Pickpocket
Pickpocket, a band that has established a strong presence in the alternative metal and post-hardcore genres, will be performing their last concert of 2026 at the Zorlu PSM %100 Studio in Istanbul!
Founded in Istanbul in 2000 by Onur Özgönül and Barbaros Özoktar, the group gradually gained its energetic and dynamic character with the later addition of Muratay Özkan, Kaan Yayla, and Emir Çelt to the team.
Pickpocket began their musical journey with songs in English, but gradually, inspired by their audience, they shifted towards songs with Turkish lyrics. This strategic decision marked a significant turning point for both the band and their fanbase. Pickpocket's first major breakthrough, which brought them to a wider audience, came in 2003 when they participated in the Roxy Music Days with the song "Just Wait for Me." The band, which won the first prize in the competition, became one of the essential names in the Turkish alternative music scene thanks to this impressive achievement.
Pickpocket, a pioneering force in bringing extreme music to a wider audience in Turkey, continued to gain attention with its stage energy and innovative music. In 2008, their debut album, "Between Dream and Reality," produced by Ümit Kuzer and Martin Cru Spencer, marked a new chapter in the band's career. The album's lead single, "Vazgeç," garnered over 750,000 views on YouTube with its music video directed by Anıl Tütüncüoğlu, and has been streamed over 1.5 million times on Spotify. The music videos for the subsequent tracks, "Hayalle Gerçek Arasında" and "Ne Farkeder," further strengthened the band's connection with its fanbase.
In 2013, Pickpocket released their second album, "Uyan," which showcased the band's matured musical approach. The album, released under the Musicworks label, was recorded at Deneyevi Studios and produced by Mehmet Yaranona (known for his work with Kül, Shiva, and Mauna Kea). The mastering was completed by Troy Glessner, who has worked with internationally renowned bands such as Norma Jean, August Burns Red, Underoath, and MxPx. The music video for the song "Uyan," which shares the album's name, was directed by Barış Alp and received high praise from both music fans and critics.
After releasing this album, the band took a long break from performing. However, encouraged by messages from their fans, they decided to reunite. On April 8, 2025, they returned to the stage with a concert at IF Beşiktaş, performing for their audience after many years. Following the sold-out concert, they also took the stage at Headbangers' Weekend, one of the biggest metal festivals of 2025, delivering a stunning performance. At the beginning of 2026, due to overwhelming demand, they also performed in Izmir and Ankara.
Just like last year, we're closing out another successful year of concerts with Pickpocket. A performance full of surprises awaits us on December 25th.
Organization: Vera Music.
Media Sponsor: Karnaval.
