Rock Monsters Romania

Wacken Open Air kicks off this Wednesday for its 35th edition, taking place from July 29 to August 1. Among the countless incredible names on this year’s lineup, there’s one that always makes us smile whenever we see it: Dirty Shirt.

The band recently celebrated 30 years of activity with the release of a special compilation album, but their history is like a Romanian folklore tale.

Originally formed as a wedding band in the mid-1990s, they have kept a remarkably stable core lineup for nearly three decades. Their impressive journey includes a second-place finish at the international final of the Wacken Metal Battle 2014, performances at major European festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, and Pol’and’Rock Festival, successful tours across 17 European countries, and, most recently, winning the prestigious Golden Spinning Top award for the second time at Pol’and’Rock Festival just a few months ago.

Dirty Shirt’s signature sound combines the power of modern rock and metal with the vibrant spirit of Eastern European traditional music, seamlessly blending elements of world music, industrial, electronic, hardcore, and funk. By incorporating traditional acoustic instruments both in the studio and on stage, they create an authentic and energetic musical experience that extends far beyond the metal scene, delivering infectious, danceable songs that connect with audiences around the world.

So, naturally, we talked to Dirty Shirt just after the Wacken Warm-Up Party from Quantic. And this is what they told us.

First of all, how are you all doing? With everything happening around the world lately, how has it affected you, especially considering that you come from different countries and backgrounds?

Robi: Hey, everything’s fine on my end. I’m trying to balance family, work, and music—in fact, for the past 20 years or so, that’s pretty much what 90% of us in the band have been doing. The world around us is changing, and not necessarily for the better… Dirty Shirt is a kind of escape from the daily grind, if you will.

Sergio: I cannot complain too much, although it surely looks like the world took a weird turn, to say the least. I can tell you that I feel much better since moving to Romania four years ago. I feel more at home with the people that I have met here and I generally perceive this country as a friendlier place that has welcomed me with open arms. Many Romanians look at me in disbelief when I speak these words but believe me, I lived in Italy for 40 years: right now, it is better here.

Mihai:  I’m doing really well, to be honest. My life is pretty full, between my day job, Dirty Shirt, and of course my family, there’s always something happening. I know it may seem like the world is going crazy, but if you compare it with almost any other period in human history, we are actually living in one of the calmest times. The difference is that today we are constantly bombarded with information, which makes everything feel more intense.

Dan: I wouldn’t say the situation of the world has affected us as a band, but surely we live in a time of intense global pressure that can sometimes be overwhelming. We are lucky that we are not in the war affected zones yet but still I think about the victims of this madness quite often. I hope it all ends soon.

Cosmin: First off, thanks for asking! We’re doing alright. The world is definitely going crazy right now with all the conflicts and tensions happening everywhere, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s always been kind of crazy, and it probably always will be. That’s just how the world works.

On a personal level, I just try to adapt to whatever hurdle comes my way. I try not to complain too much about things, because let’s face it, at the end of the day, nobody really cares about your complaining anyway. But don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not a pessimist. Actually, I feel incredibly lucky. I have my family, a steady job, and on top of all that, I get to play the violin, make music, and go on tour with my friends. In the middle of all this global madness, having that is a huge privilege, and it really keeps me grounded.

You’re currently in the middle of the Dirtylicious Decade Tour. What has been your favorite moment so far, and why?

Sergio: I enjoy each show, no matter the venue or its size. I get butterflies when going on stage, when the intro starts. For me, each concert is a highlight, because of what happens on stage and off stage, because of the “gălăgie” we conspire each time.

Robi: I don’t know if I really have a favorite moment… What I like most is when we let loose and mess around in the van, and of course when we’re on stage and can do what we love. There are times when a club show with a maximum of 300 people has a much better vibe than a festival where you’re far away from the fans… but of course, every show is great in its own way.

