Dżem
Dżem – a legend that still plays
The band Dżem is more than just music — it is a phenomenon that has moved the hearts of fans across Poland for over half a century. Their story is one of passion, rebellion, freedom, and a continuous journey through the sounds of blues and rock.
It all began in 1973, when a group of friends from Tychy — Adam and Beno Otręba, Paweł Berger, and Aleksander Wojtasiak — decided to form a band. Initially, they played under the name Jam, which over time — due to a spelling mistake — transformed into Dżem.
Ryszard Riedel then joined the band — a vocalist with extraordinary charisma and a deep, moving voice. His lyrics, full of emotion and reflections on life, quickly became anthems for the young generation. Songs like “Whisky”, “Czerwony jak cegła”, and “List do M.” still resonate today at concerts and in fans’ homes.
The 1980s and 1990s were the peak years of Dżem’s popularity, but also a time of great struggles — especially for Riedel, who battled addiction. His death in 1994 was a tremendous blow to the band and the entire Polish music scene. Yet Dżem decided to keep playing, continuing their mission and preserving Rysiek’s memory.
The band continues to tour, release new albums, and attract new generations of fans. Over the years, various vocalists have performed on stage, but the spirit of Dżem has remained unchanged — sincere, full of emotion, and true to its roots.
In 2025, history came full circle — Sebastian Riedel, Ryszard’s son, joined the band as a vocalist. His presence is not only a tribute to his father, but also proof that Dżem’s music lives on — authentic, passionate, and passed from generation to generation.
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