A New Era for Nazareth: Gianni Pontillo Shined in Brno’s Sono Alongside Czech Legend Turbo
Thursday night, February 26, at Brno's Sono Centrum was all about pure rock and a heavy dose of nostalgia. On the same stage, Czech rock legend Turbo — whose history stretches back to the 1980s — shared the spotlight with international icons Nazareth. Nazareth brought not only their greatest hits but also fresh energy with their new frontman.
The doors opened at 6:30 PM, gradually filling with fans from every generation. The audience was a mix of long-time followers and younger fans who grew up listening to the bands their parents loved. Sono was divided into a seating section and a standing area directly in front of the stage, which became increasingly packed as the night went on.
Turbo kicked off the evening, and from the very first notes of Vodopád prázdných slov, it was clear the crowd came ready to sing along. Hits like Přestáváš snít, Po světě jít, and Bez lásky žít se nedá followed. They also played Time of My Life, written for the band by Tommy Thayer, guitarist of KISS.
Although it was my first time seeing Turbo live and I initially thought they weren't a band I'd normally listen to, the concert quickly proved otherwise. Gradually, I realized I knew all their songs — I just hadn't connected them to the band's name. After a "fake" farewell, the audience demanded an encore, which could only be the iconic Chtěl jsem mít.
After a quick stage reset, it was time for Nazareth. Jiří Vondrák took the stage first to reflect on 2015, when he filmed the documentary Back Beat with then-vocalist Dan McCafferty and bassist Pete Agnew. Vondrák warmly introduced Brno audiences to the new frontman, Gianni Pontillo, who had joined the band only recently.
Shortly before 9 PM, the lights dimmed, the band appeared, and the first notes of Miss Misery launched an energetic show. The crowd greeted the band with thunderous applause, and Pontillo took the stage confidently while honoring the band's legacy. Over the course of the evening, classics like Razamanaz, This Flight Tonight, and Whiskey Drinkin' Woman came alive, with Jimmy Murrison adding searing guitar solos throughout.
Pontillo quickly won over the audience with his stage presence and impressive vocal range. He handled the challenging highs effortlessly, showcasing both power and subtlety. The evening's emotional peak came with the legendary ballad Love Hurts, sung by the entire Sono audience. Heartwarming moments abounded — couples swayed together, singing eye-to-eye. The set closed with Where Are You Now and Turn On Your Receiver, ending the night in grand style.
With nearly sixty years of history, Nazareth has seen several changes in frontmen, but Gianni Pontillo proved that the band still has a strong voice and energy capable of captivating new generations.
The night at Sono wasn't just a concert — it was a reminder that genuine rock never grows old; it only gains strength. Thanks go to both bands, the organizers, everyone involved, and of course the fans, without whom such an atmosphere could never exist.
Kateřina