The return of Belgrade rock legends
The legendary band BABE is coming to BitefArtCafe on March 27, a place where rock’n’roll is experienced from the front row.
Known for their witty lyrics, sharp humor, and unmistakable stage presence, Babe marked an entire era of the regional music scene and are now returning to remind us why they remain truly unique.
The band was formed in 1992 as an independent project of vocalist and guitarist Žika Milenković (Bajaga i Instruktori), alongside Goran Čavajda Čavke (Električni Orgazam) and Zoran Ilić Ilke (Riblja Čorba).
The combination of musical experience, theatrical expression, and sharp humor quickly set Babe apart as an authentic rock supergroup, whose performances are as much a concert as they are a show.
Ahead of the BABE concert at BitefArtCafe, Žika Milenković reflects on artistic freedom, time, and what music is, and isn’t, today.
Do years bring more freedom in writing, or a more subtle self-censorship?
Years mostly bring reflection and questioning, whether there is still a chance to create something better than what the audience has already grown attached to.
What do you know about music today that you wish you didn’t know when you started?
I tried to learn as little as possible and keep only the essentials, in order to preserve that initial sense of naivety.
Is there a song you wouldn’t write today, not because it’s bad, but because you’ve changed?
The difference is whether a song has been released or not, since I’ve written far more songs than I’ve published. Most of them are reminders of the moments in which they were created.
Was humor in Babe’s songs a way to tell the truth, or to hide it?
Humor has always been a way to beautifully package the truth.
If Babe were starting from scratch today, would it be the same band or just the same name?
We would certainly want it to be the same band, but our most interesting and beloved member has not been with us for over a quarter of a century. He has been replaced by talented and wonderful people, in fact, four of them, as we have two alternatives for lead guitar. The name, however, is a brand forever.
Does today’s music scene suffer from a lack of talent or an excess need to please?
Today’s music scene reflects its time, just like every era before it. Those who stand out through quality will eventually live off their “old glory.”
What is more dangerous for rock today: the algorithm or audience indifference?
The audience will never be indifferent, the world is getting crazier. And the algorithm is simply there, for better or worse.
Do you change as a person when moving between bands, or is it always the same personality, just differently expressed?
It’s always the same personality, only the themes change.
Is there a version of Žika Milenković the audience has never seen because there was no space for it on stage?
Not yet, but you never know.
Does an artist ever stop proving themselves, or just change who they prove it to?
An artist always feels the need to prove themselves, if not to others, then to themselves.
If you had to leave one sentence to the audience that comes after us, what would it be?
Everything is infinite, if there is love.
Their witty lyrics and strong connection with the audience remain the band’s signature to this day. If you’re looking for a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and pure Belgrade rock’n’roll, this is a concert not to be missed.
“BitefArtCafe is the perfect place for Babe. We love looking the audience in the eyes and creating a night to remember together” says Žika Milenković.
Tickets are available:
https://tickets.rs/event/babe_24369