Graphic Novel Η Τετράς η Ξακουστή του Πειραιώς

Many people compare Markos Vamvakaris to Jimi Hendrix, mainly for his impetuosity, his skill and his endless inspiration when he picked up his three-string bouzouki, as did his colleague the electric guitar, but also for his rough voice. They passed away around the same time, one in 1970, the other in 1972. They did not "meet" even through Hendrix's record collection, in which the mythology of Rock & Roll states that Manolis Chiotis' records were found. However, rebetiko also has its own mythology and behind it are hidden endless stories through personal narratives that often divide even its protagonists themselves. What a shame, then, that Hendrix did not hear the "electricity" of Markos' genuine poverty. Both were recognized far from their place of birth. When Hendrix moved from America to England and specifically to London, while Markos left his hometown, Syra went to Piraeus. The former created the most dynamic group of his time, the Experienced, and Markos the popular band: “Tetras the Famous One of Piraeus”. This is how it went down in history. Both went down in history as Immortals of Music, opening up new musical paths and influencing many musicians.

“Tetras the Famous One of Piraeus” was formed in 1934, it was the first band with bouzouki-playing specialist musicians. It consisted of Markos Vamvakaris, Giorgos Batis, who was the “godfather” of the orchestra’s name, and the Asia Minors, Anestos Delias and Stratos Payoumtzis. Markos was then 29 years old, Delias 22, Stratos 28 to 30 and Batis, one of the pioneers of rebetiko, 45 to 50, whose recordings date back to the beginning of the century.

Rebetiko left its mark not only as a musical phenomenon, but also as a social phenomenon, which never became established in our musical tradition. It developed mainly with the Asia Minor catastrophe and the arrival of refugees from the coast, who brought with them oriental sounds and amanedes. The themes of the songs deal with everyday issues and mainly magic. An underground world begins to emerge, a world where love, drugs and honor often alternate, composing the social background of the rebetiko song.

The graphic novel was based on the book "Everything Goes Well Against Us" by George Skampardonis, illustrated by Dimitris Kerasidis and the cover was designed by Konstantinos Sklavenitis!