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JIRI SEVCIK

Graduated at Pardubice State Conservatory as a conductor and trumpet player. He worked as Pardubice's children choir conductor, musical editor of Radio Panag, and speaker and program director of Radio Life 91,6. He regularly performs as a vocal soloist of Felix Slováček’s Czech national big band, as well as a singer of a few other swing and jazz bands, including his own Pirate Swing band.

In March 2008 he took a part in a Great Britain's „Q Talent“ competition. With his interpretation of swing version of Freddie Mercury‘s song „Crazy Little Thing Called Love“ he won the third best award and also was awarded by jury with the special prize „The Most Entertaining Performance“.

According to that success he was invited to perform as a guest with famous Brian May Band (aka Red Sox) in Bristol, UK. One year later Jiri was honoured by famous american songwriter Richard Currier, who gave him the rights to perform and record (as only european singer) his „New York at Christmas“  song, whitch became an official chrismas song of NYC. In 2011 he was chosen to perform (with his band and their own swing arrangements of Queen songs) a leading musical act  at Freddie Mercury’s birthday party in Montreux, Switzerland. Jiri and his PIRATE SWING Band had a masive success there, Czech  and international media (incl. CNN ) were talking about a sensation. Even the Queen band apparently liked Czechs gig, their official website said: „Czech Republics Jiri Sevcik and The Pirate Swing Band performed and people danced like they were at the Moulin Rouge! What a truly amazing show… Marvellous!“. The offers from foreign countries came instanty and european tour started to seem pretty real… but with not a less media attention home in the Czech Republic. Jiri and his band performed on most watched TV programs, from cooking show to national TV breakfast show and starting to get really wide attention…

To date, he performed in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Croatia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Egypt, United Kingdom and USA.

THE PIRATE SWING BAND

is Jiri Sevcik‘s band project, joining together 17 top musicians, respected soloists (from philharmonic players to rockers) from all around the Czech Republic. The repertoire of the band is not only swing itself, but mostly their-own-kind-brisk-swing musical arrangements of other musical genres hits (Jackson, Madonna, Police, Queen, Bon Jovi, Nirvana, Oasis, etc.), which is actually very rare and unobvious way – no band in Europe follows this kind of „branch“.

The very important element of all their performances is humour, they believe there’s no entertainment without it. The band first took public and media attention through the pirate roof concert, which was broadcast on main evening national TV news. International attention came with their success at Freddie Mercury's birthday party in Montreux, Switzerland, where they played 80 minutes exclusive "Queen-songs-rearranged-to-swing" gig . Media were talking about sensation and and reputation of the band as a very special and unpredictable swing gang precedes guys everywhere, even on CNN International  TV Channel.

In September 2012 under official approval of Queen PIRATE SWING Band released studio album of their swing arrangements of Queen songs „We Will Swing You! “. Queen’s manager Jim Beach and legendary band itself apparently liked it , Queen office requested 14 (!) piece of the album. The album launching party took a place at the cinema with official premiere of the time-lapse movie  about PIRATE SWING Band, called „Jazz with the Balls“. The godfathers of the „We Will Swing You!“ album were Karel Gott (most famous Czech singer), Felix Slovacek (european swing legend) and Peter Freestone (Freddie Mercury’s former P.A.). Very soon after this success PIRATE SWING Band played a sold-out Czech Republic tour and offered to the fans second album "The Swingsons " with unique swing arrangements of Hollywood classics - from Simpsons to Simon and Garfunkel, Madonna or Michael Jackson. The bonus section of the album gives you a remastered recording of two songs from the concert in Montreux and also a delicacy - house music remixes from DJ Michael C. Another incarnation of musical juggling is just about completed, but of course by that time the PIRATE SWING Band with a brand new program launches their tour. The sold-out shows all over the country are attended by almost three thousand people and the year is crowned by re-defending the position of domestic swing music leaders at the Czech Nightingale and the national airing of their concert from Montreux on the Czech Radio.
The band starts the thirteenth year of the new millennium with a great honor - together with O.  Havelka, L. Mareš, P. Zedníček, M. David and other stars, it is invited to perform at the National Theatre as part of filming for the television gala of Czech Soccer Club Slavia, witch celebrates it‘s 120 years. Their performance (as the only artists playing live) is rewarded by audience‘s (incl. sports legend, footballer Eusebio) warm applause. Winter is again a "busy time" for the swing Pirates - its special show adorns the social event of the year - Media Ball - and the band shines at a few other galas, contrary to the following summer concert season, when they show also their artificial face at jazz festivals. In early June, the Swing Pirates credited to their account another success - their album "We Will Swing You!" is very highly praised by the band Queen on its official website, which is soon noticed by Czech media and by the most prestigious manufacturer of microphones, Sennheiser, which officially quotes Jiří and the band as a reference.
And because the energy should be balanced, the boys decide to say thank you. To all and especially to their hometown Pardubice with a special free concert. It takes place on the 18th June and the  swing party in Pernštýnské Square with eight hundred enthusiastic people ends long after the "police hour". Jiří celebrates his birthday and looks back, but another audacious idea is already blooming in his head – two pre-Christmas galas with unexpected guests, a light show and a new repertoire. So, the band, together with Peter Kotvald, Leona Machálková and the mixed choir Continuo, locks itself in the rehearsal  room, determined to show what nobody has tried - namely, guests will be (exactly in the style of the band) singing rock songs with the Pirates in swing arrangements (from the Beatles to D'Arby) and there are also plans for duets: Jiří Sevčík will perform "Material Girl" with Leona Machálková  and Leona with Peter Kotvald, beware - a duet from Dirty Dancing. It is a big premiere for all performers, Petr Kotvald has never sung with a big band before.
Seeing the posters, several Czech musicians shake their heads, not believing that something like this could work. But not the audience - the "PIRATE SWING Band Gala" concerts are sold out long in advance. The show with nearly 60 performers, costumes and stage effects is attended by more than a thousand spectators in Pardubice  and Hradec Králové  and the band (this time on stage) is again surprised by Peter Freestone comes in person to present the Gold Record for the "We Will Swing You!" album. Wow! Christmas 2013  is again a time full of joy and success, registered not only by the (already more forgiving) musical community, but also the media  and organizers - in the following February, the band appears in the list of 20 most interesting domestic musicians (along with Karel Gott, Desmod and others) at the Prestige Ball of Czech and Slovak Republic at Prague's Municipal House. Promoters of rock festivals are developing a taste for the "Pirates" as well, Pirate swing boys appear at five rock festivals in 2014, which is a decent score for a swing band, isn’t it? :-) It is even improved by the multimedia special "one night only" project - Cinemaconcert for Pardubice  with free admission. At the crowded main square of its hometown, the band plays by the giant silver screen, on which not only a time-lapse documentary about the band is presented to the public, but the whole show is also accompanied by pre-recorded videos, combined with animations and live cameras. The crowded square is roaring and ends long after the "police hour“ again. The great success is also reflected in the media, but by that time the band is already in a studio - a new album will see the light of the day after two years. It is called"PLAYLIST"and offers thirteen new tracks from the swing Pirates, with appearances of Pardubice Conservatory Symphony orchestra, mixed choir Continuo and star guests: Petr Kotvald , Josef Laufer and Jiří Lábus. The band is very proud of the writer’s contribution of Mr. Robbie Williams for this album, as well as of the Czech lyrics by legendary Pavel Cmíral. Luxury, hand made digipack with gildings contains comprehensive booklet and DVD disc with band documentary, three new video clips and more. Following series of pre-christmas concerts "PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2014 " is sold out again, this time with Czech legend Josef Laufer, comedian Ester Kocickova, pop star Petr Kotvald and Pardubice Conservatory Symphony orchestra appearances . Another very busy and succesful year is over then… but the plans for 2015 and beyond are already on the table…

