On modern Laikó, Bouzoukia and Vasilis Karras
Many difficult words, I know 🥹 I have talked before about some genres that are specific to Greek music; one of them is Laikó, which developed during the 50s-60s from rembétiko music. Laiko means "by or for the people" and it can roughly be translated as "popular music". At the time, however, it sounded nothing like what is known as pop in western music scene. It was called laiko because it wasn't chamber or classical upscale music - it was music addressed to everyday people whom it was expressing, their joys, their sufferings, their experience.
In the 80s, laiko music evolved more and diverged into what is now "modern laiko". We can safely say that classic laiko and modern laiko are now quite different genres, different enough that one can like one but not the other, but both express the feelings of everyday people. Modern laiko especially focused on love and heartbreak songs.
The popularity of modern laiko was established in Greek nightlife entertainment venues that are called "bouzoukia". Bouzoukia did develop around 50s-60s too, as taverns with musicians and dancers, however they morphed into their current form around the 80s like the modern laiko music. They go hand in hand.
Bouzoukia are now large venues with live music that open late at night and usually shut at dawn. People usually sit at tables and get drinks there, although some offer food as well. People also dress up to go there, especially women don glitzy dresses. Most bouzoukia have a music program featuring two singers or more. The quality of the singer and the music played depends on the shop and can vary greatly - from plain bad (which earned them the nickname σκυλάδικα - skyládika, dog places) to some of the most famous singers of the laiko / pop music scene. This can also be argued for modern laiko in general; it can vary from instant classics to cheap songs made purely for entertainment. The classic laiko, on the other hand, has way more consistent quality, if not guaranteed.
The way you show your enjoyment or appreciation for the music / singing in bouzoukia has become a well known trait of the Greeks. In bouzoukia Greeks open champagnes or other bottles of drinks and offer them to the singers, they break plates, they throw napkins or they buy disks with flowers - usually carnations or roses - with which they rain on the object of their appreciation; the singer, someone who dances, a person from their company etc
One of the most famous singers of modern laikó and one of the most emblematic figures of bouzoukia was Vasilis Karrás, who passed away a couple of days ago, but I thought of making this post after Christmas.
Vasilis Karras was also a composer and lyricist besides singer, however he was especially loved for his heavy, masculine voice which went well with his trad streetwise looks. He represented the old-school man, the brooding archetype with the good, honest heart . He was a person loved and respected by his peers, known for his generosity. He passed away at the age of 70 after COVID-19 complications and a long battle with cancer.
RIP Vasilis
An example of Greeks showing their love by throwing an entire flower field in Vasilis' feet.
And as a tribute song, even more so like the proper 90s child I am, what more appropriate choice than ΓΥΡΙΣΕ ( COME BACK). Fun fact: the song is also known by a verse in the chorus, Σπάει η φωνή μου σίδερα (Spai i foní mu síthera), which means "my voice bends iron" and, as you understand, it is one of the most memorable lyrics in Greek pop culture.
EDIT: It's trending now and I stumbled onto it; Unboxholics, popular YouTubers, made a tour video in Karras' farm and his collection of vintage cars two years ago - he was evidently a man who loved life and wanted others to enjoy it with him. I see why his fans call him "big guy", "lord" and "king".
❤️
