Gligor Pandilovski – Gic has died, Skopje's music scene in mourning

The Skopje music scene and the city are saying goodbye to Gligor Pandilovski – Gic. The well-known musician, executive producer and longtime owner of the cult café "Chao" in the GTC has passed away.

Gic stepped onto the stage back in the 1970s and 1980s as a drummer in several Skopje bands, including VIS "Uragani". Later his name also became recognizable for his role as a host of the nightlife — the café "Chao" was for a long time a gathering place for young musicians and a symbol of urban life in the city.

Friends describe him as hardworking, modest and good-natured. As a true patron, he often gave his space to young bands for promotions, gigs and press conferences. In recent years he divided his life between Skopje and Gothenburg (Sweden), and he was also engaged as an executive producer of the Ohrid Fest – Ohrid Troubadours festival.

Condolences and emotional farewells

The organizers of Ohrid Fest posted a moving message on social media:

"With a heavy heart, with disbelief and with great pain we received the news that none of us wanted to hear. Our dear friend, collaborator and person who was an important part of the 'Ohrid Fest' family has left us forever. Dear Gic, you are leaving too soon. So many words remain unspoken, so many plans and ideas… For us you were not just a collaborator, you were our person. Thank you for every smile, for every conversation and every moment that today becomes a memory."

The same day, well-known figures from the former Yugoslav rock scene said goodbye with messages full of sorrow. “Our dear friend, a Macedonian drummer and great friend of the festival, Gligor Pandilovski – Gic, left quietly, without saying goodbye. The arranged meetings and plans remained unfinished, and the void he left is hard to describe. Your smile will remain with us forever. Travel well, our good Gic,” wrote Ilija Jovanović and shared a photograph in which Gic sits next to the legendary Dado Topić.

The poet and singer-songwriter Srđan Marjanović also wrote: "Farewell Gic, my friend and brother… As long as I breathe you will be in my heart, as will everything we went through together… Travel with the angels."

The editorial staff expresses sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and fans of Gligor Pandilovski – Gic. Rest in peace.

Photo: Unsplash