The tour for the new album can't wait, so the pirate swingers launch into realizing new plans at the beginning of January 2015! They diligently rehearse new songs, but simultaneously also a new type of performance – ball showtime with corresponding new dance repertoire. Although being a non-ball ensemble, as true natives of Pardubice they are delighted to accept an offer  made by Martin Charvát, Mayor of the City of Pardubice, and in the city with a half of a horse in its emblem, they become the main musical body at the greatest event of the season – the shiny City Ball in the East Bohemian Theatre. For this evening, its hall is transformed into a real "ballroom" – the auditorium is removed, people dance on stage, and the band invites a proven special guest Josef Laufer, who performs some newly rehearsed songs – from "New York, New York", up to "Just A Gigolo" or "Rock Around The Clock". The black tie audience applauds and Peter Freestone, former personal assistant of Freddie Mercury, declares  that the last time he experienced such an "opera ball" was in London some 20 years ago. It is confirmed on the front page of Deník daily  and the Pirates get another successfully conquered challenge  under their belt. In a few months, this will bring them something big, but they do not have a clue yet… Actually, the starting date of the regular tour for the "PLAYLIST" album is getting closer and the restlessness is understandable. However, the meticulous work pays off – on the tour with a new programme, PIRATE SWING Band travels the length and breadth of the Czech Republic and plays for more than three thousand excited spectators from Kraslice to Nová Paka (together with Josef Vojtek and In Flagranti). They contribute to a good cause at a charitable "Concert for Rebeka", proceeds from which are donated to children with the so-called Butterfly Disease. Later, the band gives up its fee once again, and for a very good reason.

June 2015 marked exactly five years since the legendary first concert on the roof of the East Bohemian Theatre  (yes, the boys already performed inside as well), which deserves a proper pirate birthday party! To thank for the support of its home city and region, PIRATE SWING Band calls together  all its supporters to the Pernštýn Square for 16th June. As the opening evening show of the "Zrcadlo umění" festival, at the stroke of nine, so far the biggest multimedia show of the Pirates starts. During the "Concert for Pardubice" they use large LED walls, live cameras, various effects and also a synchronized video sequences together with archive video highlights of the most important events in those five years. There is no admission charged, and there is even a birthday cake in the style of three band's albums prepared for the audience. It weighs 26 kg and is counted for thousand servings. "There is no way people are going to eat that," say band members and look forward to home cake feasts after the concert. Far from it! After the first cut by VIP guests on stage – Martin Charvát, Mayor of the City of Pardubice, Peter Freestone, personal assistant of Freddie Mercury, and Leona Machálková, the special guest of the night – the giant cake quickly melts in mouths of fans and there is not a crumble left! Only after the performance of Leona Machálková (with whom Jiří Ševčík sings two new duets) it shows, how it's even possible. According to official information, the attendance record was broken ! Only a few people are missing at the square to reach the jokingly mentioned aim of thousand spectators. During the 15 years of the festival, no other event recorded such massive interest of audience not only from Pardubice. And in such a cold, ouch. Thank you very much, Pardubice ! Together we deserved  that front page of Deník daily, didn't we? The summer begins, the time of idling, one would say. No, no. As soon as the Pirates presented their new programme, they already rehearse other repertoire news and maybe as a reward for their diligence, the year full of new challenges and surprises prepares for them an unexpected bonus in its third quarter. It comes in the form of an offer to be included on British CD compilation of the best EU performers for a contest of dance professionals. From the band's catalogue, the British label chooses a swing arrangement of "It's My Life " by Bon Jovi, and on the cover presents it as an ideal competition slowfox. The album is called "Very Ballroom II.", is released on 25th September in all EU countries and for the first time features Czech band! So, when the Pirates showed they can also play to dance in the spring, they laid the foundations of this success. Of course, this fact did not pass unnoticed by Czech media and (otherwise restrained) MF Dnes daily comes with a large profile interview with Jiří Ševčík. "Dancing with the Pirates", that's how you could call another spring co-operation of the band, this time with a renowned DJ Michael C. After previous remixes of "Star Wars Imperial March" and "I Was Born To Love You" (released on "The Swingsons" album), he now releases a club remix of one of the songs in the introductory collage on "PLAYLIST" album, "Celluloid Swing Swag - Le Gendarme et les Extras-Terrestres " by Raymond Lefévre. But the time flies and so far the most frantic year for both the band and Jiří brings another offer from the "we did not expect this" category – a chance to perform at the Prague Castle. Together with Dae Men power acrobats, actors and other artists they present themselves in several individual blocks and win the praise of the audience (this time precariously composed of high-ranking diplomats and businessmen) as if incidentally. They stay on top of things and next week they give a special concert with Josef Laufer and Jolana Voldánová in the Hradec Králové Philharmonic Hall and three other private shows. However, the merry-go-round doesn't stop. Uff! Thank you, but it's been a lot! So, now quickly set the alarm clock and go live  on Snídaně s Novou morning show! One the most popular television channel, the Pirates present the news, have a good gossip, announce a competition for their current "PLAYLIST" album and DVD, but above all invite their fans to the third season of "PIRATE SWING Band Gala" concerts. The preparations for these special shows in 2015 are the most exhausting ever and require tens of hours of autumn rehearsals  in Dubina Cultural House. But before long, frequent secret trips of celebrities  to Pardubice are put to good use.

"When the Pirates dress up, it is worth seeing!", say press reviews of special "PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2015" shows in December. These have already become an inherent part of cultural live in Pardubice and Hradec Králové, there is no other explanation for the blisteringly quick sellout of tickets for both concerts. In addition, official places in Pardubice include the show in so-called "Traditional and important events", together with Velká pardubická steeplechase or the Golden Helmet (!), and we should point out, that the third season of Pirate Galas represents a real golden hat trick. It has never happened before hat both shows would be hopelessly sold out even before promotional wave and billposting. It has never been necessary to increase the capacity due to enormous interest. And never before did the fans have to buy tickets for the Pirates three months in advance. With all the greater responsibility and meticulousness, the band was rehearsing  a brand new repertoire, costumes and properties, including specially written musical arrangements for this year's guests . It is an enormous amount of fresh repertoire, all the more so as for the first time each show has a different main guest. In Pardubice , the band proudly welcomes swing legend Felix Slováček, who accompanied by the ensemble serves the audience with enormous assurance and virtuosity a swing version of "Starting Over Again" by Donna Summer, Morricone's hit from "Once Upon a Time in the West" movie, or devilishly hard "Clarinet Marmalade". He receives a standing ovation already in the first half of the evening. Yes, he stole the show. In Aldis in Hradec Králové, "Czech Mr. Rock n' Roll" Petr Vondráček rises to the occasion with his typical humour and professionalism, and describes the stage co-operation with Jiří Ševčík as "boys in action". In "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard he performs such a piano solo that some in the audience say in the lobby it "definitely must have been a playback". The subsequent euphoria of the audience, caused by songs "Kiss" (Prince) and "Blame It on the Boogie" (Jackson 5) with special arrangements for Petr only confirms how excellent this multitalented singer and pianist is. The same holds true for actor and singer Iva Pazderková. In the first half of the show, as a "dumb blonde", she gives the audience a lecture on jazz and swing, current issues of Pardubice and Hradec Králové, and Christmas. She also performs her own carol with a festive theme on ukulele…  it has been long since the two cultural temples have experienced such bursts of laughter, when plaster in halls was almost falling off. Let alone the moment when she presents herself (already as herself) as a singer! She ordered with the band swing arrangements of a rock hit "Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz and a pop classic "Povídej" by Petr Novák, but let's forget the original waltz, this is proper lounge swing with four beats! After all, it is served the whole evening from their new musical menu by the Pirates themselves, Jiří Ševčík even dusts off his trumpet after twenty years for the intro of the classic "Mack the Knife". The new show, supplemented by new costumes, choreography, sound system, light design, stage design and various effects, offers among others a tap dance song "Puttin' On The Ritz" by Irving Berlin, a new song "Swing náš vezdejší" with Czech text written directly for Jiří Ševčík by legendary Pavel Cmíral, a surprise swing metamorphosis of the 90s rock hit "Creep" (Radiohead), melted into a Broadway act with a spangly tailcoat and a stick, or a legendary song "Jožin z bažin" by Ivan Mládek, sung in Polish ("Józek z bagien"). Applause after applause, song by song, black-light theatre during the inward piece "The Christmas Song"… here comes the climax, the grand finale. All performers sing together the (originally Israeli) final song "Hallelujah" and while receiving deafening standing ovation, in the torrent of confetti, they thank, and thank, and thank… "It was a night to remember ", wrote the papers about Gala Concerts 2015  and other cities showed interest in organizing them in the future. After all, the whole year 2015 was totally worth it!

