czech Band JAR Announces Indefinite Hiatus Following Lucerna Concert
Prague – Czech rock band JAR performed what might potentially be a farewell concert at Lucerna Music Bar on February 29, 2024, the band members’ collective birthday, before announcing an indefinite hiatus. The future of the group hinges on the health of vocalist Dan Bárta and finding a suitable replacement for lyricist Ota Klempíř.
JAR, a mainstay of the Czech music scene, played to a sold-out crowd, with Michael Viktořík carrying the performance as the sole remaining member of the band’s original trio of frontmen. While Viktořík delivered a strong performance, the absence of Bárta and Klempíř was palpable, with songs performed without them described as “sad.” During the evening, keyboardist Roman Holý also celebrated the release of his solo album, Strážce klidu Vol. 2, with a joint christening by Viktořík and Monkey Business’ ruppert.
The band stated they will pause activity while awaiting updates on Bárta’s hearing, which would allow him to return to the group. They also acknowledged the need to find a replacement for Klempíř, whose contributions extended beyond songwriting to the band’s overall identity.
According to a statement released following the concert, JAR will reconvene if both these challenges are resolved. However, the band also conceded that ongoing tensions between the group and Klempíř could permanently prevent a reunion, or that a return may simply prove unfeasible.
