The best INmusic shows in the last 5 years

Photo: Julien Duval

In the past years, we have witnessed numerous amazing concerts at INmusic, one of Zagreb’s most eclectic festival. Today we are reminiscing the shows that thrilled us the most and which will always have a special place in our memories.

Arcade Fire 2017

Arcade Fire Setlist INmusic Festival 2017 2017, Pre-Infinite Content

Whether it’s their catchy songs or interesting outfits, or the look of the stage, everything about Arcade Fire reminds joy, warmth, happiness and dancing. The Canadian indie favorites were one of the headliners of INmusic #12 and they put up a party to remember. There was not a single person that wasn’t dancing during their performance. Nine people were on stage including touring musicians, all with their impressive instrumentation they made every song sound deeper and more refreshing. One of the highlights was during their song ’’The Suburbs’’ which they dedicated to the late David Bowie.

The Hives 2019

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The Hives knows how to put out a memorable show and they proved that at the last INmusic edition. The Swedish garage rock collective rushed through their famous crowd-pleasing tracks, along with Pelle Almqvist’s idiosyncratic manner of speaking to his fans. His preacher-like way of addressing to people is part of their performance so that always causes loud ovations and cheering from the audience. And you always have a feeling that you are also integral part of their show. That’s what make it all exciting.

David Byrne 2018

David Byrne at INmusic 2018
Photo: Julien Duval

Post punk living legend David Byrne delivered a unique musical spectacle in Zagreb. There were eleven musicians on stage, all dressed up the same, with instruments they carried around. Each song had its distinct choreography, sometimes simple and childish, sometimes more demanding, but always lovable. Songs from his album American Utopia were predominant, but classic hits by his former band Talking Heads were loudly accepted, too.

FFS (Franz Ferdinand & Sparks) 2015

FFS at INmusic 2015
Photo: Samir Ceric Kovacevic

The indie-rock hybrid consisting of Franz Ferdinand and Sparks, fittingly named FFS, were surprisingly interesting. Fans in Zagreb were among the first in Europe to see this collaborative show live. Songs from their only FFS album, plus some more of their own hit numbers and the vivid stage performance were sufficient to make this concert amazing. Maybe one of the most underrated performers at INmusic history, but certainly never forgotten.

Queens of the Stone Age 2018

QOTSA at INmusic 2018
Photo: Julien Duval

It’s not a secret that Queens of the Stone Age are always wanted in any festival’s lineup. The heavy rock machine from Palm Desert justified their headliner’s spot with a noisy, uncompromising gig. The INmusic’s setlist consisted of one hit song after another, so people were headbanging and making moshpits from start to finish. Josh Homme and the gang demonstrated how rock’n’roll should be played.

Suede 2019

Suede at INmusic festival 2019
Photo: Julien Duval

Britpop pioneers Suede showed their best on festival’s Main stage. It was the most energetic and high intense concert in years. Brett Anderson, the frontman, was everywhere. He danced all over the stage, sang his heart out on his knees. Moreover, during a good part of the show, he stayed with the crowd in the audience. His elegant shirt was soaking wet by the end of the concert, that’s how passionate he was. Because of this, Suede deserve to be among the best INmusic shows.

Kings of Leon 2017

Kings of Leon made history at INmusic. Because of them, the festival was sold-out for the very first time. The Followill brothers gave a high quality and mighty performance with fresh songs from their newly released record WALLS. Numbers such as ‘Over’ or ‘Reverend’ sounded way better live with richer and more complex arrangements. And you can already guess the delirium which followed ‘Sex on Fire’ and ‘Use Somebody’, proper festival hymns.

PJ Harvey 2016

PJ Harvey at INmusic 2016
Photo: Filip Bušić

One of the most memorable shows was held by her royal darkness, PJ Harvey. She marched in on stage with a 10-men band who were all switching instruments throughout the concert. It was an extremely well planned stage performance. The main part of the repertoire were tracks from The Hope Six Demolition Project album, but oldies such as ‘Down by the Water’, ‘Let England Shake’ and ‘To Bring You My Love’ were nothing but pure delight. A truly pleasant and emotional festival experience.

St. Vincent 2018

St. Vincent at INmusic 2018
Photo: Teo Letnić

St. Vincent had her only show in the Balkan neighborhood at INmusic. And what a fantastic one! Wearing a captivating outfit with a flashy-colored guitar, she delivered very danceable and groovy melodies. Backed up by three musicians who were all lined up a la Kraftwerk, Anne Clark had a much modest, but equally striking light show as the German veterans. At that time, when her critically acclaimed album MASSEDUCTION came out, she was in high demand. So, fans from the region were lucky to see this wonderful concert.

Fontaines D.C. 2019

Fontaines D.C. at INmusic 2019
Photo: Filip Bušić

Fontaines D.C. were far from a headliner act but they managed to steal the show. The Irish band brought a powerful and very intense performance at a tiny little venue. The audience was surprised and blown away by the killer rhythm section and sharp guitar riffs from the then relatively unknown group. We now know very well what they are capable of and the organizers of INmusic called the band for a back to back gig next summer.

INmusic 2021

INmusic 2019
Photo: Julien Duval

INmusic festival is Croatia’s biggest international contemporary music open-air festival. The festival was started in 2006 and usually it includes indie-rock, metal and electronica acts. 2021 will see INmusic celebrate its 15th edition as it once again takes over the secluded woodland setting of Lake Jarun. So far confirmed artists are The Killers, Belle and Sebastian, Deftones, Beck, White Lies, The Lumineers, Gogol Bordello and Fontaines D.C.

  • Location: Lake Jarun, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Date: 21-23 june 2021.
  • Tickets: 3-day ticket for 67 EUR
  • More information on official website.