Should the saying "As you do on New Year's Day you will do all year" be true, there would have been a troublesome 2016 for the Pirates.  They meet up in January, on the occasion of a special performance with Leona Machálková   in Trutnov. In the morning of the concert day, however, heavy snowfall covered the whole country, the media advised to leave cars at home, but it couldn't be helped. The UFFO centre  offers a welcoming warmth and the showtime  full of newly rehearsed duets with Leona is a success. However, the same evening produces also one accidental meeting, which will be later put to good use. In the corridor, Jiří Ševčík meets another guest of the event, Ondřej Ruml. He praises the PIRATE SWING Band, says he never heard any Czech big band play such music, and a possible co-operation "some time in the future" is also mentioned. But you know how it goes, people talk and water flows. This was a different case, but all in good time. Motivated by last year's success on the ball field, the Pirates again accept the invitation of the mayor of Pardubice to be the main musical body at the glossy Representative ball of the city of Pardubice at the East Bohemian Theatre. However, this time it is not enough to rehearse new dance songs – the band has to accompany Jitka Zelenková during her 50-minute-long (!) performance. The ensemble will have to earn new spurs as a backing band. Learning such a long new repertoire during one rehearsal is no laughing matter. But the minute Jitka Zelenková meets up with the Pirates at Dubina Community Center one spring Sunday, both her and band member's professionalism is immediately evident. The star is happy  even "on the first go" (!) and instantly shares this fact with her fans on her official Facebook page.

But in March, "big delight" (as Jitka writes on her FB) does not meet only her. One week later, Jiří Ševčík is enlisted by the National Library of the Czech Republic among "important figures of the Czech Republic" and for the second time the Pirates get a chance to be present on a CD compilation of the best of the EU. This time, the Brits chose the pirate boyband in a swing version of Billy Joel's hit "Uptown Girl ". A few days later, Jiří sings  without his band at the prestigious Ball of Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, and as if there were not enough honours already, a week later he quivers with delight. The famous guitarist of the Queen, Brian May (with Kerry Ellis ), is coming to Prague , and Jiří is invited to the backstage as a VIP. The following meeting  is almost moving, and even though Jiří and Brian had met several times before and produced an album together with the Queen, it is again a big honour. May is interested in the current Pirates CD, gets it, but it is already too late and the production team orders him to leave. The crew in the backstage, comprising Peter Freestone (former personal assistant of Freddie Mercury), Kerry Ellis, Brian May and Jiří Ševčík, starts out through the dark corridors to the only exit. A crowd ot May's fans is already waiting outside, desperate for an autograph. The automatic door opens and a lady with a cap jumps to the group and enthusiastically shouts: "Wow, Mr Ševčík, could you give me an autograph?" The rest of the crew led by May is taken by surprise (no wonder), but Jiří (although shocked) signs a ticket to the British legend's concert, and then two more. Probably someone from Pardubice, but nobody can take this experience away from him. Poor Brian May. :-)

But there is no time to enjoy the fame, the grand ball at the theatre is just around the corner. This year, Jiří and the band find themselves in a really good company – the evening is hosted by famous Marie Retková, Dae Men and Jam&Bazaar perform their shows, but the main task of a four-hour-long performance lies on the shoulders of the PIRATE SWING Band. The ensemble copes with classic swing, Latin songs, rock and roll and their own costumed rock/swing specialties. The audience even calls for some other famous Pirate pieces, even though these were not on the list for the evening. But on the stroke of ten, the lights go dark and the star of the ball enters the stage. Jitka Zelenková, accompanied by our boys from Pardubice, serves the audience not only the biggest hits of her career, from chansons like "Muž a žena" to "Mít svůj kout". The show is a success, Jitka thanks the band… and yes, also publicly on Facebook . Her guest appearance also produced another new song in the band's repertoire! When the band's arranger Radek Škeřík found out in winter, that the ensemble will accompany her, he suggested her legendary smash hit "Mame/ Mňau" (a famous piece of three Czech female singers), saying we would arrange it for her for the ball. So, Jiří immediately called Jitka, even though the song was dismissed… and an idea was born. This would be a smash for the pirate boyband, which also has three singers (but male)! The lyrics would just require rewriting into the third person and it would be a tribute to all the women in the audience! It took only about 10 minutes to turn words into action and the cheerful new song came into the world. However, it will have to wait several more months for its first presentation and special choreography.

But the waiting of Ondřej Ruml to join the action was over. In April, Jiří goes to Prague and invites him to be a special guest of the Gala Concerts in 2016. The coffee in Lucerna palace  brings about a very pleasant surprise – Ondřej agrees and orders special swing arrangements of rock songs, which he will perform with the band in December. He also suggests a duet "Me And My Shadow", which he wants to sing with someone for years. So, Czech lyrics are ordered with the famous lyricist Pavel Cmíral. Dusting off old contacts produces a coffee in Lucerna no. 2, this time with Tonya Graves . Both singers are very soon on the same page, choose songs to be arranged, though Tonya starts demanding country music. This style does not like the wind instruments too much, yet six months later "Jolene" and other chosen hits make the playlist of Gala Concerts. You may remember that last year, they were introduced live on Skype by Lisa Simpson, or more precisely her Czech voice actor Helena Štáchová. However, during Jiří's call of thanks for this successful co-operation, she said: "Should you come up with anything in the future, feel free to give me a call." Jiří was struck by an idea straight away. Actually, Mrs. Štáchová is also the voice of Mánička (famous Czech puppet) and director of the Theatre of Spejbl and Hurvínek. And in 2016, Hurvínek (the most legendary Czech puppet character) celebrated his 90th birthday. The celebration (together with the Pirates) suggested itself. As it turned out, not only would Hurvínek be the third special guest, but the Pirates would add the third Gala Concert, in Prague, at Hurvínek's place in Prague's Dejvice. That should do for the guests, now to the new repertoire. The choice, for example, fell on swing adaptations of Lady GaGa, Maroon 5, Michael Jackson, Ivan Mládek, the title song from The Octopuses from the Second Floor TV series, Karel Gott stuff in German language, and… David Bowie. However, in this case it will be more about jazz and a huge respect, bucause this icon unexpectably died. Jiří's idea does not initially provoke a positive response. It is a very slow piece, something the Pirates have never tried before, atd. But the singer is clear about this – most of the song only by voice and bass guitar, gradually adding piano, trumpet with a mute, drums, and finally including trombones and saxophones. The finale on full volume and light, which will gradually gain intensity starting with complete darkness. In the end, everything works together almost magically (more about this later). However, the road to the actual magic on stage was very long. The PIRATE SWING Band has never taken up so many new pieces and never were they so difficult. Jiří learns to beatbox, thinks up stage effects, costumes  and choreography… and attends some other creative coffee meetings. At the same time, the Pirates are preparing a new album and every song should be performed be a different singer – all artists who mean something in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The record will come to life in the UK and will be produced by a world-known legend Mike Moran (Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, George Harrison, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart and others)… but first things first. It's still March and apart from polishing new pieces, the band also needs to perform. In proved tandems, the band performs two special shows: at the East Bohemian Theatre with Jolana Voldánová , and shortly afterwards also an open-air show with guest star Felix Slováček . Traditionally, they also please their home crowd under the open sky – for the seventh time, they give the city a free show "Concert for Pardubice ", as a thankyou for its support. This time, however, the Pirates have to pass a new acid test: firstly, the show takes place at an intersection in the city centre; secondly, they will be supported by two rock bands; and thirdly: our boys shall take the stage at midnight! Slight worries are understandable, a crowd of several hundred beer-refreshed hard rock fans do not seem to be interested in swing. But wait – far from it, and our apology! Although it is impossible to steal the show from "Sabrage" and "Sto zvířat" bands, it did happen! The show ends after 1:30 a.m. and the positive feeling of the swingers is confirmed by the papers the very next morning – despite all challenges, the show was a big success ! In no time a video of the performance is released, the band gains a temporary rise of interest, the ensemble welcomes a fan number 1000, who receives its complete discography, nad tries another "first". A smaller PIRATE SWING Band ensemble is established – a jazz quintet with more artificial repertoire – and it immediately achieves success! It performes on a boat  and also during a posh swing gathering in the Tyršovy sady park, but back to the rehearsal room , Gala Concerts are approaching! Arrangements for Tonya Graves and Ondřej Ruml get their final shape, Jiří creates a duet, and writes a dialogue scene for himself and Hurvínek . And the time comes to bring all this to light . A staged promotional video clip for the concerts is shot  at the Prague's Theatre of Spejbl and Hurvínek, and Hurvínek himself gets the lead role! This video takes the social networks by storm and is soon joined by one more video … or two, actually. The Latin American Star Wars fan club chose the version by PIRATE SWING Band from "The Swingsons" album as its theme music, and students from the University of California rehearse a choreography   for the same recording. Of course, this surprise from overseas is noticed by the media, who publish an article titled "Swing Pirates from Pardubice conquered Latin America ". In fact, at the time they are conquering festival stages, and with the promotion of this year's Gala Concerts also the media . Český rozhlas broadcasts a 60-minute show about the band  and three invitations, Hitrádio Magic invites Jiří as a VIP guest to its Morning Show, also stations like Frekvence 1, Evropa 2 or Rádio Blaník invite listeners to the Gala Concerts, MF Dnes newspaper  is interested in Hurvínek, a long article with an extensive photo gallery and video is brought by the Blesk daily , Happy Season web portal presents a comprehensive profile interview , as well as music and entertainment  web portals and printed media , and for the first time, the ensemble catches the attention of Slovak media, an overview of its work is brought for example by the "Nový Populár " magazine. Also a special web application  for tablets and smartphones was created, the beginnings of the upcoming Gala tour are recorded  for a film documentary, and here comes autumn. The final stage of rehearsals. This time, also special guests come to Pardubice to meet the Pirates , and they also get in front of the camera in a staged Video invitation no. 2 . The attendance of stars from Prague is naturally noticed by the press, who run interviews with Ondřej  and Tonya . The planned Gala Concerts are also adopted by the Theatre of Spejbl and Hurvínek, famous microphone producer Sehnheiser or the city of Pardubice, which posts an invitation on its official FB page.

