Remigijus Šimašius, Mayor of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has promised to organize a discotheque under the stars on one condition: this year’s Lithuanian representatives The Roop and their catchy beat ‟Discoteque” must be crowned winners of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. As one of the ways for the residents to celebrate the victory, the event would take place in consideration of all due health safety precautions.
‟I have no doubts that The Roop has every chance to win the Eurovision this year. If they do, Vilnius will be transformed into one giant open air dance floor so the citizens and the visitors may, to quote The Roop, discoteque right at their home. Of course, we will also adhere to all safety requirements applicable at the moment. After all, The Roop’s song has helped many of us to forget the gloomy reality even for a moment and to shake off the pandemic fatigue in disco rhythm. So let’s support our Lithuanian entry,” Remigijus Šimašius shared the news on his Facebook account.
This is the second win for The Roop in the national Eurovision selections. Last year, the band’s ‟On Fire” was voted the winner in the national competition. Although the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, the band won an alternative virtual Eurovision show organised by the German broadcaster NDR. As per national selection rules, however, The Roop had to present a new song this year. The 2021 Lithuanian entry song ‟Discoteque” combines several genres—disco, funk, house, at the same time suggesting allusions to the current lockdown reality and social distancing concept.
‟Vilnius is my home and its streets—my dance floor. Feeling overjoyed by the idea of our song bringing everyone together in one way or another, I cannot wait for Vilnius to embody the atmosphere of ‟Discoteque” and let its true magic shine bright and loud,” Vaidotas Valiukevičius, leader of The Roop, added.
The open air discotheque would also contribute to the city’s resolve to transform the public areas into shared communal spaces. One of the similar projects organised last year as a response to the pandemic constraints on hospitality, catering, and event sectors, was a city-wide outdoor café which beckoned to stay together yet at a safe distance.
With the plans for a hopeful win set in motion, Vilnius is prepared to host Eurovision Song Contest 2022 should the occasion arise.
