Marko Perković (born October 27, 1966 in Čavoglava), better known by the nickname Thompson, is one of the most famous and influential Croatian musicians. In the Homeland War, he distinguished himself as the author of the hit song “Bojna Čavoglava” (1991), which launched his musical career. During the war, he graduated from the High School of Hospitality in Split, and his nickname Thompson He received the same American machine gun that he used in the Croatian Air Force. After the war, he turned to professional music and gained fame by performing patriotic rock songs.
Early life and nickname Thompson
Marko grew up in the small Dalmatian village of Čavoglave; Father Ante worked as guest worker In Germany, and mom Marija took care of the family. At the beginning of the Homeland War in 1991, Marko joined the National Guard Corps. While defending his homeland, he got his hands on a US machine gun. Thompson, after which he got the nickname. In those war years, his first song was created: the patriotic hit “Bojna Čavoglave” (1991), in which he interpreted the defense of his village. That song, set to 7/8 bar, quickly became symbols of resistance and brave songs of the first days of war.
Music career and music hits
Thompson devoted his career to music after the war. Already in 1992, he released his debut album pray the little one (recorded during the war). It also included the single song “Bojna Čavoglava”. In the following years, he released eight studio albums, many of which became musical hits:
- pray the little one (1992) – debut album with war theme.
- Scorpio time (1995).
- stone genes (1996).
- Wind from Dinara (1998) – album with the hit “Lijepa li si”, which became an informal patriotic anthem of Croatia.
- Well, my people (2002) – with the song “My Ivan”, a ballad dedicated to the Homeland War.
- Once Upon a Time in Croatia (2006).
- ora et labora (2013).
- Pilgrim (2025) – the latest studio album, released after a 12-year break.
With great themes and patriotic content, Thompson often sings about faith, family and homeland in his songs. For example, the verses in the song “Stop, the wind” were declared the best Croatian evergreen. His songs from the 90s and 2000s, such as “Bojna Čavoglava”, “Lijepa li si” and “My Ivan”, are still often heard today at various celebrations and events in Croatia.
Concerts and popularity
Marko Thompson is known as the concert gem of the Croatian music scene. His performances gather tens of thousands of people and are often called record-breaking. For example, for Thompson’s concert at the Zagreb Hippodrome on July 5, 2025, more than 450,000 tickets, which makes it the greatest concert in the history of Croatia. According to police data, this also broke the national record for the number of tickets sold. Actually, Thompson’s Concerts are counted among the most visited In the country – already in 2013, his release of the album “Ora et labora” was best-selling on the iTunes’ rock list, and the concert “Once Upon a Time in Croatia” (in 2007 at Poljud in Split) gathered 40,000 people. Thompson was also the first Croatian performer to fill Dinamo’s and Hajduk’s stadium at the same time.
With such popularity came the name phenomenon: Thompson has held during his career Thousands of concerts throughout Croatia and filled the largest halls and stadiums. However, the news about the fencing of neighboring streets and the setting up of a Polish medical team with more than 200 beds for events of this scope testify to the notable audience. Several generations of Croats grew up on his patriotic songs, and many of the craziest concerts testify to enormous attendance and striking stage performances.
Controversy and criticism
Thompson also became one of the most controversial personalities of Croatian music. Some of his songs and performances cause stormy reactions: critics resent him using the Ustasha greeting “Za dom spremni” at concerts and singing songs from the NDH era, which is why he is banned from performances in the Netherlands, Switzerland and some other countries. For example, in 2006, at a concert in Zagreb, the Jewish community strongly condemned that greeting as an Ustasha symbol. On the other hand, Thompson publicly rejects allegations of extremism, claiming that his music celebrates patriotism, faith and family, and not any totalitarian ideology. However, among conservative followers, he enjoys cult status due to patriotism in texts, while critics know how to call him an extreme nationalist.
These controversies are only part of his complex story. Whatever the discussions, Thompson has remained very popular – his fans point out that their songs are gathering energy and his live performances – including a tour “Pilgrim” – They show that the audience comes for his music and message, regardless of criticism.
personal life
Marko Thompson is married to Sandra Rogić (b. 1981), a Canadian originally from Šibenik. The couple got married in 2003, and today they have five children together: sons Šimun and Anta and daughters Diva Marija, Cvita and Katarina. Before that, he was briefly married (1995–1998) to the singer Danijela Martinović, a former member of the Magazin band. Despite earlier obstacles, Mark’s family life is stable today; He and Sandra are even planning a church wedding after the Catholic wedding with Danijela was annulled.
What determines Thompson’s private life is precisely music and patriotic thought, and this is confirmed by certain private initiatives. For example, in 2009, he was received by Pope Benedict XVI, and at many concerts he wears the medallion of St. Benedict as a symbol of his faith. He is also the author of music for the Croatian war film “Josef” (2011), in which he himself appeared. Despite all the media attention, Marko Thompson continues to create music and build a career – and the most important thing is that the audience recognizes its authenticity.
Conclusion
Marko Perković – Thompson is today recognized as a musical legend that significantly marked the contemporary Croatian music scene. His biography includes the beginning of the war, a series of hits, controversies, but also colossal popularity among fans. Undoubtedly, the story about him causes divided opinions, but his songs and concerts still gather a large number of listeners. If you are interested in more details, listen to Thompson and check out his latest releases – and if you liked this article, feel free to share comments with favorite lyrics or experiences from his concerts. You can find more interesting biographies and musical stories on our portal – be sure to stay with us and continue to follow what is happening in the world of music!
Sources: The facts about Mark Thompson’s life and career are supported by verified sources, including newspaper articles and references to his interviews and performances. Relevant excerpts from Croatian publications and international news were used in the quotes to show a true and accurate image of the artist.
Cover photo: Robert F., CC BY-SA 3.0, Via Wikimedia Commons