Mihai: It’s really hard to pick just one favorite moment. Every show has its own energy, and that’s what makes touring with Dirty Shirt so exciting. I enjoy them all, no matter the format — whether it’s a small club where you are face to face with the audience, or a bigger venue with a massive atmosphere.

Cosmin: If I’m being completely honest, my absolute favorite moments are when I manage to sneak in a quick nap between the soundcheck and the actual show.

But on a more serious note, being on the road can be brutal. The long drives and the constant traveling often completely drain me, both physically and mentally, right up until the gig starts. However, the exact second I step on that stage, no matter how exhausted or unmotivated I might have felt backstage, time just seems to stand still. We all—the band and the audience—just surrender to the moment and truly enjoy each other’s energy.

And if I’m already the third guy in this interview telling you this, it just proves that it’s 100% real. That feeling on stage makes all the exhausting commutes worth it.

You recently released “Büntető.” Can you tell us the story behind the song and how the collaboration was born?

Cosmin: For the actual story behind the song and how the collaboration was born, I’ll have to let my bandmates take that one—they can definitely give you a much better answer with all the details.

But from my perspective, as the violinist, what I can tell you is that ‘Büntető’ was yet another track that really challenged me technically. It definitely pushed my limits. But honestly, the satisfaction I felt once I finally managed to master it and nail those parts was huge. It’s always a bit of a struggle at first when you’re faced with a complex piece, but that feeling when everything finally clicks and you can just play it… it makes it totally worth it.

Mihai: I discovered Besh o droM a few years ago during a Christmas holiday — actually thanks to my brother-in-law, who insisted that I listen to them. It was kind of love at first listen. They have so many amazing songs, and right away I could hear a lot of them in a metal version, in the style of Dirty Shirt. Choosing just one wasn’t easy, but Büntető felt like the most dynamic track, the one that naturally fit our energy. So I reached out to the guys from Besh o droM to ask if they’d be open to a collaboration. They were super receptive and supportive — they sent us their original tracks, and from there we built a new version: heavier, more aggressive, and full of energy.

You’re well known for creating songs in different languages and drawing from various cultures and folklore. How do you choose which elements to incorporate into your music? Are there any cultures or songs you haven’t explored yet but would like to in the future?

Mihai: There’s never really a master plan behind it — we just let ideas and influences come naturally, without putting limits on ourselves. Of course, there’s a lot of Romanian folklore in the DNA of Dirty Shirt, but it’s definitely not the only source of inspiration. We’re curious by nature, and we like to explore different sounds and cultures whenever something clicks with us. For example, on the upcoming album, we’re planning to dive deeper into Balkan-inspired sounds, and you’ll probably hear more brass instruments in our songs, which will bring an extra layer of color to the music.

Robi: Since there are people of many different nationalities in the band, and of course we’re from Transylvania—where different cultures naturally blend together anyway—it’s very easy for us to write songs and lyrics in various languages. It’s not something we plan; it just happens… I’ve started learning Klingon… get ready!

Sergio: I surely dream of a few verses in Piemontese, my dialect from Torino. There are funny-sounding words and some of them that are weirdly connected to Romanian, but with funny twists. The beer brand “Ciuc” for instance. “Ciuc” means drunk in Piemontese.

You also shared a congratulatory message for your Hungarian fans following the recent elections, alongside a video of the song. Do you think this change could have a positive impact also on the music scene?

Mihai: I really hope so. The anti-EU policies of Orbán and what I see as the wrong political direction have had a strong impact on Hungary’s economy, and culture is always affected by that sooner or later. If you look back ten years ago, the rock scene in Hungary was much more developed than in Romania. But today, I honestly feel the Romanian scene has moved ahead — there are more bands, more venues, more festivals.

Robi: Hungary has become everything Romania must not become in the coming period; they let themselves be swayed by propaganda, and that led them to where they are now. Extremism and sovereignty do not lead to anything concrete or beneficial for society. It’s good that the regime has finally changed and Hungary can return to where it belongs… in Europe. Personally, even though I also have Hungarian citizenship, I chose not to vote because I don’t think it’s fair for me to decide the fate of people in a country where I don’t live.

