to create and perform, offering their unique blend of music to audiences around the world.
In the realm of various art forms, the new single "Die Kanone" by Laibach and Bijelo Dugme can be a fresh addition to one's lifestyle playlist, blending elements of music, fashion-and-beauty, and technology through innovative production. With a connection to the entertainment industry as well, discussions around the single's themes of empowerment and perception are trending in the entertainment scene.
