Fisnikët, the rock band from Prishtina, founded 45 years ago, electrified the Albanian audience at Wiener Stadthalle with their well-known hits at their first-ever concert in Vienna. They are the second Albanian band to step on this prestigious stage, following Elita 5.

Agim Gërguri, the band’s vocalist and songwriter, in an interview for HAJDE, shares the emotions of this concert, which for him and the group was an unforgettable experience.

“The greatest gift for an artist is when the whole audience sings your songs. It shows that your work lives on,” says Gërguri.
“The audience’s intonation surprised us; it rarely happens that a whole hall sings so accurately.”

A return to real concerts

The collaboration between Fisnikët and the cultural platform Albanian Sundowner began last year, aiming to revive live Albanian concerts across Europe.

“Concerts are where an artist shows their true value. Only genuine artists can withstand the stage,” Gërguri emphasises.

In the photo: Fisnikët performing in Vienna 

From the 1980s to today: a journey full of challenges

Fisnikët formed in 1980 and were initially influenced by classic rock & roll. Their early songs, such as “Zotria juaj”, “Arta” and “Dada Salë”, quickly became part of Albanian musical memory.

But the group’s journey has not been easy. The political situation of the 1990s forced them to pause their musical activity, but never to abandon it.

“We survived all those challenges. And here we are today,” he says proudly.

He adds that what kept the group together for so long was the honesty and transparency they built within their team.

Fisnikët and the younger generation 

The band continues to be loved not only by audiences of the ’80s and ’90s but also by Gen Z, who have discovered their music through digital platforms.

This motivates Fisnikët not to rely solely on their classic repertoire but also to create new music. Although Gërguri does not reveal details, he confirms that new songs are in progress.

“The challenge is finding the balance between new musical trends and the spirit of Fisnikët. We’re searching for a new modus that keeps our identity intact.”

Criticism of today’s music

Gërguri does not hesitate to express his thoughts on the current musical landscape:

“In recent years, I’ve seen a lack of musical harmony and a lack of meaningful lyrics. Many songs are produced quickly and without depth.”

He encourages young artists to be more authentic and to dedicate more time to their craft.

Regarding artificial intelligence in music, he adds:

“I’ve never used ChatGPT for music. I believe it’s temporary. Eventually, people will return to creativity that comes from the soul.”

Vienna, a new centre for Albanian rock

Performances by Albanian rock bands at Wiener Stadthalle are gradually becoming a tradition. Following the success of Elita 5, which gathered about 900 rock fans six months ago, the concert of Fisnikët once again filled the hall.

In the photo: Ardian Maksuti, director of Albanian Sundowner

Ardian Maksuti, director of Albanian Sundowner, says:

“We realised that people had been waiting for something like this. We want to be part of the cultural community of Albanians in Vienna, a reference point for music and art.”

New concerts on the horizon

After their success in Vienna, Fisnikët and Albanian Sundowner are expected to hold concerts this spring in Italy and Switzerland.

“In the ’80s and ’90s, these opportunities didn’t exist for Albanian rock. Today, when foreigners come to our concerts, they express admiration for our music,” Gërguri says.

Vienna, one of Europe’s most important cultural and historical capitals, is becoming a new stage for Albanian rock, a significant step toward its international recognition.