Svatopluk Karásek

Svatopluk Karásek (1942–2020) was a Czech singer-songwriter, pastor, and political dissident whose life played out like a folk-rock ballad. A key figure in Czechoslovakia’s underground scene during the Communist era, his music blended protest lyrics with spiritual themes, often landing him in trouble with authorities. After being expelled from the country in the 1980s, he lived in Swiss exile, continuing to write songs that mixed wry humor with calls for freedom and faith. Post-Velvet Revolution, he returned to serve briefly in parliament while maintaining his musical output—tracks like the cheeky "Dejžtopámbu" and defiant "Řekni Ďáblovi Ne" showcase his signature blend of acoustic storytelling and moral fire. Karásek’s live recordings, like "Na Havaji (Live)", preserve his reputation as a charismatic performer who treated concerts like intimate pub chats with a revolutionary edge.