Kabát

Kabát is a Czech hard rock band formed in 1983 in Teplice, Czechoslovakia, by bassist Milan Špalek and guitarist Tomáš Krulich. The lineup was completed with the addition of drummer Radek “Hurvajs” Hurčík in 1986, and vocalist Josef Vojtek in 1988. Guitarist Ota Váňa joined in 1990, solidifying the lineup that has remained unchanged since then .​

The band experienced a hiatus from 1985 to 1989 due to members’ military service. Upon reuniting in 1989, they recorded a demo titled Orgazmus, which was distributed informally. In 1991, they released their debut studio album, Má jí motorovou, selling 69,000 copies and earning the Anděl Award for Discovery of the Year.

In 1992, Kabát released the live album Živě!, followed by their second studio album, Děvky ty to znaj, in 1993. The album cover was illustrated by former luger Petr Urban, who was also the subject of a song on the album. The album sold 85,000 copies, and the band embarked on a tour that included a performance at Prague’s Lucerna.​

Their third studio album, Colorado, was released in 1994, achieving Gold status within two weeks and Platinum by the end of November. The album sold a total of 96,000 copies, with the title track gaining radio play despite its bluegrass style, which was initially intended as a joke.

In 1995, Kabát released Země plná trpaslíků, selling 82,000 copies. This was followed by Čert na koze jel in 1997, which sold 72,000 copies, and MegaHu in 1999, which sold 50,000 copies. The band continued to tour extensively during this period.

The year 2000 saw the release of Go satane go, accompanied by a national tour. In 2001, Kabát issued their first compilation album, Suma sumárum, which sold over 130,000 copies and was certified six-times Platinum, becoming their bestselling record.

In October 2003, they released Dole v dole, which sold over 78,000 copies and won the Český slavík award for Band of the Year. The band also received several Anděl Awards, including Rock Album of the Year and Bestselling Title of the Year.

Kabát released Corrida in December 2006, which sold 45,000 units within five days and was later certified triple Platinum. In 2007, they represented the Czech Republic in its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Malá dáma,” but did not advance to the finals.

In 2009, the band celebrated 20 years with the same lineup by organizing a major open-air concert in Prague titled Po čertech velkej koncert. A recording of the concert was later released as a two-disc DVD.

The album Banditi di Praga was released in 2010, becoming the bestselling album of the year and earning a Diamond certification. The subsequent tour was documented in the DVD Banditi di Praga Turné 2011, which achieved triple-Platinum status.​

In 2013, Kabát embarked on a tour featuring a brass band, titled Banditi di Praga po 30 letech, performing in a 1930s style with venues decorated accordingly. The tour included six stops in the Czech Republic and three in Slovakia.

The album Do pekla/do nebe was released in May 2015 and was eventually certified five-times Platinum. The band followed it with a tour across Czechia and Slovakia.

In 2019, Kabát celebrated their 30th anniversary with the Po čertech velký turné tour. During the Prague concert, they paid tribute to singer Karel Gott on his 80th birthday. Plans for a new album were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with recording halted in March 2020 and the planned tour postponed until 2021.

In 2022, Kabát released their latest studio album, El Presidento.

Throughout their career, Kabát has sold over one million records and received multiple awards, including twelve Český slavík awards between 2003 and 2017, and induction into the Beatová síň slávy (Czech Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) in 2014.