On April 18th, Quantic Club hosted Romania’s first-ever Wacken Warm-Up party, featuring you, E-an-na, and An Theos. How does it feel to be an integral part of such an event, and what impact do you think it could have on Romania’s future participation in the Wacken Metal Battle?

Mihai: Of course, it’s a real honour, and it was amazing to share the stage with the three bands that all won prizes at the Wacken Metal Battle. For us, the Wacken Metal Battle played a huge role in the development of Dirty Shirt. It gave us visibility, experience, and open doors. That’s why I always encourage bands to take part — only good things can come out of it. Even if you don’t win a prize at the international final, you still get the chance to perform at an iconic festival like Wacken Open Air, and that alone is an incredible experience you’ll never forget.

Robi: We were truly honored to be there; Wacken is a very special place for us. I won’t bore you with the story of how we took second place at the 2014 world finals, how it meant so much for the band’s resume, and how it opened so many doors that had been off-limits until then… but… if you have a band and you’re just starting out, sign up for Metal Battle… it’s a huge boost for your career.

Cosmin: Well, first off, I have this running joke with the guys. I actually wasn’t in the band back in 2014 when they played the Wacken Metal Battle and won 2nd place. So I always tell them that if I had been there with my violin, we absolutely would have taken 1st place. It’s just a running joke, of course… or is it?

But joking aside, Mihai already summed it up perfectly. It’s a massive honor. Being part of Romania’s first-ever Wacken Warm-Up, sharing the stage with E-an-na and An Theos—who also have this shared Wacken history—felt like a real celebration of what the Romanian metal scene can achieve.

As for the impact on the future, I think events like this are exactly what the local scene needs. It proves to newer, younger bands that the Wacken dream is completely reachable. When they see the hype around it and realize what this competition can do for a band’s career—like the visibility and the open doors my colleague mentioned—it motivates them to step up their game. It builds a bridge between our local clubs and the international stages, and that’s a huge win for the whole community.

2026 also marks your return to the lineup of Wacken Open Air. Congratulations! How does it feel to be coming back, and what are your expectations?

Mihai: Yes, it will be the third time we play at Wacken Open Air, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. We first went there for the final of the Wacken Metal Battle in 2014, then we came back in 2019 to play the Wackinger Stage. Now we’re returning to the same stage again, but this time not in the afternoon but in the evening slot, which usually means a bigger crowd. On top of that, we’re playing on Day 1, when the two main stages aren’t open yet, so it’s a great opportunity for Dirty Shirt to reach a lot of people. What can I say? I’m really excited, a bit impatient, and very happy to be going back.

Sergio: It will be the first time for me with DS, although I had played the festival in 2014 with another Romanian band, Dordeduh. I am very curious to see how the festival has evolved in these twelve years.

Dan: Actually Waken is the place where 12 years ago I was officially invited to join Dirty Shirt as a full member. So it has a special meaning for me. I can’t wait to be back in that crazy Waken atmosphere. Wacken is one of a kind.

Cosmin: It feels absolutely amazing to be heading back. We have a great history with the festival now—2014 was the competition year, then 2019 was my first Wacken experience with the guys as a guest band. Now, returning for another ‘recital’ in 2026 feels like a huge validation.

I mean, think about it: in 2014 I wasn’t there and they got 2nd place. In 2019 I was there and they invited us back for 2026. If you connect the dots, it’s pretty obvious that the violin is the secret ingredient that keeps them wanting more!

But seriously, returning to Wacken is always a huge milestone. It’s the holy grail of metal festivals. As for expectations, well, it’s Wacken. You don’t really know what to expect other than absolute madness, an amazing crowd, and probably a good amount of mud. What I do expect from us, though, is to bring 110% of that signature Dirty Shirt energy. We’ve grown so much as a band, the chemistry is fantastic right now, and we just want to go out there and make sure everyone in the crowd dances until they drop.

