For decades, Katapult has been a cornerstone of the Czech rock scene, and frontman Oldřich Říha remains a captivating, if sometimes controversial, figure. Despite recent concerns about his physical stamina, voiced by fans online, the 78-year-old musician continues to command the stage with unwavering passion. The band recently completed a series of concerts celebrating 50 years since its formation, proving that the spirit of Czech rock ‘n’ roll is still very much alive.
Říha, affectionately dubbed “Titanový Olda” (Titan Olda) – a nod to his enduring presence – led Katapult through a performance at Forum Karlín on March 3, 2026. Backed by Karel “Bigman Kódl” Dvořák on bass and Roman Krajdl on drums, the band delivered a setlist packed with classic hits, reminding audiences why Katapult has maintained a devoted following for half a century. The concert wasn’t just a celebration of the band’s longevity, but a testament to Říha’s enduring love for performing.
A Night of Nostalgia and Rock ‘n’ Roll
“Poslušně hlásím, že jsem opět zde!” (I humbly report that I am here again!), Říha announced to the enthusiastic crowd, embracing his signature humor. The band launched into “…a co Rock ’n’ Roll!!!” and followed it with “Jen jednou dostat šanci” (Just Once to Get a Chance), immediately setting a high-energy tone. Whereas initial expectations were tempered, the atmosphere in the packed hall quickly dispelled any doubts. The sound quality was notably strong, allowing the musicians to shine, even if the stage setup itself was deliberately minimalist, evoking the band’s early days in the 1980s.
Bigman Kódl, whom Říha praised as his closest friend, received particular acclaim for his contributions, filling out the sound and even taking the lead on parts of “Lesní manekýn” (Forest Mannequin). The performance highlighted the strong musical connection between the two veterans. Despite the celebratory nature of the evening, the concert remained relatively understated, with only one guest musician joining the band – a “bedňáka srdcaře” (heart-of-the-box player), as Říha playfully described him, who added a second guitar for roughly a third of the set.
“Za jeho dobrou a věrnou službu mu občas povolím si zahrát s Katapultem, ale bude to ještě dlouho splácet!” (For his good and faithful service, I sometimes let him play with Katapult, but he’ll be paying it back for a long time!), Říha quipped, playfully asserting his role as the “hudební figuru” (musical figure) of the band.
Hits and a Heartfelt Connection
The setlist spanned Katapult’s extensive catalog, including staples like “Půlnoční závodní dráha” (Midnight Race Track), “Hlupák váhá” (The Fool Hesitates), “Já nesnídám sám” (I Don’t Eat Alone), “Blues,” and “Dvě růže krepový” (Two Crepe Roses). The audience responded with fervent enthusiasm, chanting “Katapult!”, “Olda je bůh!” (Olda is God!), and the classic rallying cry “Hobluj!” (Plane!).
While the performance wasn’t flawless – at times sounding like a band still finding its footing – the musicians’ genuine passion and energy compensated for any rough edges. As the concert progressed, culminating in performances of “Až” (Until) and, of course, “Někdy příště” (Sometime Next Time), the entire hall was on its feet, fully immersed in the rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere. The evening concluded with a rendition of “Neplač lásko” (Don’t Cry, My Love) and a final bow accompanied by the outro of “Forever Young.”
Říha closed the show with a heartfelt message: “Přál bych vám život, kterej žiju já. Ať děláte jen to, co vás baví. Já se mám nejlíp, protože se ze všeho můžu vykatapultovat.” (I wish you a life like mine. Do only what you enjoy. I feel best since I can catapult myself out of everything.)
The Legacy Continues
The evening served as a powerful reminder that maintaining enthusiasm and passion is perhaps the most important thing, even when facing challenges and doubts. Oldřich Říha is Katapult, and his dedication to his craft remains unwavering. As long as he continues to find joy in performing and his loyal fans continue to respond with enthusiasm, there’s no reason to slow down. As one observer noted, “Jseš dobrej, Oldo. Katapult pořád šlape.” (You’re good, Olda. Katapult still runs.)
Katapult’s performance at Forum Karlín, rated 65%, demonstrated that even after 50 years, the band still has the power to connect with audiences and deliver a memorable rock ‘n’ roll experience. The future of Katapult remains bright, and fans can look forward to more performances from this enduring Czech rock institution.
What are your favorite Katapult songs? Share your memories in the comments below!
