Early Life and Career Beginnings
Pavlidis was born in Bremen, Germany, where his parents had emigrated. He grew up in Veria, Greece, and spent significant time abroad, especially in Paris and Geneva, which influenced his musical development. He began his musical career in the mid-1980s as a guitarist for the Greek rock band Mora sti Fotia (Babies on Fire), with whom he recorded their debut album. After leaving the band in 1988, he moved to Paris, where he formed the Brancaleone studio and began to develop his solo work.
Xylina Spathia (1993-2003)
In 1993, Pavlidis returned to Thessaloniki, where he formed Xylina Spathia with fellow musicians Vasilis Gountaroulis, Christos Tsaprazis, Panos Tolios, and Stavros Rossopoulos. The band adopted their name from the novel Xylina Spathia by Pantelis Kaliotsos. Their debut album Xessaloniki (1993) marked the beginning of their successful career, introducing the iconic Greek rock hits “O Vasilias tis Skonis” (The King of Dust) and “Adrenalini” (Adrenaline). Their music combined the raw energy of rock with electronic and experimental sounds, creating a unique and emotional atmosphere.
Following Xessaloniki, their second album Pera apo tis Poleis tis Asfaltou (1995) brought further commercial success, with songs like “Liomeno Pagoto” (Melted Ice Cream) and “Fotia Sto Limani” (Fire in the Harbor), which became anthems of Greek youth. The band continued experimenting with their sound in Mia Matia San Vrohi (1997), incorporating more electronic elements, and Enas Kyklos Ston Aera (2000), which showcased a more mature and complex sound, blending dance rhythms with introspective ballads.
Despite their success, Xylina Spathia was known for avoiding media attention and focusing on their music, experimenting both in the studio and in live performances. The band’s third album Mia Matia San Vrohi was considered one of their best, marking their peak in terms of artistic development. They became one of Greece’s most beloved rock acts, alongside bands like Pyx Lax and Trypes.
The Breakup of Xylina Spathia and Solo Career (2004-Present)
After Xylina Spathia disbanded in 2003, Pavlidis continued his musical career as a solo artist. In 2004, he formed the band B-Movies, with whom he released multiple albums, including Afti Loipon Xechastika (2004) and Alli Mia Mera (2006). He further explored his experimental side with releases like IStories Pou Isos Exoun Simvei (2013) and Ston Diplano Ourano (2015). Pavlidis’ solo career maintained the melancholic and introspective tone of his previous work, with more acoustic arrangements and a focus on poetic lyrics.
In 2021, Pavlidis formed a new band called Hotel Alaska, releasing the album To Mavro Kouti (The Black Box). This collaboration marked a new phase in his musical journey, keeping his distinct sound while incorporating fresh influences. In April 2024, Pavlidis released his latest album, Brancaleone, under the label Fine! Records, which continued to showcase his talent for blending various musical genres with thoughtful, poetic lyrics.
Legacy
Pavlos Pavlidis is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Greek rock music. Through Xylina Spathia and his solo career, he played a central role in shaping the Greek alternative music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s. His work remains influential to this day, with his band Xylina Spathia being recognized as one of the best-selling Greek rock acts. Along with other icons of the Greek rock scene, such as Pavlos Sidiropoulos and Trypes, Pavlidis is credited with redefining Greek rock music and laying the foundation for future generations of Greek musicians.
