Stavros Xarchakos Presents Live Album ‘Rebetiko – 40 Years Later’

In a magical evening, Stavros Xarchakos presented his live album ‘Rebetiko – 40 Years Later’, a stunning live recording of the iconic album performed at the Herodes Atticus Odeon. Originally composed in 1985, this historic album is now re-released by Panik Oxygen both digitally and physically. During the event, Xarchakos reflected on the experiences that inspired him to compose ‘Rebetiko’, calling it his distilled essence from rebetiko musicians and singers. He shared memories of Marika Ninou at Tzimis Chandrou’s, nights spent listening to rebetiko gatherings on Themistokleous Street, and even his time singing at church and attending catechism as a child. Alongside collaborators and vocalists Ero Saïa and Zacharias Karounis, Xarchakos emphasized that after 40 years, the work still requires no modernization or alterations. George Arsenakos, CEO of Panik Records, praised the cultural significance of ‘Rebetiko’ and its timeless relevance through the poetry of Nikos Gatsos and the cinematic vision of Kostas Ferris. The live performance features a 20-member ensemble of musicians, vocalists, and chanters who bring to life the emotional depth, Dionysian energy, orchestral brilliance, and enchanting darkness of this legendary work. Together, they create a captivating rebetiko experience that mesmerizes audiences.