"Maybe Baby Jesus will come and bring me something," jokes the legend of Czech music, Václav Neckář
With the arrival of Christmas, not only the smell of cookies returns to Czech homes, but also the voice of a singer, whom we annually associate with the festive atmosphere, Václav Neckář. The song Midnight has become a modern Christmas classic and the film Insanely Sad Princess, where Václav Neckář stars alongside Helena Vondráčková, is one of the most frequent December TV fairy tales. This year, moreover, Neckář recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, and is still actively performing. In an interview, he reveals how much he is looking forward to the holidays, which song he enjoys singing the most and what he would tell young artists.
As Christmas approaches, we usually search for the right balance between the hustle and moments of peace. This period is now inseparably associated with the voice of the Czech legend Vaclav Neckar. It's exactly during the pre-Christmas period that memories and emotions are revived - and especially one song that has become part of Czech celebrations. When Advent approaches, Neckar can be heard more often than usual. His song Midnight turned from a radio novelty thirteen years ago into one of the most played Christmas songs and today it can be heard in stores, radios, and at concerts.
Singer Václav Neckář, even after celebrating his 82nd birthday, does not lose his enthusiasm and humor. In a time when his voice thanks to the hit Midnight is coming back to Czech households more often than sweets on the Christmas table, he spreads positive mood even at personal meetings. "I haven't found it yet. Maybe Jesus Age will come and bring me something," he replied with a laugh when asked whether he already had Christmas gifts purchased.
In the same way, Václav Neckář gained a firm place on television screens. The fairy tale Madly Sad Princess, where he played alongside singer Helena Vondráčková, belongs to the traditional December films that match the cult "Three Nuts for Cinderella". Thanks to a combination of nostalgia, music and unforgettable film role, Neckář becomes a part of the home atmosphere every Christmas.
We managed to catch Václav Neckář at an event for a Christmas concert called Christmas at the O2 Arena, where he will also sing in December. In our interview, we discuss not only the topic of holiday preparations and gifts, but also whether concerts are a form of relaxation for him, or what message he would give to young artists.
And it is precisely with the song Midnight, which he sang with Umakart band, that his personal challenge connects with the musical message, which today belongs to the symbols of the Christmas period. The combination of his life story, childhood movie nostalgia, and music that can calm even hectic days creates an exceptional atmosphere in December. Midnight is a symbol of Christmas, much like the television prince from the fairy tale, who never loses his magic.
How Václav Neckář returned to the stage after a stroke
Václav Neckář's return to the stage after a stroke has been previously discussed. According to him, it was uncertain at that time whether he would be able to speak again, let alone perform in front of an audience. Doctors helped him restore his speech and singing abilities through long rehabilitation and logopedia, which was complemented by continuous repetition of texts.
He takes performing seriously
Although he still performs, concerting is no longer a relaxation for him, but thorough preparation. Václav Neckář has gone through health complications, which is why he now devotes maximum concentration to each performance, mainly because of the lyrics.
„Sleep, sleep, and sleep…,“ he openly admitted. After suffering a stroke, the texts don't come back to him as easily as before, so he has to think about them a bit more than other musicians. Nevertheless, he is still able to master them - and very successfully.
Which song does he like the most? The next one
He doesn't have to think long about the question of which song he likes to sing the most. His answer is short, funny, and perfectly in line with his perspective:
"The next one I'm singing," he told the editorial office in an interview.
In addition, the singer also thinks about future generations. He advises young artists who want to break through not to be intimidated and not to lose confidence. When asked what message he would send to his young colleagues, he responds with a smile, "They should try and be confident."
Christmas atmosphere in his performance
In December, Neckář finds himself in a special world where personal memories, joy from music, and film nostalgia mix. Midnight has become a symbol of Christmas, just like his prince in the Insanely Sad Princess is a symbol of television calm and family comfort. Whether he's singing on stage or smiling at a carp on Christmas Eve, one thing is for sure - Vaclav Neckář simply belongs to Czech Christmas.
Sources: SeznamZpravy, iDNES, ČSFD, editorial staff, own questioning
