After two years of hiatus due to circumstances that everybody knows, yesterday evening made it everything alright again. Why? Because this was first like bigger gig that I attended after all of the pandemic shit and proof that all is alright again and gigs and festivals are under way with hot and storm filled summer heading our way.

Well, our expedition(three of us) got on the road to 90 km destination around half past six in the afternoon with gig due to start around eight in the evening. The trip went well, with three of us joking and having fun on the way, talking about what songs Lagwagon will play, how many people will attend, usual banter before the show, excitement and all.

When we got to Zagreb, we found the Boogaloo club almost immediately and saw black tour bus parked in front and people starting to gather more and more. We drank some refreshments and I was startled to see that water and beer have same prices in the club. Well, my friends drink beer so there was I think four deciliters of beer for price of 20 kuna, but I am straight edge, so I drank half liter bottled water which was also 20 kuna. I mean, WTF? 20 kuna for bottle of water? Hmm? We entered the club and looked around merch table and t-shirt prices for Lagwagon tees were 200 kuna and I think Mašinko was 100 kuna for a shirt. I just looked, bought nothing, and proceeded to in front of stage, because gig was about to start.

First band that took the stage were TROPHY JUMP from Zagreb. I watched them about ten days ago in our hometown when they headlined, so I was eager to see how they will handle on big stage and they delivered their cca half an hour set with precision. I am fascinated how many people knew the lyrics and danced to the songs. The setlist was a bit shorter this time, but all of the hits were there. From faster, more straightforward skate punk songs, to more technical and pop punk songs, that reminded me a bit of Weezer. Bunch of nice guys, great songwriters and musicians in a nice band. I enjoyed it a lot.

After their set finished we went outside to catch some air because it was damn hot in there. While we were out there in front of the club, it was nice to catch up and talk with dear people from Zagreb, Osijek, Koprivnica and all around, some of them I did not see for almost three years, so it was a bit emotional too for many of us. Hugs and fist bumps, also handshakes and glistening eyes were in order.

Next up, punk rock heroes MAŠINKO were on stage and started their set. I last saw those guys play live before their new album Danas ću sutra ću came out, so I was eager to hear some songs from the new album in their set. This was a third and last day of their mini tour through Croatia, but they were not tired at all. Singer Šulc was active on stage and interaction with the crowd was just fantastic. Although I saw them play many times, both in Croatia and Slovenia, Mašinko set in their home town is a must see. This was one mighty damn fine set. Three guitarist, bass player and singer do vocals, different and harmonies are so fantastic. Set list of their 45 minute set was made of some songs from new album like Tu smo gdje smo, Ona stoji na vratima, but also Srkijev san, Punim Plućima, Odzvanjala je pjesma, Djevojka s prosvjeda, Erupcija sreće, Rijetka sprava went just fantastic with the crowd who sang along, danced, moshed. The highlight of Mašinko set for me were 041, Kada vjetar kaže stani gave me goosebumps with sing along, they finished the set with Potjeh…probably their most known and greatest hit ever. This was a hats off set for these melodic punkrockers.

Afterwards, outside again to catch air, we saw storm clouds gather, so it was perfect time for LAGWAGON to start their European gig with first gig in Croatia. Boogaloo was filled with by my estimation about five hundred people and it was damn hot and atmosphere was right for intro and then Joey Cape and company stood on stage and started their set with After You My Friend. First couple of songs(Weak, Falling Apart) there was not so much talking between the songs, but then crowd and band started to relax and everything erupted in fantastic gig. Joey Cape was in a mood and jokes were flying from stage, guitarists Chris Rest and Chris Flippin were smiling all the time and bassist Joe Raposo was delivering his bass lines, being one of best bassists in punk rock. Lagwagon soldiered on with their set, mixed with songs from all periods of band, from oldies Give It Back, Bombs Away, Violins, Heartbreaking Music, Sleep to hits from last two albums Bubble, Surviving California, Cog In The Machine. I was so happy to see how Lagwagon enjoyed being on stage na playing again and Joey mentioned couple of times how thankful they to us, fans and friends for coming out, singing along, some stage diving, dancing and holding our fists in the air. My personal favorites and singing along favorites were To All My Friends which all of us sang along to, again gave me goosebumps. They finished regular set with Razor Burn, but came out on encore to deliver mighty Alien8, Making Friends and of course finished with May 16, my best song of Lagwagon ever!

When it was all over, we went home, because it was already almost Wednesday and next day is a working day, but we had to drive slowly on a highway because there was whole lot of rain. Great gig, great to be able to tour and go around again! I am loving it!