Robi: I remember dragging the guys along with Mihai to sign up for Metal Battle. We showed them videos from Wacken, of people moshing to “Super Mario,” and told them they’d love it… We managed to win the Wacken Battle in Romania on our third try, and the rest is history. For me personally, it was a dream come true… and here we are, returning to Wacken for the third time… after having played at Hellfest and other major European festivals. We’re expecting it to be a blast at our concert, just like every time.

Looking ahead, what other plans do you have for this year? Can fans expect any new releases after the tour and Wacken?

Mihai: The adventure with Dirty Shirt is definitely continuing at full speed si this is going to be another very busy year for us. Very soon, we’ll be releasing two best-of albums — one studio collection and one live version. They’ll be available on both CD and vinyl, which is something we’re really excited about. We’re also preparing to release the video of our concert from last year at Rockstadt Extreme Fest, which was an incredible show and a great memory for the band.

But probably the most important thing right now is the new album. We’re working really hard on it, and we’ve already released two singles. We have a lot of material and it’s very likely to become a double album, with Volume 1 planned for late 2026 or early 2027, and Volume 2 possibly about a year later. There will also be many collaborations with artists we truly admire. So far, we’ve released Büntető together with Besh o droM, and we’ve announced a collaboration with the legendary Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. We will also have a song featuring Jahred from Hed PE (I am a huge fan), and we recorded saxophone and trumpet parts with Mihai Pîrvan and Nizar Ali, musicians who work with the renowned jazz artist Ibrahim Maalouf. And honestly, there will be other collaborations we can’t announce yet. Plenty of surprises ahead, I can promise you that.

Dan: This is the year of big releases for Dirty Shirt. I’m very excited for the new album and the many bangers that are waiting to be let out of the box. We also have a lot of shows, rehearsals, studio time… It’s all good. I’m pumped.

What about longer term plans? Are there any goals left as a band?

Sergio: I look forward to many more years of Dirty Shirt and see the band playing more countries that we have not visited before. A highlight would be to go to Japan, mostly to see if our sound engineer Adrian, who is a big fan of Japan, would hold on to his promise to go missing and never take that flight back to Romania, only to start a new life over there. 

Robi: The plan is to keep having a great time together for at least another 15 years. I’d love for us to get to play in Japan and South America, to do an unplugged version of *Dirty Shirt* and a symphonic one… but all in good time… By the way… Mihai promised me that we’ll be the biggest metal band Romania has ever seen…..

Mihai: I confirm: we would love to play in Japan, but also on US and other continents. 

Finally, do you have a message for your fans and for everyone reading this interview?

Robi: I’d like to thank them for putting up with us for so long, and if they haven’t been to one of our concerts yet, I want to tell them that no matter how hardcore their metal tastes are, I guarantee they’ll love it. Not necessarily manele, but something everyone will enjoy.

Sergio: Thank you for your incredible and continued support and making me feel welcomed each time. I love your affection towards the band and seeing you jump and smile at the gigs.

Mihai: A huge thank you to all of you. We’re truly living a dream with Dirty Shirt, and none of this would be possible without your support. Thank you.

Cosmin: First of all, a massive thank you. To anyone who buys a ticket, listens to our music, or just shows up to lose their minds in the crowd with us—you are the exact reason we push through all those exhausting hours on the road. We literally couldn’t do this without you.

As a broader message: like I said earlier, the world is pretty chaotic right now. So, my advice is to find whatever keeps you grounded. Go to concerts, support live music, enjoy the moment with the people around you, and hey, don’t forget to take a good nap whenever you can!

Dirty Shirt are probably the best example of success in Romanian rock, but they’re also proof that supporting your local bands can make a real difference, as they can achieve international success before you know it. And if you still don’t understand the success of Dirty Shirt, go to one of their live shows. You might even catch them at Wacken, why not?

Interview by Radu Mihai