“Helicopters” It is still considered one of the most important albums in the history of Polish rock. It was published in 1980 as a debut Porter Band – a group led by John Porter, previously known, among others, from the first team Maanamuin which he played acoustic guitar.
The group’s musicians participated alongside Porter in the recordings of “Helicopters”. Current and 2 plus 1: : Aleksander Mrożek (guitar) i Kazimierz Cwynar (bass), joined by the drummer Leszek Chalimoniuk. The album was created in just four days, and over the following years it gained legendary status. It was also awarded the title of “Album of the Year” in the rock category.
45th anniversary of Porter Band’s debut! The singer went on tour with the legendary album “Helicopters”
This year the album “Helicopters” celebrates its anniversary 45th anniversary and on this occasion, the charismatic singer of Porter Band went on a unique concert tour with him. “No half-measures – pure rock’n’roll, honest and uncompromising. This will be a tour for those who want to feel the guitar noise, the thrill of rebellion and live adrenaline. Porter still plays like he wants to break the system – loud, real and with a wild twinkle in his eye” – one could read in the announcement.
The drummer appears on stage alongside the leader (vocals, guitar). Robert Rasz (including Mela Koteluk, Gaba Kulka), guitarist Krzysztof Łochowicz (including Paweł Domagała, Daria Zawiałow, Mruzu) and bassist Jacek Szafraniec (including Ania Dąbrowska, Muniek Staszczyk, Janusz Panasewicz).
Anniversary tour “Helicopters ’45” started on October 18 with a concert at the Mickiewicz Theater in Częstochowa. Later John visited, among others, Łódź, Gdańsk or Kraków. November 26 it’s time for Stodoła Club in Warsawwhere crowds of fans danced to energetic, strong and rebellious classics.
See the photo gallery from the Warsaw performance:
John Porter refreshes cult hits from years ago!
On the occasion of the anniversary of “Helicopters”, John Porter not only went on a special concert tour, but also refreshed hits from years ago. First, he shared the new version with fans “Ain’t Got My Music”and then presented a different arrangement of the song “Refill”. “It’s one of my first songs written in Poland. The whole mood is about rebellion – partly inspired by my friends at the time, involved in the fight against the communist regime. Of course, there is also a rock and roll flavor of sex, fitting the times and genre,” says the legendary rocker.
Reviving the iconic debut from the 1980s is an opportunity for Porter to get to know and play the album completely anew. The musician adds many years of stage experience and maturity, presenting a sharper sound with the same youthful energy of rebellion and freedom.