We’re sending a big “THANK YOU” to Martin Skúpy, who had been part of the Pohoda team since 1998

Martin Skúpy had been part of the Pohoda family since 1998, when the festival moved to the Pod Sokolicami grounds. There, Martin was in charge of the stadium and the cultural centre, both of which hosted Pohoda until 2003. When the festival moved to the airport, Martin stayed with us and became a member of the core team. Along with his amazing work and dedication, he always brought a great atmosphere with him. Martin passed away on Saturday 31 May. Below is a personal message from Michal Kaščák, read at Martin’s farewell.

23. June 2025

Dear Martin,

It makes me deeply sad to be speaking here today, but at the same time it’s an honour to be able to say a few words. You truly are a king.

Like nearly everyone in our town, I first came to know you as someone who combined culture and sport perfectly. I too used to go to your stadium for athletics during the week, and to the cultural centre for concerts at the weekend. Of course, we even had our graduation ball at your place... For me, you were already a legend before we even met. Later, you became a close friend, and for that I’m endlessly grateful.

When we started Pohoda, the second edition already took place at Pod Sokolicami. You were one of the few who believed in us from the beginning — and that says something not just about us, but about you. You were defined by your trust in people. We stayed together ever since, and you became an important part of our festival family. I was always amazed by how you poured your endless energy into helping whoever needed it most. How nothing was ever too much trouble for you. How you could always find in Trenčín whatever it was we couldn’t get hold of. When we were coming up with nicknames, we called you “Sorted.” That was one of the words I heard from you most often — “sorted.” Anything I ever asked you for was done before I even finished the question. It was almost like magic, but that’s how it was. And it wasn’t just that things got done, it was how they were done. Always wholeheartedly. That’s how you earned your royal title.

Back in the days before there was drinking water at the airport, it all had to be brought in by tanker. Luckily, you were the one in charge.

Connecting 30,000 people to water in the middle of summer at a festival, that’s no small feat. One especially hot year, I told you that if there was still water available after the crowds had all gone home, you’d be a king. You were smiling then and also after... because of course, everything was sorted and we had no choice but to crown you king. The King of Water. And water is life, isn’t it, Martin?

You lived like a king, Martin. Fully. For others. And you had a queen by your side, truly one in a million. In recent years, your wife Silvia also became your twin at Pohoda. That was something especially touching for me as she once taught me at high school. I’ll never forget the time I wanted to improve my grade, but there was no time left at school — so I ended up taking an IT test in your kitchen. Lovely, isn’t it? You two really are an example of how couples start to resemble each other over the years. Nothing’s a problem, you trust people, and you put your heart into everything you do.

I’ll never forget how you spent your last years together. That’s what real love looks like.

You both taught us so much.

Thank you, Silvia. Thank you, Martin.

Michal