In this episode of “Don’t Take It for Granted”, Lika Toloraia speaks with Martyn Jacques – founder, songwriter, and frontman of the legendary British band “The Tiger Lillies”.

They met backstage before the band’s concert in Halle (Saale), Germany, during their one-day visit to the city.

Politics, war, art, and the values we risk losing became the focus of their conversation. Known for their unique blend of dark cabaret, theatrical punk, and razor-sharp social commentary, The Tiger Lillies have also become outspoken voices on political issues, particularly in support of Ukraine.

“I was especially happy to do this interview because I have been following The Tiger Lillies on social media and admire their daily reflections on political issues. Frankly speaking, they are my favourite political commentators. They always support freedom and democracy, and have also been strong supporters of both Ukraine and Georgia – two countries I consider my homelands and which continue to suffer from Russian aggression. That is one of the reasons I wanted to talk to Martyn”, – tells Lika.

In 2023 The Tiger Lillies even released the album “Ukraine”, created in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion.

We talk about the role of artists during wartime, the importance of calling evil by its name about modern politics. Has reality become more absurd than satire? Why do some politicians seem like ready-made cabaret characters? And how did former comedian Volodymyr Zelensky become one of the most serious political leaders of our time?

Finally, we return to the central question of this podcast: which values are the most dangerous to take for granted today?

A conversation about art, truth, war, freedom, and the fragile things we often appreciate only after they are gone.