BEATLEMANIA IS COMING – the bestbeat for new year’s eve in Kotor
We’ll say goodbye to the old year just like it was done half a century ago
By Ivana Komnenić
For New Year’s Eve in Kotor, the Belgrade band Bestbeat will transport the audience straight into the golden ’60s with the joyful tunes of the Beatles.
Rock ‘n’ roll without The Beatles is unimaginable. Not only because of their music, image, or influence on fashion and culture. The Beatles are the very essence of an era. Even today, their songs are part of every generation’s soundtrack. With their melodies, humor, charisma, and energy, they created a world that people still gladly return to. This New Year’s Eve, the citizens and guests of Kotor will have a chance to step into that world again, thanks to the Belgrade tribute band Bestbeat, who will bring the magical era of the Beatles to life. The concert is organized by the Kotor Tourism Organization and the Municipality of Kotor. The event starts on December 31 at 10 PM on the main town square.
Bestbeat has performed across the region and Europe, representing Serbia at major festivals. The band consists of Damjan Dašić, Vladimir Miković, Tomislav Jovanović, and Marko Ćalić, and they bring to life the iconic personas of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Their mission is clear — to bring The Beatles’ music and spirit to today’s audiences.
How did your love for The Beatles begin, and how did the idea of forming a tribute band come about?
“The Beatles revolutionized modern music. Most of today’s pop and rock music stems from their legacy. Whether you’re a fan or not, the influence of The Beatles is still present, and their music is essential listening even today,” says Damjan Dašić.
The band members don’t just look like The Beatles — they play identical instruments, use the same amplifiers, wear replica costumes from different stages of the Beatles’ career, and replicate their famous hairstyles. They perform songs in the original arrangements and keys.
Is your setlist tied to a specific period, or do you cover their entire career?
“Our setlist includes songs from all Beatles’ periods. We remind people how the Beatles evolved as musicians and people.”
Your band was formed in 2005. Have you changed your lineup since then, and where have you performed?
“The beginning of our career is linked to 2005 when we became part of the tribute band movement. Since then, we’ve played in Serbia, around the region, and across Europe. We’ve performed at venues such as the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Apex Club in Newcastle, Cinematik Festival in Slovakia, Exit Festival, and many other places.”
You’ve already played in Montenegro. What are your impressions?
“We’ve performed in Herceg Novi and Podgorica. We’ve had great experiences and always a wonderful audience. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing the atmosphere of Kotor’s carnival and know how lively things get when people are in a celebratory mood,” says Dašić.
What can Kotor expect on December 31?
“An authentic Beatles experience. We aim to make people feel like they’re at a real Beatles concert from 50 years ago.”
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“I was lucky to know the vibe of the Kotor Carnival. I know how people in Kotor celebrate, and when there’s music and joy like this, it’s sure to be a great party,” says Damjan Dašić.
“The band members are Vladimir Miković as John Lennon, Damjan Dašić as Paul McCartney, Marko Ćalić as George Harrison, and Tomislav Jovanović as Ringo Starr.”
