Žan Serčič, Slovenian singer known for his emotive ballads, has revealed that one of his most poignant songs, Plešem po dežju (Dancing in the Rain), was dedicated to his late uncle who took his own life seven years ago. The revelation came during an interview with journalist Sonja Javorni for the magazine Jana, where Serčič opened up about the profound grief he felt after learning of his uncle’s death and how it shaped both his personal and artistic journey. Serčič described the moment he learned of his uncle’s suicide as being marked by heavy rain, which mirrored the emotional storm within him. He recalled that at the time, he was unable to fully process the tragedy, suppressing his pain until nearly six years later, when he began composing Plešem po dežju. Only then did he feel able to openly express the deep sense of loss he had carried inside for so long. “I missed him. I really miss him,” he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the experience. The uncle played a pivotal role in Serčič’s early career. According to Serčič, he gave him a large portion of his music equipment, including guitars and amplifiers, which were crucial in helping Serčič develop as a musician. This support allowed Serčič to record many of his own songs and even some for other artists. “With this equipment, I recorded a lot of my songs and also songs for other performers. Because of the equipment, I could actually develop,” Serčič explained. Despite the close relationship they once shared, Serčič admitted that their connection became strained over time due to his growing career and subsequent move away from home. In the final year or two before his uncle’s death, they saw each other less frequently. Serčič noted that his uncle seemed anxious and unwell in those final months, though he tried to offer as much support as he could. However, the knowledge that his uncle had taken his own life left Serčič grappling with feelings of guilt. “When you find out about such a tragedy, a feeling of guilt inevitably arises,” he said. “I asked myself why I didn’t spend more time with him in the last year or two. What if I could have helped or changed something?” It took Serčič considerable time to come to terms with the reality of his uncle’s decision. He eventually accepted that his uncle made the choice himself, though the emotional impact remained deeply etched in his memory. Serčič believes that the topic of self-harm still carries a stigma in society and hopes that sharing his story can contribute to breaking down these barriers. In addition to Serčič’s emotional reflection, another notable event occurred in Wales, where the legendary British singer Bonnie Tyler passed away earlier this year. She died following complications from surgery in Portugal. Tyler, whose real name was Gaynor Sullivan, was 75 years old. Her funeral will take place today in the church of Saint Mary in Swansea, where she will be honored by fans from across the UK and Europe. A memorial service will also be held in her hometown of Skewen, where she will be laid to rest privately. Bonnie Tyler was celebrated for her powerful vocals and hits such as Total Eclipse of the Heart and It's a Heartache. She received three Grammy Awards throughout her career and represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II awarded her the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music. Her final song, One World One Home, was released in April of this year as part of a documentary addressing homelessness. Meanwhile, in Wales, a unique event unfolded when a man returned two books borrowed from a local library over 116 years ago. The books were originally loaned by his grandfather, Walter Griffith Owen, in 1910. The library, now called Conwy Libraries, expressed its delight at receiving the long-lost items. The man, identified as Mr. O’Sullivan, returned the books in honor of his grandfather, who had served in both world wars. The library shared the story on social media, highlighting the sentimental value of the return. If the library had charged overdue fees according to modern standards, the cost would have been astronomical. For instance, under a current Slovenian rate of 0.20 euros per day per book, the overdue charge for 116 years would amount to approximately 16,947.60 euros for two books. However, the library waived the fee, recognizing the historical significance of the return. These stories, spanning from Slovenia to Wales, reflect the complex emotions tied to loss, legacy, and the passage of time. Each narrative offers insight into the human condition, whether through the artistry of music or the quiet act of returning borrowed books after more than a century.
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