From Prague through Mongolia to London. Musician, author, and cultural organiser Marek Bero shares his journey toward international success – from couch-surfing in a new city to finding his voice in one of the world’s most competitive music scenes. He speaks openly about how his relationship to Czech culture, language, and identity has evolved over the years, and what it takes to reset your mindset in order to do what you love – and survive in a city that doesn’t cut you any slack.
The Beginning & The London Shock
When and why did you decide to move to London?
It was fourteen years ago, and the decision was very spontaneous. I’d even say romantic and naive. I had watched a live recording of Muse at Wembley Stadium, and the emotion hit me so hard that I thought, I want to experience this too. I had actually been planning to go to Los Angeles to visit my friend Roman. I even posted an ad saying I was selling all my music gear to afford a ticket. But then I got an offer to play with Krucipüsk – my dream band – and I couldn’t say no. I postponed the US trip, started a family, and suddenly America felt too far. London seemed like a good middle ground – and of course, Muse had something to do with it too.
What were your first months in London like?
Absolutely crazy, haha. I was couch-surfing with friends and even strangers, going to auditions, walking into music clubs, and pitching my dream: to play bass in a famous band. People looked at me like I was nuts, but they were kind and usually tried to help. Every three months I’d return to Prague to recharge and make some money for my next “London landing.”
Did you already know any Czechs here when you arrived, or did you have to build a network from scratch?
Pretty much from scratch. At the time, I was reading a lot of esoteric books and living in a parallel reality. I believed in miracles and didn’t worry too much about practical things. But maybe that faith gave me the courage to dive into the unknown.
Music & Professional Growth
Did your Czech background influence how you presented yourself or created music when you were starting out here?
In terms of music, I grew up on 90s American rock, so I didn’t really carry much of a “Czech” sound. But in the tough conditions of London, I started to rediscover my Czech nature – with all its strengths and weaknesses. London really pushes you to find out who you are.
Do you collaborate with other Czech musicians or artists in London – or do you feel more part of the international scene?
Over the years I’ve worked with a lot of Czech musicians. As a Yamaha-endorsed artist, I frequently flew back to the Czech Republic to lead workshops and seminars. I love being part of the international scene too, but it’s really about personal contacts. As jazz musicians like to say – a gig is a gig – and you do whatever it takes to succeed.
What do you think contributed to your success in London and the UK?
Persistence and a kind of obsession. I also had incredible luck with people. Thanks to my friend, the renowned producer Andy Wright, I got to record bass on the Simply Red album Time (2023). But success is something everyone should define for themselves. For some, it’s a luxury home and fast cars. For me, it’s being able to make a living playing bass, publishing books that inspire people, and creating music with talented people from all over the world.
What advice would you give to a young Czech musician or artist moving to London today?
Come with enough financial backup, arm yourself with patience and assertiveness, and be clear about your goals. London is fantastic for networking, the music business, and PR – but it’s not the easiest place to start a band or build creative projects from scratch. The financial and logistical pressure is real.
Identity, Culture & Staying Connected
How do you stay connected with Czech culture while living in London?
Right now, through my work with the Czech Centre London, I’m very closely connected with the best of Czech culture abroad. It’s been an amazing experience. Before that, it was mostly thanks to cheap and frequent flights between London and Prague, so I was always somewhat in the loop. But over time, you realise you don’t belong to just one local scene anymore – you become an international artist.
Do you keep up with Czech music and culture from afar? Are there particular artists or traditions you return to?
Yes. I occasionally sub in Anna K.’s band, so I stay in touch with the Czech scene. I also publish the Bass Gym 101 book series in both Czech and English – eleven titles so far – and I used to write music articles for Frontman.cz. I have a wide portfolio that connects me with not just the Czech and British scenes, but also with Europe and the US.
How has your Czech identity changed – or deepened – through your years abroad?
At first, it bothered me that people in the UK lumped us in with “Eastern Europe.” I tried to explain the concept of Central Europe and our history, but eventually I understood why they saw us that way. My identity is pretty complex – my mother is from Ukraine, my father from Slovakia, I spent part of my childhood in Mongolia where I learned Czech at the embassy school, and I moved to Prague at age ten. I feel like a born-and-raised Praguer. London helped me rediscover pride in where I come from and pushed me to find my own place in this global Babylon.
Do you feel more Czech, more international, or somewhere in between?
In this order: a Praguer, a Czech, a European, and a Londoner. All of those identities exist in me at once – and each one makes emotional sense.
London, Change & What’s Next
What surprised you the most here – and what did you have to “unlearn”?
I had to unlearn false modesty. I had to learn to speak positively about myself, to believe in my value, and not be afraid to ask for opportunities. You can’t beat around the bush – you have to offer your skills directly. That’s something we’re not so used to doing back home.
How has the Czech community in London changed since you arrived?
Brexit was a turning point. Many of my friends left – they felt unwelcome. I seriously considered moving back too, but we stayed for the kids. They were already used to life here.
Do you ever think about returning to the Czech Republic – or is London your home now?
I love London and I’m grateful for all the experiences it’s given me. But the city has changed dramatically over the past three years, and I’m seriously considering a change of environment.
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