PICKPOCKET

Pickpocket, a band that has carved out a strong place for itself in the alternative metal and post-hardcore scenes, is set to play its final concert of 2026 at Zorlu PSM’s %100 Studio in Istanbul!

Founded in Istanbul in 2000 by Onur Özgönül and Barbaros Özoktar, the band gradually developed its energetic and dynamic sound with the addition of Muratay Özkan, Kaan Yayla and Emir Çelt.

Beginning their musical journey with English-language songs, Pickpocket eventually turned to Turkish lyrics, inspired by their audience. This decision marked a significant turning point for both the band and its growing fanbase. Their first major breakthrough came in 2003 when they entered Roxy Müzik Günleri with their song “Just Wait for Me.” Winning first prize in the competition, the band established itself as one of the essential names in Türkiye’s alternative music scene.

Playing a pioneering role in bringing extreme music to wider audiences in Türkiye, Pickpocket continued to stand out with their electrifying stage presence and creative sound. In 2008, they released their debut album, Hayalle Gerçek Arasında, produced by Ümit Kuzer and Martin Cru Spencer, opening a new chapter in the band’s career. The album’s lead single, “Vazgeç,” accompanied by a music video directed by Anıl Tütüncüoğlu, surpassed 750,000 views on YouTube and 1.5 million streams on Spotify. The subsequent music videos for “Hayalle Gerçek Arasında” and “Ne Farkeder” further strengthened the band’s connection with their fans.

Released in 2013, their second album, Uyan, showcased Pickpocket’s matured musical vision. Released under the Musicworks label, the album was recorded at Deneyevi Studios and produced by Mehmet Yaranona (Kül, Shiva, Mauna Kea). The album’s mastering was completed by Troy Glessner, who has worked with internationally renowned bands including Norma Jean, August Burns Red, Underoath and MxPx. The music video for the album’s title track, “Uyan,” directed by Barış Alp, received acclaim from both music fans and critics.

After taking an extended break from performing live, the band decided to reunite in response to messages from their fans. Returning to the stage after years away with a concert at IF Beşiktaş on 8 April 2025, Pickpocket showed no signs of slowing down. Following a sold-out show, the band also took the stage at Headbangers’ Weekend, one of the biggest metal festivals of 2025, delivering another striking performance.

Pickpocket, a band that has carved out a strong place for itself in the alternative metal and post-hardcore scenes, is set to play its final concert of 2026 at Zorlu PSM’s %100 Studio in Istanbul!

Founded in Istanbul in 2000 by Onur Özgönül and Barbaros Özoktar, the band gradually developed its energetic and dynamic sound with the addition of Muratay Özkan, Kaan Yayla and Emir Çelt.

Beginning their musical journey with English-language songs, Pickpocket eventually turned to Turkish lyrics, inspired by their audience. This decision marked a significant turning point for both the band and its growing fanbase. Their first major breakthrough came in 2003 when they entered Roxy Müzik Günleri with their song “Just Wait for Me.” Winning first prize in the competition, the band established itself as one of the essential names in Türkiye’s alternative music scene.

Playing a pioneering role in bringing extreme music to wider audiences in Türkiye, Pickpocket continued to stand out with their electrifying stage presence and creative sound. In 2008, they released their debut album, Hayalle Gerçek Arasında, produced by Ümit Kuzer and Martin Cru Spencer, opening a new chapter in the band’s career. The album’s lead single, “Vazgeç,” accompanied by a music video directed by Anıl Tütüncüoğlu, surpassed 750,000 views on YouTube and 1.5 million streams on Spotify. The subsequent music videos for “Hayalle Gerçek Arasında” and “Ne Farkeder” further strengthened the band’s connection with their fans.

Released in 2013, their second album, Uyan, showcased Pickpocket’s matured musical vision. Released under the Musicworks label, the album was recorded at Deneyevi Studios and produced by Mehmet Yaranona (Kül, Shiva, Mauna Kea). The album’s mastering was completed by Troy Glessner, who has worked with internationally renowned bands including Norma Jean, August Burns Red, Underoath and MxPx. The music video for the album’s title track, “Uyan,” directed by Barış Alp, received acclaim from both music fans and critics.

