Jim Čert, Czech Underground Icon, Dies at 69

František Horáček, known as Jim Čert, a prominent figure in the Czech underground music scene, has died at the age of 69. The news was announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by historian Petr Blažek and priest Ladislav Heryán on social media.

A Troubled Musician

Čert was a key personality in the Czech unofficial scene of the 1980s. Blažek described him as a great musician who was deeply troubled by his past collaboration with the communist State Security (StB). “Take care, Lord, of his soul. My sincere condolences to his family,” Blažek wrote on Facebook.

Musical Style and Early Life

Born on February 25 in Prague, Čert originally worked as a turner. His musical repertoire encompassed both harsh and gentle ballads, drawing influence from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Bohuslav Reynek, Andrej Stankovič, Luďek Marks, and Eduard Štorch. He was known for his unique and energetic performances.

StB Collaboration and Apology

Čert’s reputation was significantly damaged after the Velvet Revolution with the revelation that he had been an agent for the StB for many years. He reportedly provided information under the codenames Akord and Homér, receiving financial compensation for his services. In 2007, he issued a public apology in a letter to Czech media for his actions.

Later Life and Performances

Following the revelations about his past, Čert performed abroad, including appearances at festivals such as San Francisco’s INT Street, Making Waves, Burning Man, Cotati Accordion, and others. He formed the rock band Life After Life with fellow Czech musician Jaroslav Erno Šedivý, touring Europe and performing in the Czech Republic. In his later years, he continued to perform solo in Prague clubs, bars, and festivals.

Reflections on a Complex Figure

Historian Petr Blažek shared a personal anecdote, recalling Čert as a neighbor and frequent companion in Prague clubs. He described a late-night conversation about Čert’s collaboration with the StB, noting the sadness and difficulty Čert experienced in discussing his past. “I liked František, he was a neighbor here from Letná… Once we talked late into the night about his cooperation with the State Security… It was a sad conversation, you could see how it bothered him and how difficult it was to talk about his failure at the same time. He was often a hell of a lot of fun and certainly no one was bored with him,” Blažek wrote on Facebook.

Jim Čert’s legacy remains complex, marked by both artistic contributions and the controversy surrounding his past actions. His passing marks the complete of an era for the Czech underground music scene.