Czech alternative rock icons Kurtizány z 25. avenue are officially returning to the stage and the studio. Guitarist Tomáš Vartecký has reunited with bassist Jan Rupprich and drummer Marek Macháček to finalize a long-delayed album, featuring a guest appearance by Tomáš Hajíček. The band plans a major December concert to mark their comeback.
For a band that has been synonymous with the raw, dark edge of the post-1989 Czech club scene, the past few years have been a grueling exercise in creative and personal attrition.
The Bottom Line
- The Lineup: Tomáš Vartecký, Jan Rupprich, and Marek Macháček have returned to the core, with all three members contributing vocals to the upcoming project.
- The Timeline: The new record has been in gestation for roughly five years, delayed by Vartecký’s well-documented health challenges and personnel shifts.
A Recovery Built on Persistence
The narrative surrounding Kurtizány z 25. avenue has been one of high-stakes volatility. Following the cancellation of their tour in May 2024 and the subsequent dissolution of the lineup involving members of Satanova Malá Raketka, the band’s future looked increasingly precarious. Vartecký’s transparency regarding his health struggles in early 2025—admitting he had reached a point where he needed to step back and prioritize medical intervention—was a sobering moment for the local music scene.
By leaning into the “magic” of their shared history, the group is essentially betting on legacy equity over the risks of constant re-invention.
The Economics of the Comeback
The December concert is critical.
| Era/Event | Key Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1989–2020 | Studio Evolution (Ubiquity to Honzíkova cesta) | Legacy Established |
| 2024–2025 | Health & Personnel Volatility | Active Hiatus |
Bridging the Gap: The Hajíček Factor
Here is the kicker: Vartecký’s recent appearances—including his unannounced guest spot with David Koller at the launch of Michal Skořepův’s Pan Lynx project earlier this year—were not just social calls. They were the first deliberate steps in a controlled PR rollout designed to normalize his return to the public eye.
What Remains to be Seen
Vartecký has been clear that finishing the record was a prerequisite for returning to the public sphere. Whether this “final” iteration can sustain its momentum depends on the reception of My z konce světa. Are you planning to catch the return of Kurtizány this winter, or do you think the band’s long hiatus has changed their place in the Czech rock hierarchy? Let us know in the comments.