"Everybody knows it costs nothing to sing and play" – althogh the lyrics of the final song at the Gala Concerts are not entirely true (on the contrary, the band has to work extremely hard), the result exceeds all expectations! Ševčík and company enter the same (and yet different) "Gala" river for the fourth time, and although last year's bar was hard to beat, they again achieve a resounding success. And probably the biggest in its history. Because as we already know, apart from traditional Pardubice and Hradec Králové, they added a third city – Prague, with a show "on their own hook", on so far unconquered soil. With some concerns, the band takes the Theatre of Spejbl and Hurvínek , but any worries about Prague audience, which "has already seen everything", are soon vanished. The traditional artistic preconception just doesn't take place, and on the contrary, the Pirates perform perhaps the most successful concert  of their career. "Perfect, simply perfect and well-built," says swing mastermind Felix Slováček to the press , after watching the Prague Gala from the first row. But he is not alone, the seat next to him is taken by the charismatic Josef Laufer: "They are unbelievable! It just has the energy. It is better than Czech America… it is America!" Actually, the audience is full of legends  – other unexpected and honoured guests  include an iconic lyrics writer Pavel Cmíral: "This is how it should be, today, after many, many years, we really have America in Prague."; hit maker Zdeněk Barták: "They are simply amazing and do their music splendidly, also with great humour."; director Vojtěch Nouzák or famous artist Lukáš Fibrich. And although light nervousness can be felt before the concert (full of many "firsts") begins, the Prague theatre reportedly has not experienced such applause for a very long time. The fourth pirate gala-voyage earns standing ovation and encores directly at their first stop, in the spotlight of national media (e.g. Blesk daily published an extensive video report  about the concert). However, all this was preceded by several months of rigorous work. As every year, musical arrangements are tailor-made just for this occasion, and special guests don't make it easy for the arranger Radek Škeřík. For example Tonya Graves  craved a "pirate" interpretation of a country song "Jolene" (Dolly Parton), a megahit of the 80s "Young Americans", or a contemporary endorphine smasher "Happy ". During this probably most effective song of the night, apart from the impressive stage design , a new effect is used – e.g the main hall at the Aldis Congress Centre in Hradec Králové si completely filled with bubbles from a special bubble maker and standing ovation is thus earned at the beginning of the show. How can you beat this in the second half of the evening? No worries! The second guest, Ondřej Ruml , ordered a swing version of the song "Budu všechno co si budeš přát" by Janek Ledecký, a difficult piece "Šaty dělaj člověka" by Jaroslav Ježek, and "Roxanne" by The Police. At Ševčík's request, he also adds a unique solo block with a looper (divece capable of layering short sound loops in real time), and the audience is charmed by songs "Hit the Road, Jack" and Czech folk song "Skákal pes". However, the latter is performed in reverse, which transforms it into some kind of Hungarian folk song, accompanied by vocals of two opera female sopranos from Budapest. Also their parts are masterfully performed  by Ondřej himself and the audience goes wild. Literally… and a little bit more during a new duet of Ondřej Ruml and Jiří Ševčík "Já a můj stín ", with brilliantly written Czech lyrics for the two of them by Pavel Cmíral. But the best is still to come!

Probably the biggest legend (apart from the Maestro, Karel Gott, of course), who has ever shared the stage with the band, is still waiting for its act. Hurvínek , celebrating his 90th birthday, not only convinces the audience that he "only looks to be eight", but is maybe the only one who has ever moved the visitors of the Pirates' concert to tears both of joy and emotion. His short scene  with Jiří Ševčík "warmed all hearts" according to the press, and the applause after their duet (swing version of "Víc než přítel tvůj" ) clearly proves, who "stole the show" this year. At the concert in Prague, the puppet is accompanied by its dog friend Žeryk, but the great reaction of the audience is by no means different from the other cities. However, tears are falling one more time, during (for the Pirates unusually serious) a tribute to music legends that passed away in the previous year. A symbolic greeting to heaven sounds in the shape of a jazz version of the song by one of these late legends – David Bowie. "Ševčík's spotlight performance  in the innermost jazz version of "Life On Mars?" literally took audience's breath away" (as reported by the media) and earned probably the most thunderous applause the singer has ever heard. But this perhaps the most powerful moment of the show  is also a reflection of the state of the world. The lyrics deal with false reality created by the media, and are thus more relevant than ever before. Also the singer's stand-up acts between songs are seasoned with his reactions to current affairs. From the spontaneously performed song "Každá TRUMPota má svou mez", through the Advent English lesson in a capella version of Ivan Mládek's piece "Jez" (Yes), to uproarious laughter caused by his monologue about growing up in the 80s. Magical atmosphere , bursts of laughter, applause after applause, brilliantly reacting audience drawn into the story and singing with the Pirates at the top of their lungs, a member of the Parliament broadcasting the concert live on Facebook on his phone, loud and excited shouting of legends Slováček and Laufer during the show, a discovery that the mayor of Pardubice, Martin Charvát, used to wear a T-shirt with Sandokan, and that his secretary Jakub Rychtecký is nicknamed "Tarzan"… and much more. Such were the sold-out Gala Concerts of PIRATE SWING Band in 2016, which repeatedly raised  almost two thousand excited spectators from their seats in Prague , Pardubice  and Hradec Králové . And they are the ones the Pirates annually prepare a new repertoire of swing arrangements to rock and pop songs for – if you didn't make it this year, these included "a combination, which even TV cook could not come up with" – famous "Billie Jean" mixed with "Moves Like Jagger", "Bad Romance" hit by Lady GaGa (during which the audience became a choir of several hundred people), through "Ein Kessel Buntes" in Gott's German hit no. 1 "Babicka ", to the great Broadway finale "Mame", performed by the pirate boyband , whose members gave roses to women in the audience (do you remember how Zelenková refused to sing this song?). "It was literally a carpet bombing by positive emotions. The Pirates again proved they can offer a real show  with all the trimmings, which does not lack great music and a healthy dose of humour, and the audience leaves the concert "Happy" even without Pharell Williams.", said one of the reviews  in the press. After the shows, the band is literally swamped with the strongest wave of excited reactions  and tweets  so far, the mayor of Pardubice thanks the band for its great show on his official FB, and he is not alone. The band's name temporarily becomes the most searched term beginning with "P" within Czech internet, short documentary movie  (mobile devices version here ) about the Gala concerts is released, which means… it probably was a success. Thank you for the whole year ! And see you again 2017 with new Pirate adventures!

