Katapult Celebrates 50 Years with Prague Concert

Legendary Czech rock band Katapult, fronted by Olda Říha, marked their 50th anniversary with a concert at Forum Karlín in Prague on March 3, 2026. The performance drew a packed hall of devoted fans celebrating five decades of the band’s music.

A Historic Milestone

The 50 Years Tour signifies a remarkable milestone for Katapult, a band that has remained a significant force on the Czech music scene. Říha, who will turn 78 this year, continues to perform with enthusiasm, despite recent concerns about his health expressed by some fans on social media.

The Performance at Forum Karlín

Říha opened the concert with a humorous self-introduction, acknowledging his nickname “Steel Oli” but stating a preference for “Titanic Oli.” The setlist included classic hits such as “…what about Rock ‘n’ Roll!!!”, “Just One Chance”, “Midnight Racetrack”, “The Fool Hesitates”, “I Don’t Eat Breakfast Alone”, “Blues”, and “Two Crepe Roses,” prompting enthusiastic singalongs and chants of “Katapult!” and “Olda is a god!”.

Musical Support and Atmosphere

The band was supported on bass by Karel “Bigman Kódl” Dvořák and on drums by Roman Krajdl. A guest guitarist joined for approximately one-third of the concert, adding to the band’s sound. The stage setup was described as modest, reminiscent of the 1980s, with a row of Marshall devices and simple lighting.

Enduring Enthusiasm

Despite some moments where the band sounded less polished, the musicians’ genuine enthusiasm resonated with the audience. The concert culminated with performances of “Until” and “Next time,” followed by an encore of “Don’t cry love” and “Forever Young.” Říha concluded the evening with a message about pursuing joy and embracing life’s adventures.

Looking Ahead

Katapult’s 50th-anniversary concert demonstrated the band’s enduring appeal and Říha’s unwavering passion for rock and roll. As Říha stated, he intends to continue performing as long as it brings joy to his audience. Forum Karlín hosted the event.