Josip LONCARIC

MELBOURNE - Several weeks ago, the 'Croatian Herald' revealed that a Croatian singing superstar was planning a tour in Australia for later in the year. Following an interview, which was aired on the Croatian youth radio 3ZZZ program last Sunday night, the confirmation has been made - popular Split based pop star Goran Karan and his excellent band will be touring Australia sometime in November.

The tour, which is currently being intensely negotiated by the 'Croatian Herald' and Karan's management, will symbolise yet another fabulous gesture by the likeable tenor from Dalmatia.

Karan, who is due to release his much anticipated new album 'Dite ljubavi' next week, revealed to the listeners of the program his love for Australia and its Croatian community.

"Out of all of my tour concerts abroad, Australia is my favourite venue because it is so different from Croatia and, indeed, any place in the world. We always have such a great time with the wonderful Croatian people Down Under", Karan revealed during the informative ten minute interview.

Karan also spoke of his new album, which will be something to look forward to for all Croats, if his past record is anything to go by.

"I am very proud of the work that we have done on the album and I hope that everyone enjoys it as much as we did whilst making it", the humble humanitarian said.

Featured on the new album will be 15 new compositions, including duets with Oliver Dragojevic, Sasa Jakelic, Mirella as well as a top Turkish singer.

"Certainly, the album is influenced by Dalmatian music but we have also added some surprises as well, giving the album an international flavour", said the long-haired singer.

Always keen to have a laugh, Karan also spoke of the currents events that are taking place in Croatia, including touching on the visit of American President George W. Bush last week to the capital Zagreb.

Asked whether he had been presented with a chance to meet the distinguished American guest, Karan cheekily replied "Ne fala, thank you, but no thanks" chuckled Karan.

With several hundred Australian Croats expected to travel to Croatia - and indeed Austria and Switzerland - during the coming northern summer, Karan and his band will be busy entertaining the masses during the Euro 2008 soccer championships.

"We will be in Austria and Switzerland with all of our Croatians from all around the world, singing and supporting the 'Vatreni'. I think that even without Eduardo (Da Silva), Croatia can do very well in the tournament", an excited Karan said.

Finally, to the proposed tour in Australia that the singer and his entourage are already planning for - which looks to be a potential blockbuster for all of the major Australian capital cities, as well as Auckland in New Zealand.

"We have already prepared our clothing for Australia, which is in the mould of the late and great Steve Irwin, and we can't wait to come to Australia to sing some songs, play some soccer and tell some stories along the way", Karan concluded in the interesting interview.

Further details of Goran Karan's expected tour to Australia in November will be published in future editions of the 'Vjesnik'.