The turn of the year was marked by sad departures – George Michael, Věra Špinarová, Helena Štáchová, a friend of the swinging Pirates… all this was indelibly written into the souls of the swingers from Pardubice. At the same time, they are reaping the harvest of success and compliments for their most lavish Gala concerts 2016  so far. A bitter-sweet mixture. But the ratio of flavours is soon balanced at the beginning of 2017 – on the one hand, an idea was hatching in Jiří's head how to pay tribute to these personalities that abandoned us and left some terribly empty space behind them (you will learn more if you keep on reading), and on the other hand… sweet moments are on the increase! In January, the band is "honoured" (I will explain quotation marks later) by Coldplay! A Spanish radio presenter  invited the famous British rock band to his special show, and also a swing arrangement of their song "Viva La Vida " by PIRATE SWING Band (from the PLAYLIST album) came up for discussion. Chris Martin and co. said they were "amused". We are not sure what they meant, but every little helps, right? :-) Vamos a celebrar, one would say. Be it so, but one should also work. The plans of the band for the whole year were revealed to the press in February by its leader, and hey, it will be a packed year! A sharp start in March, then a joyride till December. Phew. A kick-off of the series – a prestigious Polička Jazz festival  (already its 21st year). There, the band represented its hometown Pardubice by a special, more artificial set, and although the very same evening the stage belonged to some significantly more renowned jazz artists, Pirates received a standing ovation. But back to the rehearsal room, the famous City Ball of Pardubice  is getting ready for its third year! Every year, PIRATE SWING Band plays an important role of the main musical ensemble of the night, and always prepares new (mind you uncharacteristic, dance) repertoire. At the same time, it always accompanies a famous guest of the night (previously Josef Laufer and Jitka Zelenková) in an unexpected connection. This time, however, a damn tricky task awaits our boys – a pop perennial star Petr Kotvald with his dance group stands in front of the big band. Another proper challenge, and for example Petr's hit "Je v tahu", in a new arrangement by Radek Škeřík, surprisingly goes like a bomb at the rehearsal. For real, the same story – the evening hosted by another friend of the Pirates, Alexander Hemala (do you remember the launch ceremony of the "We Will Swing You!" album ?), was a great success, and according to the TV report, the band is an "incredible pirate gang".  Again, the ball turned out well, ólé, let's move on! While the people in Pardubice were entertained by swinging Kotvald, the Pirates by foreign YouTube creators. More videos with a swing interpretation of the "Star Wars Imperial March" by the Pirates in the lead role were springing up like mushrooms (there have been more than enough in the past). However, according to all streaming internet platforms, this song from the second "The Swingsons" album (originally only a cheerful appendix of the record) became oficially the band's most successful recording ever. "Ironically funny, n’est ce pas?", Hercule Poirot would remark :-)

This time, the creators used a remix of this song from the same CD, produced by DJ Michael C, and freshly this was not a choreography of live actors and dancers like in American videos from the previous year. The Pirates are newly privileged to be in animated movies! You can see for yourself here  and here . But the Force shall be with the Pirates also in reality: apart from numerous radio recordings and TV shootings , they are literally headed to a concert tornado. June 3rd, they set out on a hundreds of kilometres long journey, but for a good reason: the became headliners of a well-known big band festival  in Kraslice! The trip in solid 35 °C is no bed of roses, and if that wasn't enough, the band's bus gave out somewhere in the fields and the concert must be postponed by an hour. When the musicians are finally transported by cars, a downpour of apocalyptic dimensions came, the temperature drops by twenty degrees, the stage and its roofing are full of water, and there is a serious risk of electrical injury. So the sound system is switched off, water poured away… and despite all the hardships and surprises, the finale of the festival with the Pirates in the lead role eventually takes place, and is very successful! It should be noted that the swinging boys arrive back in Pardubice after 3 o'clock in the morning, soaked and dead tired. Good night… and without any delay, off we go to take the stages in Prague! Two nights in a row, PIRATE SWING Band takes over Forum Karlín , for the first time has the whole stage from LED panels, feels like in Hollywood, and actually the audience reacts the same way. An important "feather in the Pirates' cap", Prague lies at our feet! But let's get get our feet back on the ground, our beloved Pardubice is awaiting us! For the eighth time already, the band organizes "Concert for Pardubice" for its fans and as a thankyou for its hometown with free admission. Even this time with meticulous care and new songs, plus at a traditional place – Pernštýnské square. Any doubts if band's supporters (after Atrium Palác in the previous year) find their way back, are put to rest by Jiří thanks to the promotion in the press  and on air . And hey – something even the Pirates didn't hope for – the square is perhaps more crowded than ever before! The concert with endless applause and great atmosphere is unexpectedly variegated by an unplanned legend on the stage. During the show, Jiří Ševčík notices a legend of Pardubice – Krychlič, Václav Kulhánek – dancing in the front row. So, as literally the biggest celebrity of Pardubice, he invites him on the stage… and the crowd goes wild. Literally. :-) Then only light sticks, moving farewell with the great home audience, autograph session… and end. So maybe see you again next year. The next day shows the concert of the Pirates  (video here ) was again the most successful performance of the whole  festival (which it was closing), the event is positively reflected by the media , which do not forget  the upcoming Gala concerts 2017. Meanwhile Jiří regularly visits Prague, by way of creative brainstorming with planned guests comes up with other new songs, and is happy to publicly announce their names: Matěj Ruppert , Ondřej Brousek, Jana Koubková and Bohouš Josef . A decent line-up, isn't that so? :-) During this tense period, an unexpected encouragement comes from the Great Britain, where BBC2 radio channel includes PIRATE SWING Band in a documentary series about Michael Jackson's Thriller anniversary and broadcasts its Czech swing interpretation ! The growing "Pirate Star Wars used by foreign authors" group has a new addition – see this choreography  and this live performance  for yourselves. :-) Maybe that's why Jiří Ševčík is already known by the legendary Akinator . :-)

But once again we get to play in Prague, this time a chamber line-up – PSB jazz/swing quintet takes over the famous Municipal House  (and it must be said that successfully). A few days later, the same group plays also a special concert with a special guest  on Kunětická hora, and jazz matinée in the lobby of ČSOB Pojišťovna Pardubice, and if that wasn't already enough, starts another interesting (so far half-secret) project in Abbey Road for 2018. We have a treat in store, but time is getting on and Gala concerts are inexorably approaching ! While informing about them, the press notices  the mentioned YouTube whirlwind about the Pirates' swing arrangement of Star Wars music (which was now also being used on lavish Star Wars cruises by Disney entertainment giant!). Again, the media generally show an increased interest in PIRATE SWING Band – TV1 station broadcasts the time-lapse documentary about the Pirates by Jiří Flídr called "Jazz co má koule" and the documentary "V Gala 2016 "… while Gala show for 2017 is getting sharp outlines. Some are discovered by the press , but as comedy character Božena Tlučhořová (Jiří Lábus) would say: "Anyway, it is already hanging everywhere ". :-) TV stations and large-screen LED displays in several cities show a TV advertisement spot , guests can't wait, they tell the newspapers and magazines, and this Gala train is already gaining high speed. The band pops out from rehearsing new repertoire to play at a social evening in Smetana House in Litomyšl and a special concert in Brno , where in front of a thousand listeners at the exhibition centre it plays its biggest hits and offers also two of their traditional star fellow performers, Leona Machálková and Josef Laufer. When they return, the Pirates find out their Gala concert in Pardubice is already sold out, but they manage to please their home audience even before, because they accepted an offer to play without any royalties at a charitable "Concert for Rebeka", with all proceeds going to a girl with a so-called butterfly wings disease. And because this event really makes sense and the band attended it already in the past, Jiří decides to help Rebeka's father with the whole evening. So, PIRATE SWING Band provides lights and sound system, and the organization and presentation is taken charge of by Jiří's friend Jolana Voldánová. This bandwagon is joined by Michal Hrůza with his band… and it was a great night! There was not an empty seat in the hall of the Congress Centre, almost 90,000 CZK was collected for Rebeka – and everybody had a great time!

