On 17 March 1988, Greece lost one of its most enigmatic and rebellious musicians, Nikolas Asimos, a singer, songwriter, and countercultural figure whose influence remains strong in Greek music and activism. Known for his unconventional lifestyle, sharp social criticism, and refusal to conform to the mainstream music industry, Asimos became a symbol of resistance, freedom, and artistic independence.
Early life and beginnings
Born Nikolaos Asimopoulos on 20 August 1949 in Thessaloniki, he grew up in Kozani, where he developed a deep love for music and literature. He moved to Athens in the late 1960s to study at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens but soon abandoned formal education in pursuit of his artistic vision.
Asimos immersed himself in the bohemian culture of Exarchia, the anarchist and intellectual hub of Athens. He performed in the streets, underground clubs, and alternative venues, rejecting the constraints of the commercial music industry. His lyrics often addressed themes of social injustice, personal freedom, and existential struggle, earning him a devoted following among Greece’s youth and counterculture movements.
Music and legacy
Asimos never officially released an album under a record label, as he despised the commodification of art. Instead, he distributed his work as “paranomos diskos” (illegal records), selling tapes hand-to-hand, which added to his underground legend. Despite this, his songs were later compiled and posthumously released, reaching a wider audience.
Some of his most famous songs include:
- “Δεν πα να μας χτυπάν” (Let them beat us up – I don’t care)
- “Ο Μπαγάσας” (The Rascal) – one of his most well-known songs, expressing themes of resilience and street wisdom.
- “Καταρράκτης” (Waterfall)
- “Το παπάκι” (The Little Duck) – a playful yet deeply satirical song.
His music combined rock, folk, and rebetiko influences, with raw, expressive vocals and poetic, rebellious lyrics. He was often compared to Greece’s great rebetiko musicians, who also lived on the fringes of society.
Rebellion and activism
Asimos was not just a musician but also a social activist and outspoken critic of authority. He identified with anarchist ideals, frequently clashing with the police and state institutions. He was arrested multiple times for his political views and disruptive performances, further cementing his reputation as a radical artist.
His refusal to conform extended to his personal life, where he lived in self-imposed poverty, performing for free or in exchange for food and shelter. He transformed his small apartment into a “haunt of the troublemakers”—a space where artists, intellectuals, and outcasts gathered to discuss politics, art, and philosophy.
Tragic end and posthumous recognition
Despite his rebellious spirit, Asimos struggled with mental health issues and legal troubles in his later years. His erratic behaviour and increasing alienation from society led to a tragic end—on 17 March 1988, he was found dead in his apartment, having taken his own life at the age of 38.
After his death, Asimos gained even greater recognition. His music and writings became widely circulated, influencing new generations of musicians and activists. His autobiographical novel, “Αναζητώντας Κροκανθρώπους” (Searching for Crocodile-People), remains a cult classic in Greek underground literature.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Remembering Alekos Alexandrakis (2005)
