Doomed Confessionary: Radek Bacík (Acid Row)
Photos by Tereza Kopelentová
Acid Row is a stoner rock trio based out of Prague, Czech Republic.
If Robert Johnson reached the days of electric guitars and amps, he might have considered jamming with Czech stoner lunatics from Acid Row. A three-piece from Prague combining different genres and subgenres related mainly to stoner rock with tendencies and attitude of punk, echoes of doom metal, hazed with elements of psychedelic rock, poignant noise rock or 90’s grunge.
Existing since 2012, they went through many mainly personal changes, but what persisted from the very beginning was their sympathy for the devil. Just like in the case of Robert Johnson. But meanwhile Johnson and other haunted bluesmen had laid the foundation for rock and roll and everything that followed, Acid Row resumed the devil’s ride with many rock and heavy metal legacies.
Acid Row are Dominik Klesa (guitar, backing vocals), Alex Fonar (bass, vocals) and Radek Bacík (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
It’s a Long island iced tea but instead of vodka, gin, rum and tequila you add stoner rock, grunge, doom metal and weird dinosaur noises. And then the alcohol as well.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Besides staying sane, I guess the personal changes in the band. I am the third drummer and it used to be a 4-piece band, so after our bass player left, Alex started playing bass while singing. These changes are always challenging, but I feel like it only motivated my bandmates to work even harder.
What can you be most proud of so far?
One time we played 4 shows in 24 hours, 3 on Friday and another one on Saturday. That was all in Czech Republic, so the next level is doing that in multiple countries.
What was your biggest regret?
I wish I practiced my instrument when was younger as much as I do now. Other than that, no regrets baby.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We played a lot of shows even at our favorite festivals, but I still like the smaller ones when people just go crazy and something bizzare happens. I really like to return to Kuckucksnest Berchtesgaden, DE. A beautiful idyllic town in the mountains and the people partied so hard that they literally walked on the ceiling.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Not really a surprise, but to me it was nice to learn how artists outside of CZ operate and that we can all share our experiences.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I have been listening to The Sword pretty much nonstop this week, specifically the album »Warp Riders«. Epic stuff.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Respect the music, don’t overplay, don’t stress about being technical, HAVE FUN!!
What are your guilty pleasures?
There is a version of »Call Me Maybe« on Youtube but slowed down by 1000%. Epic as hell, but try explaing that to anybody haha.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Prague?
We’re based in Prague, CZ and we are kind of running out of venues here. Some of the best ones have been closed because of noise complaints or high rent. There is a lot of great musicians across many genres though, it’s a really thriving music scene.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
In 2025 we’ll be at Blackdoor Festival in Germany and many more! Check our socials, it’s gonna be a ride.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Last year we played almost 60 shows, so we would like to go over 70 this year.
How can people best support your band?
Come to the show and go insane!!! If you would like to support by buying something, you can get our merch via Bandcamp.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stay rock’n’roll, don’t believe politicians who give you easy solutions, be there for your friends, get high!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well