But now let's focus on preparations for Gala concerts! TV  and radio  stations air reports about them, there are articles in the press … so let's not make fools of ourselves, all the more so that TV is generally more interested  in the band! Autumn rehearsals of the largest number of new arrangements so far takes place in stages –with Jana Koubková and Bohouš Josef here, a week later with boys from Monkey Business band – Matěj Ruppert and Ondřej Brousek. All this under the supervision of TV cameras . The Pirates together with their guest are creating interesting pieces  and fans are regularly informed about the development on TV in their reports . Such a huge amount of work must be simply put to good use! And the results come: a concert in Hradec Králové is sold out as well, the Pirates are happy and unexpectedly increase the capacity of the hall! So now only put everything dramaturgically together, write an accompanying word, sort out equipment, television and radio (which newly attend as well) and keep fingers crossed during the show, even more ambitious and bigger than ever before. Why?

"A celebration of half a decade of Gala concerts, this requires something special," agreed the swinging Pirates in 2017. For the first time, the plan included two different programmes with two different sets of guests (and so different repertoire) for two different cities, ensemble enlarged by a percussionist, the most spectacular PR and promotion so far, star hosts presenting the shows, television recordings of both shows and airing the Gala also on the radio, yet unseen special effects, and last but not least a one-time rehearsed song as a special thankyou for the Gala audience for their five-year support. This is naturally a huge obligation for the band, so it comes every year with something new, even though both the visitors and the critics claim year after year that "this is hard to beat". The plan was spectacular, but there was a very long and difficult path leading to it. For the first time, preparations and negotiations took virtually the whole year, for the first time the band needed to write and rehearse tens (!) of new swing arrangements of rock and pop songs, for the first time it was a close shave… and for the first time the shows were sold out three months in advance, and thanks to the huge interest the capacity of both halls was increased. The first of the "D-Days" was also the first day of December. Dům hudby in Pardubice was literally bursting at the seams, and a slight nervousness, or rather responsibility of performers, was multiplied by TV crew cameras. At seven o'clock on the dot, the lights darkened and voices of the presenters of the night – the most famous Czech puppet characters Spejbl and Hurvínek – sounded via live stream from the speakers. After Spejbl understood what "streaming" means, both legends wished the public "a dazzling night in a company of beautiful tones", and an organ intro brought out a special opening gig with historically first Ševčík's grand piano solo – a swing version of George Michael's song "Faith". Its inclusion was symbolic – on one hand it was the mentioned thankyou to the public for its five-year faith in PIRATE SWING Band and high attendance, on the other hand a tribute to the author of the song who departed last Christmas, completed with a special stage costume (exact copy  of George's outfit from the music video for the hit). After all, special guests of the night later also paid this legend a big compliment. However, the first of them, Matěj Ruppert (the leader of Monkey Business band), took the stage in a different way. It was shocking. Otherwise exuberant rocker entered the stage in a well-fitting tuxedo with a bow-tie and enthralled the audience within few minutes. It does not happen very often to see a standing ovation twenty minutes into the concert. In this case, however, it was a completely deserved phenomenon, because Matěj opened his block with the Pirates with a swing standard "Mack The Knife ", but with his own text in German. Reportedly, he even wrote it on his way by car… and he was driving! :-) With a big band behind his back, Matěj was at home on the stage, even though the next two songs were aslo a huge risk. Devilishly hard ballad "One More Try " and pop anthem "Everything She Wants ", both written by George Michael, were quite a gamble during their swing transformation. However, Matěj and the band managed to convert these widely known songs into something unbelievable. This was only proved by the second standing ovation, and the audience was only to hear a swing arrangement of the hit "Intercooler " by Matěj's home band Monkey Business.

"I envy the Pirates such fantastic audience. They are brilliant as well," the singer of Monkey Business band paid the swinging band from Eastern Bohemia a compliment after an extraordinary performance in Dům hudby.", a review in a newspaper later said. And we are just in the middle of the first concert. Right after the break, the stage was taken by the second special (and also "Monkey Business") guest – actor of the Vinohrady Theatre and virtuosic pianist Ondřej Brousek. Accompanied by the Pirates, he performed, among others, a theme from the "The Visitors " TV series by Karel Svoboda, or the already several times mentioned "Star Wars Imperial March" from the Star Wars movie. His performance was followed by a second (and not the last) standing ovation of the night.

However, the evening belonged mainly to the band itself, which was both moving and entertaining the audience. Also other new pieces won thunderous applause – a swing version of a pop classic "Everlasting Love" by 80's star Sandra (in the end, they engage the audience in a journey to the era of baroque and Czech rock), or the second pirate tribute to George Michael, "Kissing A Fool".

Loud bursts of laughter during stand-ups of front man Jiří Ševčík between songs were replaced by tears of emotion, everything went in quick succession, and in the newly adapted "full-on attack" dramaturgy everything safely headed towards a grand finale. This being (also for the first time) an inclusion of a Christmas song. Initially, Ševčík and pianist Radek Škeřík offered the audience their interpretation of the whole Czech Christmas Mass by Jakub Jan Ryba for two musicians (and even sang almost the whole Kyrie!), but this set the stage for the real climax – new swing arrangement of a Christmas classic by Wham! – "Last Christmas". "Healthy stubbornness of Jiří Ševčík" (as written by MF Dnes) brought the audience also an unseen effect – snow started falling  in Suk Concert Hall in Dům hudby that night! The technical solution of this toy was devilishly complicated and expensive, but Jiří didn't give up and everything worked like magic. Snow in the philharmonic hall caused a stir not only on the spot, but also the next day in the media. :-) And a well-deserved one. So the Pirates owe its loyal audience an apology – for the concert "aerobic", meaning constant standing up for another round of applause, which was helped by Ševčík's appeal to present Members of Parliament to pass a law, according to which Karel Gott (whose halo and divinity have reached absoluteness) should bring presents to children instead of St. Nicholas, and when his divine name is pronounced in public, everybody should automatically stand up. What do you think, did the audience stand up? You'd better believe it, together with the Mayor of Pardubice! :-)

"The most intense experience of the night, Life on Mars… for its breathtaking presentation, which in my opinion outshone the original and caused heart resonance still felt at four in the morning," wrote one fan in his message for the band. Another said "I am already on the lookout for tickets for GALA 2018. P.S. The tribute to David Bowie – Life on Mars – absolutely blew me away…". The third one confided: "Thank you for the experience. I don't know why, but while I was getting ready for work in the morning, I suddenly started singing "I gotta have faith, faith, faith". So, in Pardubice "Faith" bore fruit  and the audience was proven right by subsequent reviews in the press (here , here , and the most comprehensive here ).

