Manolis Mitzias recites ‘Giannis the Murderer’ after Hadjidakis songs banned

During a concert dedicated to the songs of lyricist Nikos Gatsos at the Ancient Theatre of Dion on 26 July, Greek singer Manolis Mitzias was told that the son of composer Manos Hadjidakis, George Hadjidakis, had refused permission to perform any works set to the late composer’s music. The refusal, linked to the 2026 designation of a dedicated year for Manos Hadjidakis, meant Mitzias could not sing the emblematic piece “Giannis o fonias.” Instead, he recited the lyrics while the audience joined in, a moment he called “very sad.” Event organizer Agathi Dimitrouka read the email from George Hadjidakis on stage, explaining the ban and noting that the decision had been issued as an ex‑parte notice to the production company. The incident sparked loud objections from the audience, who shouted “shame,” and prompted wider debate about the management of Hadjidakis’s musical legacy.