Thievery Corporation, Nikšić and thousands of visitors to the rhythm of the world

Nikšić was the center of the world last night, the place where the European tour of the cult American band Thievery Corporation officially began, marking their 30th anniversary. The grand event was already a sensation in its own right, and the performance truly lived up to and exceeded expectations in every way.

The area behind the Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy, a huge meadow under Trebjes, showed its capacity and potential last night by hosting several thousand visitors, dominated by the people of Nikšić, and then everyone else from other parts of Montenegro, but also from the region, eager for exactly the kind of musical and artistic event that happened.

Video: Jelena Kontic

Without a doubt, Thievery Corporation put on a spectacle that could have been imagined. Their first performance in Montenegro was among the best concerts in the world, which is not even worth arguing, considering that this is a great band recognized all over the world for its authentic approach to music, creativity, every stage performance, connection with the audience, but also engaged appearances on current events in the world, which was the case last night. In addition to all that, the organization was also world-class, from the stage and sound system, through all the technical and creative elements of the concert, to the audience that beautifully, dignified, slowly and in the rhythm of love, music, art, culture and togetherness accompanied the entire evening. All of this was given a special charm by the natural environment behind the Institute, which, through special symbolism, enhanced the unforgettable night.

For just under two hours, the "reinforced" line-up of the band Thievery Corporation, led by Rob Garza at the DJ booth, performed some of their most famous songs, demonstrating the mastery and virtuosity of all individuals, but also a strongly expressed connection with the audience, who followed the rhythm, danced and jumped continuously, responded to the ovations and applause, sang along and further heated up the atmosphere with their reactions. Everyone enjoyed the unique musical style that brings a recognizable combination of different musical cultures, traditions and (sub)genres, connecting electronic music, dub, trip-hop, jazz, reggae, bossa nova, but also Indian and Middle Eastern music, all perfectly packaged in the aesthetics for which Thievery is known and which has been captivating fans around the world for decades.

Video: Jelena Kontic

From the moment they entered the stage to leaving and returning for an encore after thunderous calls from the audience, Thievery performed some of the most famous songs from their rich and lavish repertoire, including "Assault on Babylon" from its beginnings at the opening, followed by "All That We Perceive", "Radio Retaliation", "Amerimacka", "Unified Tribes", "Forgotten People", "Lebanese Blonde", "Fight to Survive", "Warning Shots"... One would say that the concert was closed with this, but after calling for an encore from thousands and thousands in the audience, the band took their positions again after about 10 minutes and performed "Sweet Tides" and then, of course, "Richest Man in Babylon" without which this spectacle could not have been imagined. This is precisely the music that erases borders between countries, peoples, cultures, traditions and cities and brings everything together.

Thus, with the iconic lyrics, increasingly topical, one might say, the concert reached its peak, as the audience sang along with the masters on stage. And if those present had wondered - the concert would have lasted and lasted, but the team nevertheless withdrew from the stage shortly before midnight.

Video: Jelena Kontic

It is necessary to mention that the evening was opened with a live performance by DJ Setonn and Marko Janjušević (Janjo Manitou), who was also in charge of closing the evening. Janjo provided the best possible overture before Thievery's performance, warming up the audience and welcoming Nikšić, and at one point he was joined on stage by Podgorica's Ronaldo Maximum and Nikšić's Miodrag Radović Toba.

In addition to the fact that Thievery Corporation performed in Montenegro for the first time on July 8, 2026, or the fact that it started a European tour from Nikšić to celebrate 30 years of work, the event itself is also the realization that the city under Trebjes has all the necessary capacities to be a place where the world, people, music, nature and art meet, and that it has the space and potential for many more such events.

The concert was organized as part of the "Steel, Beer, Rock'n'roll" project, whose goal is to revalue the industrial heritage of Nikšić and promote alternative musical expression in the context of the title Nikšić 2030. European Capital of Culture and Nikšić UNESCO City of Music.