After taking an extended break from performing live, the band decided to reunite in response to messages from their fans. Returning to the stage after years away with a concert at IF Beşiktaş on 8 April 2025, Pickpocket showed no signs of slowing down. Following a sold-out show, the band also took the stage at Headbangers’ Weekend, one of the biggest metal festivals of 2025, delivering another striking performance.

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DATE25 DECEMBER
FRIDAY
1
VENUE %100 STUDIO
DOOR OPENING TIME 19:30 START DATE 21:00
PROGRAM FLOW

Doors open at 19:30, and the event starts at 21:00.

EVENT RULES

• Zorlu PSM reserves the right to make changes to the event venue, programme and schedule.

• This event is suitable for participants aged 18 and over. Guests under the age of 18 will not be admitted.

• All guests, regardless of age, must hold a valid ticket to enter the venue.

• Doors open at 19:30, and the event starts at 21:00.

• Admission to the venue after the event has started may be restricted or suspended in accordance with the organiser's procedures.

Tickets & Admission

• Each ticket is valid for one person only and grants admission to the event.

• Zorlu PSM reserves the right to verify the identity of guests upon entry. Only a valid ID card, driver's licence or passport will be accepted. Screenshots or digital images of identification documents will not be accepted.

• For security reasons, bag checks and security screening may be carried out at the entrance. Guests who refuse to comply with security procedures may be denied entry. • Discounted tickets offered exclusively to Garanti BBVA Genç customers may only be used by eligible Garanti BBVA Genç customers. Identification will be checked upon entry. Ticket holders who do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be admitted.

• Guests using discounted tickets must present valid proof of eligibility upon entry. If valid documentation cannot be provided, the organiser reserves the right to request payment of the price difference to a full-price ticket or to refuse admission.

• Zorlu PSM reserves the right to refuse admission where deemed necessary.

Venue Guidelines

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue, as food and beverages are available for purchase within Zorlu PSM.

• Professional cameras, photographic equipment, and professional audio or video recording equipment are not permitted inside the venue. Unless otherwise specified by the organiser, professional audio and video recording is prohibited.

• Sharp objects, flammable, combustible or explosive materials, and any other items that may pose a security risk are prohibited inside the venue.

• Smoking is prohibited in all designated non-smoking areas of Zorlu PSM.

• Cloakroom service is available. Zorlu PSM accepts no responsibility for personal belongings that are not deposited in the cloakroom.

• Zorlu PSM accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or forgotten personal belongings. Found items will be handled in accordance with Zorlu PSM's Lost Property Procedure.

• Large suitcases and bulky items are not permitted inside the venue.

• Zorlu PSM reserves the right to remove from the venue, without refund, any person who violates the event guidelines, disrupts the experience of other guests or compromises the safety and security of the event.

Health & Safety

• Some events may include intense lighting, lasers, strobe lighting or visual effects that may not be suitable for individuals with epilepsy.

• The lighting and laser effects used during the event may damage mobile phone cameras. Guests are advised to keep their phones away from direct light and laser sources whenever possible.

• In the event of an emergency, all guests must follow the instructions of security personnel and event staff.

Photography & Recording

• Photographs, video and audio recordings may be taken by Zorlu PSM and/or the organiser during the event.

• By attending the event, guests acknowledge and agree that photographs, video and audio recordings in which they may appear may be used by Zorlu PSM and/or the organiser for promotional, advertising, marketing and corporate communication purposes.

Food & Beverage

• Guests who wish to dine at Cheers Restaurant before the event are kindly advised to make a reservation by calling +90 212 912 37 76, subject to table availability.

• Taş Bar and the Bites & Beats area, featuring Focamia, Ppang, Rancero and The Grungy, are available before and after the event without the need for a reservation.

Transportation

• Zorlu PSM is directly accessible via Gayrettepe Metro Station on the M2 Yenikapı–Hacıosman Metro Line. Guests are encouraged to use public transportation whenever possible.

• Guests arriving by private vehicle are advised to arrive at least one hour before the event to allow sufficient time for parking and valet services due to potential congestion at Zorlu Center before the event.

PICKPOCKET