Akylas launches Press Start tour in Thessaloniki after Eurovision success

Greek singer Akylas opened his first major domestic concert at the Moni Lazariston venue in Thessaloniki, kick‑starting the "Press Start" tour to a crowd of thousands. The show featured dynamic staging, a signature playground set‑piece and performances of tracks from his album Press Start, including the viral Eurovision 2026 entry “Ferto”, which has surpassed 12 million Spotify streams and earned two MAD VMA awards.

In interviews Akylas said he has not let the intense publicity affect him, adding, “I have not let the intense publicity influence me anywhere. The truth is that since returning from Eurovision I went straight to work for the tour and haven’t even gone out for a drink.” He expressed a desire to collaborate with Greek stars Anna Vissi, Michalis Chatzigiannis and George Mazonakis, while stating his personal life is currently focused on his music and audience.

Songwriter Tasos Bougá claimed that “Ferto” copies his own track “Θέλεις μπουζούκια πάμε”, noting that Akylas never contacted him to thank him. Bougá said he will not pursue legal action but wishes Akylas success. The dispute adds a controversial note to the singer’s post‑Eurovision momentum.