However, five days later Aldis in Hradec Králové was supposed to dress in Gala. As every year, technically by far more complicated task – a hall in "Las Vegas" arrangement (round tables for eight, tablecloths, candles, refreshments and lightsticks for everybody in the audience), special stage design, much bigger sound and light systems, use of curtain, proper TV crew… and almost three times higher number of spectators caused by increasing the capacity of the hall, pleasantly forced by big demand for tickets. "Everybody has to see Gala in Hradec Králové at least once in a lifetime," could later be heard in TV report about the concert. And this was exactly how it looked on the spot. Crowds. But oops! The main guest of the concert – first lady of Czechoslovak jazz Jana Koubková – called few hours before the concert that she is sick and can't come. And here it comes, as in the lyrics of a song rehearsed with Jana Koubková: "Nobody should ever take anything as definitive"! En garde again! So Jiří Ševčík sits on the phone – his commitment to the loyal audience does not allow hiw to do otherwise. In the exposed Advent time, it is (again) stubbornly foolish trying to acquire a star of comparable qualities, but… Jiří just lucked out! Literally in the last minute, his offer for guest appearance with the Pirates was accepted by musical diva, Evita and Edith Piaf in one person, Radka Fišarová. She stunned the audience with songs by the mentioned Franch chanson singer, her own pieces, and especially deeply felt presentation of songs accompanied by pianist Ondřej Kabrna and accordionist Sasha Yasinski. Standing ovation, flowers, and the concert goes on!

 "Living On My Own" by Freddie Mercury opens the second half… and here comes another guest, rocker by heart and soul, Bohouš Josef. True to his reputation, he opens his block with the Pirates with a swing arrangement of his own song "Samba v kapkách deště ". Just as with Matěj Ruppert, the big band behind his back does him real good, even when he enters "undiscovered land" in the following songs. At Bohouš's request, arranger of the Pirates, Radek Škeřík, transformed into swing one hit of Ozzy Osbourne "Mama I'm Coming Home " (!) and the Beatles classic "Eleanor Rigby ". At that point in the night, it seemed Bohouš cannot cut a finer figure. Far from it. The closing part of his series, "King Herod's Song " from rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, raised everybody from their seats, even the laziest spectators. Vivat Bohouš!

And now it's again turn for the Pirates and Jiří. The rap in "Rock DJ", a smash by Robbie Williams, proven hits like "Supreme" or "Wonderwall" (Oasis), "To Love Somebody" with hundreds of flashing mobile phones  and lightsticks in the hall, EU sop to Chancellor Merkel – "Babicka" sang in German – cheerful "Kačerov", a medley of Gott's hits (yes, also in Hradec Králové people dutifully stood up when hearing his name) changed by swing beyond recognition, an eulegistic message in "All You Need Is Love", or a thankyou song to band's friends in the form of a Queen piece "Friends Will Be Friends". Everything falls into place, and now let's only pray for the snow. Czech Christmass Mass received even more thunderous reaction in Aldis, as well as the subsequent "Last Christmas". This time technicians created much more snow, music stands of the whole band, instruments and the whole stage were covered by proper two-centimetres-high snow cover! A quick-witted skier could have done cross-country skiing right on the stage. :-)

But this was already time for another standing ovation, flowers were handed over, confetti guns were firing, and several eyes glistened with tears. For this year it is over, we gave it everything, so hopefully you liked it, ran through the minds of all Pirates. The next day showed that probably yes, at least judging by reactions in TV reports  and concert reviews  in the media:

"Gala concerts of the Pirates were simply an unforgettable experience, it was an extraordinary show. Jiří Ševčík is one of the best, it was obvious who is the king of swing here!" (TV1).

"This ensemble gives swing a whole new dimension, for a long time Ševčík has been trying to prove that swing is not "music for old folks", and again he succeeded. The long-lasting standing ovation of all age categories was a convincing proof." (Deník paper)

"We must raise our hats to the swinging Pirates, their excursion into swing waters with charismatic front man Jiří Ševčík was exceptionally excellent this year!" (Pernštejn weekly)

"Swing "Pirates" lead by Jiří Ševčík again proved, why they are an exceptional ensemble on our music scene, which deserves attention also by world media and celebrities from the industry." (Pardubice živě)

Thank you very much and we will keep on rolling in the coming year!

