When he was a kid, Stjepan Hauser’s friends in rock-punk Pula teased him because he played a “girly instrument.” Instead of picking up a guitar or drums and following the path of KUD Idijoti or Atomci, young Hauser took to the cello and classical music. Home upbringing.

He endured, endured, and then he got back at those who teased him by becoming a world rock star with that same “feminized” instrument in his hands.

The rest is legend.

He and his companion Luka Šulić, with whom he formed the duo 2Cellos, were noticed by the legendary Elton John, who invited them to become part of his band and go on tour with him. When they returned from the tour, they were already stars.

Their big world tours followed, collaborations with Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, Andrea Bocelli, Oliver Dragojević, George Michael…

They played for American presidents, the British Queen, the global elite in “holes” like the Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Sydney Opera…

And then Hauser continued solo, creating a serious show with him as the main star and showman, and a seriously good band that we had the opportunity to see and hear last night at the iconic Chicago Theatre. A band that effortlessly covers everything, from Shostakovich to AC/DC, from Phantom of the Opera to Bon Jovi, from Moonlight Sonata to Luis Fonsi.

True, without Silvana and Nirvana… But with Bella Ciao. After all, Pula gave birth to it.

With two extremely beautiful, talented ladies in the form of violinist Caroline Campbell and opera soloist Amy Manford, Hauser’s infectious energy and seductive charm that captivates everyone, from teenagers to grandmothers, we got a joyful two-hour program after which you’re inspired enough to down two more beers and then head home for the night.

While Hauser continues on to new triumphs, reaping the sweet fruits of bloody work and finger-cut strings. And sweat, which he mercilessly pours out during performances…

Yesterday, during our interview, he confessed that he had never tried drugs. He says the adrenaline that hits him every time he goes on stage is enough for him.

And then he sang “Tamo daleko” a cappella for me, with which he recently represented Serbia in his project Music Unites The World.

A serious player, with big plans. And yet, he seems somewhat naive when he talks about how one day he will go on tour and play at the locations of the Seven Wonders of the World, like that kid who once vowed to turn the cello into his guitar and become a rock star.

And be careful the next time you tease someone at school for playing the piano, flute, or cello; you might see them on TV one day…