PIRATE SWING Band - historie kapely a pozvánka na Galakoncerty 2017  PIRATE SWING Band - historie kapely a pozvánka na Galakoncerty 2017
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" - Reportáž ČT (feat. Eddie Howell & Peter Freestone)
Man From Manhattan 2018 - message from producer Mike Moran (+ české titulky)  Man From Manhattan 2018 - message from producer Mike Moran (+ české titulky)
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" - 2. reportáž ČT (feat. Eddie Howell & Mike Moran)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - TV spot  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - TV spot
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" + Galakoncerty 2018 - zvací TV reportáž
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" + Galakoncerty 2018 - host dne v TV1
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky s Ivanem Mládkem  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky s Ivanem Mládkem
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - Reportáž TV1 o křtu   PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - Reportáž TV1 o křtu "Man From Manhattan 2018"
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - reportáž z královéhradeckého koncertu  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - reportáž z královéhradeckého koncertu
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - reportáž z pardubického koncertu  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2018 - reportáž z pardubického koncertu
Michael Kluch + PIRATE SWING Band - We Are The Champions (live)  Michael Kluch + PIRATE SWING Band - We Are The Champions (live)
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" - Reportáž TV1 (feat. Eddie Howell, Martin Charvát)
  "Man From Manhattan 2018" - Reportáž TV1 z natáčení (feat. Eddie Howell)
Ondřej Brousek + PIRATE SWING Band - Návštěvníci (live)  Ondřej Brousek + PIRATE SWING Band - Návštěvníci (live)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - Host dne (TV reportáž)  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - Host dne (TV reportáž)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž ze zkoušení I.  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž ze zkoušení I.
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž ze zkoušení II.  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž ze zkoušení II.
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž z koncertů  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV reportáž z koncertů
Jesus Christ Superstar – Song krále Heroda (Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band)  Jesus Christ Superstar – Song krále Heroda (Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band)
Samba v kapkách deště – Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band  Samba v kapkách deště – Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band
The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby (Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band cover)  The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby (Bohouš Josef a Pirate Swing Band cover)
Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Mack The Knife (live)  Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Mack The Knife (live)
Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - One More Try (live)  Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - One More Try (live)
Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Intercooler (live)  Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Intercooler (live)
Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Everything She Wants (live)  Matěj Ruppert + PIRATE SWING Band - Everything She Wants (live)
Ivan Mládek + Laděníčko + PIRATE SWING Band - Medley (live)  Ivan Mládek + Laděníčko + PIRATE SWING Band - Medley (live)
Ivan Mládek + PIRATE SWING Band - Mravenci v kredenci (live)  Ivan Mládek + PIRATE SWING Band - Mravenci v kredenci (live)
Ivan Mládek + Laděníčko + PIRATE SWING Band - Když je v Praze abnormální hic (live)  Ivan Mládek + Laděníčko + PIRATE SWING Band - Když je v Praze abnormální hic (live)
Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Hello Dolly (live)  Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Hello Dolly (live)
PIRATE SWING Band + Formani - Směs   PIRATE SWING Band + Formani - Směs "českých lidovek" (live)
Předání Platinové desky za   Předání Platinové desky za "Man From Manhattan 2018"
Jiri Sevcik, Radek Skerik + PIRATE SWING Band - Chytnem druhej dech  Jiri Sevcik, Radek Skerik + PIRATE SWING Band - Chytnem druhej dech
Jiří Ševčik + PIRATE SWING Band - How Deep Is Your Love (live)  Jiří Ševčik + PIRATE SWING Band - How Deep Is Your Love (live)
Jazz co má koule, dokumentární film  Jazz co má koule, dokumentární film
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2020 - 2021 - TV spot  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2020 - 2021 - TV spot
Audiokniha   Audiokniha "Skoro všechno nej" - dokument z natáčení s Bohdanem Tůmou
Jiří Ševčík & PIRATE SWING Band I SOUNDTRACK Poděbrady  Jiří Ševčík & PIRATE SWING Band I SOUNDTRACK Poděbrady
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2022 - TV spot  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2022 - TV spot
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2022 - reportáž Hradec Králové  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2022 - reportáž Hradec Králové
Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Lípa zelená (live)  Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Lípa zelená (live)
Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Tři strážníci (live)  Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Tři strážníci (live)
Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Rub a líc (live)  Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Rub a líc (live)
Ivan Mládek + Sára Schumová + PIRATE SWING Band - Do hlavy ne (live)  Ivan Mládek + Sára Schumová + PIRATE SWING Band - Do hlavy ne (live)
Ivan Mládek + PIRATE SWING Band + Laděníčko- Prachovské skály (live)  Ivan Mládek + PIRATE SWING Band + Laděníčko- Prachovské skály (live)
PM Stars + PIRATE SWING Band - Around The World (opener) HD  PM Stars + PIRATE SWING Band - Around The World (opener) HD
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - TV spot  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - TV spot
Galakoncerty 2019 + Platina za MFM2018 - Host dne na TV1  Galakoncerty 2019 + Platina za MFM2018 - Host dne na TV1
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 z vokální zkoušky  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 z vokální zkoušky
Reportáž TV1 ze zkouškyPIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky  Reportáž TV1 ze zkouškyPIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky s Luďkem Sobotou  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 - Reportáž TV1 ze zkoušky s Luďkem Sobotou
Reportáž TV1PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 Pardubice - Reportáž TV1  Reportáž TV1PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 Pardubice - Reportáž TV1
Reportáž TV1PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 Hradec Králové - Reportáž TV1  Reportáž TV1PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2019 Hradec Králové - Reportáž TV1
Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Tři tety (live)  Jitka Molavcová + PIRATE SWING Band - Tři tety (live)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2023 (+ Vojtěch Dyk)  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2023 (+ Vojtěch Dyk)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV spot  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2017 - TV spot
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band ve zpravach TV Nova  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band ve zpravach TV Nova
PIRATE SWING Band - Star Wars Imperial March (cine mix)  PIRATE SWING Band - Star Wars Imperial March (cine mix)
PIRATE SWING Band ve Snídani s Novou  PIRATE SWING Band ve Snídani s Novou
Křest alba   Křest alba "We Will Swing You!" (zprávy TV Nova)
Karel Gott o PIRATE SWING Bandu  Karel Gott o PIRATE SWING Bandu
PIRATE SWING Band - THRILLER fotosession  PIRATE SWING Band - THRILLER fotosession
PIRATE SWING (boy)Band - Uptown Girl (Live)  PIRATE SWING (boy)Band - Uptown Girl (Live)
PIRATE SWING Band - Encore Live (Kill Bill/Freedom/Bright Side Of Life)  PIRATE SWING Band - Encore Live (Kill Bill/Freedom/Bright Side Of Life)
Jiri Sevcik + PSB v pořadu   Jiri Sevcik + PSB v pořadu "Ano, šéfe!"
PIRATE SWING Band s Karlem Gottem a Jiřinou Bohdalovou (live)  PIRATE SWING Band s Karlem Gottem a Jiřinou Bohdalovou (live)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Karel Gott swing medley (live)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Karel Gott swing medley (live)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy
Jiri Suchy + PIRATE SWING Band - I Can Give You Anything But Love (Live TV)  Jiri Suchy + PIRATE SWING Band - I Can Give You Anything But Love (Live TV)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - I Was Born To Love You (live)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - I Was Born To Love You (live)
HD: Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Radio Ga-Ga (Semafor concert)  HD: Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Radio Ga-Ga (Semafor concert)
Pirate Swing Roof Concert Documentary  Pirate Swing Roof Concert Documentary
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - Concert 23.9. (clip)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - Concert 23.9. (clip)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - Theatre & Philharmony Ball Gig  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING band - Theatre & Philharmony Ball Gig
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - VIP zpravy (TV Prima)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - VIP zpravy (TV Prima)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - VIP News about Montreux weekend  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - VIP News about Montreux weekend
HQ: Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band ve zpravach TV Nova (Montreux Queen swing gig)  HQ: Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band ve zpravach TV Nova (Montreux Queen swing gig)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - live at Montreux  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - live at Montreux
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band on CNN  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band on CNN
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band v Dobrem ranu Ceske televize  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band v Dobrem ranu Ceske televize
Jiri Sevcik + PSB v reportazi Ceske televize o Freddiem Mercurym  Jiri Sevcik + PSB v reportazi Ceske televize o Freddiem Mercurym
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - Hlavní zprávy TV Barrandov  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - Hlavní zprávy TV Barrandov
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy III.  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy III.
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - Jiří Ševčík a Leona Machálková  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - Jiří Ševčík a Leona Machálková
PIRATE SWING Band - Koncert pro Pardubice 2015  PIRATE SWING Band - Koncert pro Pardubice 2015
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Satisfaction (Koncert pro Pardubice 2016)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Satisfaction (Koncert pro Pardubice 2016)
Hurvínkova pozvánka na koncerty PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 (feat. J.Ševčík & O.Ruml)  Hurvínkova pozvánka na koncerty PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 (feat. J.Ševčík & O.Ruml)
PIRATE SWING Band - V Gala 2016 (dokument, feat. Ondřej Ruml, Tonya Graves, Hurvínek)  PIRATE SWING Band - V Gala 2016 (dokument, feat. Ondřej Ruml, Tonya Graves, Hurvínek)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 - pozvánka Ondřej Ruml & Tonya Graves  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 - pozvánka Ondřej Ruml & Tonya Graves
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 - Praha  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2016 - Praha
Jiří Ševčík a Hurvínek + PIRATE SWING Band - Víc než přítel tvůj (video z publika)  Jiří Ševčík a Hurvínek + PIRATE SWING Band - Víc než přítel tvůj (video z publika)
  "V Gala 2016" - verze pro mobily
Reportáž televize V1  Reportáž televize V1
Tonya Graves + PIRATE SWING Band - Happy (live)  Tonya Graves + PIRATE SWING Band - Happy (live)
Jiří Ševčík + Ondřej Ruml + PIRATE SWING Band - Já a můj stín (live)  Jiří Ševčík + Ondřej Ruml + PIRATE SWING Band - Já a můj stín (live)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2015 (feat. Iva Pazderková, Felix Slováček & Petr Vondráček)  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2015 (feat. Iva Pazderková, Felix Slováček & Petr Vondráček)
PIRATE SWING Band - 5 let  PIRATE SWING Band - 5 let
PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2014 - hosté (feat. Josef Laufer, Ester Kočičková, Petr Kotvald)  PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2014 - hosté (feat. Josef Laufer, Ester Kočičková, Petr Kotvald)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy II.  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy II.
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - reportáž Pardubice (HD)  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - reportáž Pardubice (HD)
PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy IV.  PIRATE SWING Band Gala - VIP zprávy IV.
PIRATE SWING Band - Kinokoncert pro Pardubice  PIRATE SWING Band - Kinokoncert pro Pardubice
Jiří Ševčík + Petr Kotvald + PIRATE SWING Band - Tvor zábavnej  Jiří Ševčík + Petr Kotvald + PIRATE SWING Band - Tvor zábavnej
Zkoušení na koncerty PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2014 (feat. Petr Kotvald, Josef Laufer a další)  Zkoušení na koncerty PIRATE SWING Band Gala 2014 (feat. Petr Kotvald, Josef Laufer a další)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Thriller + Interview (live, Dobré ráno 2014)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Thriller + Interview (live, Dobré ráno 2014)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Kaczeroff (live, Dobré ráno 2014)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Kaczeroff (live, Dobré ráno 2014)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Bohemian Rhapsody + Interview (live, Dobré ráno 2014)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Bohemian Rhapsody + Interview (live, Dobré ráno 2014)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Interview + Viva La Vida (live, Dobré ráno 2014)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - Interview + Viva La Vida (live, Dobré ráno 2014)
Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - To Love Somebody (Koncert pro Pardubice 2017)  Jiri Sevcik + PIRATE SWING Band - To Love Somebody (Koncert pro Pardubice 2017)

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