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YU Grupa

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YU Grupa
Members of YU Grupa performing live in Belgrade in 2018, from left to right: Petar, Dragi and Žika Jelić
Members of YU Grupa performing live in Belgrade in 2018, from left to right: Petar,DragiandŽika Jelić
Background information
OriginBelgrade,Yugoslavia(present-daySerbia)
Genres
Years active1970 – 1981
1987 – present
LabelsPGP-RTB,Jugoton,ZKP RTLJ,PGP-RTS,Croatia Records
SpinoffsOpus,Zebra,Leb i Sol
Spinoff ofDžentlmeni
MembersDragi Jelić
Žika Jelić
Petar Jelić
Saša Žule Radojević
Past membersMiodrag Okrugić
Velibor Bogdanović
Miodrag Kostić
Ratislav Đelmaš
Dragan Micić
Nedžat Maculja
Dragoljub Đuričić
Dragan Janković
Igor Malešević
Slobodan Jurišić
Websitewww.yugrupa.com

YU Grupa(trans.YUGroup) is aSerbian(former Yugoslav)rock band.A pioneer in combining rock music with the elements of thetraditional musicofthe Balkans,[1][2][3]YU Grupa is credited with being the longest-lasting Serbian rock band. [4][5]

Band history

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1970–1981

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YU Grupa was formed in the autumn of 1970 by brothersDragi(vocals,guitar) andŽika Jelić(bass guitar), both former members of the bandDžentlmeni,Miodrag Okrugić (organ) and Velibor Bogdanović (drums). In the beginning the band performed under the name Idejni Posed (Notional Property), which was suggested byKorni GrupaleaderKornelije Kovač.[1]In November 1970, on their concert in Sinagoga club inZemun,disc jockeyZoran Modliasked the audience to suggest a name for the band. The name YU Grupa was suggested by a young man called Miroslav Stanivuk.[4][6]In accordance with the name, the band continued to hold birthday concerts on November 29, the date ofFederal People's Republic of Yugoslaviadeclaration.[1]

Their first song, "Nona", was recorded at the end of December 1970. The song was inspired byfolk musicofKosovo,and by recording it YU Grupa became one of the pioneers of combining rock and folk music elements on the Yugoslav rock scene.[1]Their first solo concert was organised by radio personality andchess masterNikola Karaklajićand journalistPeca Popović,editors of theRadio BelgradeshowVeče uz radio(Evening by the Radio). The concert was held in Dadov Theatre on 21 January 1969.[1]During the year they held a great number of concerts, mostly in Serbia. They recorded fourteen songs for the needs of Radio Belgrade, part of those songs later released on their vinyl singles.[1]All the copies of their first single "Nona" were sold immediately after the release, but the publisher,PGP-RTB,refused to release a new number of copies, so YU Grupa signed a contract withJugoton.The band appeared at the Belgrade Spring Festival with the song "Tajna" ( "Secret" ), a different version of the song performed at the same festival byZdenka Kovačiček.[1]The songs "Drveni most" ( "Wooden Bridge" ), "Mali medved" ( "Little Bear" ) and "Devojka Džoj" ( "Girl Named Joy" ) were well accepted on all of their concerts.[1]Okrugić's song "Opus 1" had a significant place on their live appearances, however, it was never recorded by YU Grupa.[1]

The band spent the summer performing at the prestigious club Lanterna inRovinj.[1]These concerts brought first conflicts inside the band.[1]After they returned to Belgrade, Okrugić left (later forming the bandOpus) and guitaristMiodrag "Bata" Kostićjoined the band.[7]Kostić was previously involved in the band's activity, as he was involved in writing of some of the band's songs. Dragi Jelić and Kostić were an effective guitar duo, and Kostić continued to write folk-inspired hits.[7]In March 1970, the band went onBulgariantour, during which they held forty concerts.[7]Due to the fact thatVeče uz radioshow had acultstatus in Bulgaria, audience knew all of their songs, but one part of the public was shocked by their appearance.[7][5]After they returned to Yugoslavia, they performed at the rock evening of Belgrade Spring Festival, performing atDom SindikataHall withKorni Grupa,TimeandMladi Levi.[7]

The band spent the summer of 1972 playing in Rovinj's Lanterna.[7]The concerts in Rovinj were crucial for the band's lineup once again. After returning to Belgrade Kostić and Bogdanović left the band, Kostić joiningJutro,and later formingOpuswith Okrugić.[7]YU Grupa continued as a trio, withRatislav "Raša" Đelmaš,a former Mobi Dik,Pop MašinaandSiluetemember, as the new drummer.[7]They spent the next year playing all across Yugoslavia, gaining new fans inSloveniaandCroatia.At that time, thekeyboardistTihomir "Pop" Asanovićwas approached to become a new member, but refused, deciding to joinNovi Fosiliinstead.[7]In February 1971, YU Grupa went toLondonto purchase new equipment, and theCBS Recordsproducers, who earlier had an opportunity to hear their recordings, organized their concert inThe Marquee.[7]Thanks to the concert the band got a term at a studio, recorded demos, and a cooperation with CBS records was planned. The band returned to Yugoslavia to hold a concert atBelgrade's Hala sportova, and, holding a high position onYugoslav rock scene,the band discarded the career inEngland,[7]also refusing to become the opening band onThe Allman Brothers Bandtour.[6][8]In the summer of 1973 theirdebut self-titled albumwas released.[7]The album brought numerous hits: "Trka" ( "The Race" ), "Čudna šuma" ( "Strange Forest" ),blues-oriented "More" ( "The Sea" ), and their cult ballad "Crni leptir" ( "Black Butterfly" ), which was sung by Žika Jelić. In November Kostić returned to the band.[7]

At the beginning of 1974, YU Grupa played onSrđan Marjanović's debut albumSrđan Marjanović i prijatelji,[9]and later released their second studio albumKako to da svaki dan?(How Come Every Day...?).[7]The album was musically more diverse, but did not contain the same kind of numerous hits as the previous album. At the end of the year, Dragi Jelić went to serve the army, and until he returned YU Grupa performed as trio. In 1975, Yugoslav guitarists took part in Kongres rock majstora (Congress of Rock Masters) concert. The double albumKongres rock majstorawas released, on which Žika Jelić and Đelmaš were the support band following Bata Kostić,Vedran BožićandJosip Boček.[7]

Dragi returned in June 1975, and Kostić left the band conventionally. The band negotiated with the keyboard playerOliver Mandić,but the cooperation was not agreed.[7]In 1975, they releasedYU Grupa,featuring hits "Oprosti ljubavi" ( "Forgive Me, My Love" ), "Novi zvuk" ( "New Sound" ) and "Ja moram dalje" ( "I Have to Move On" ).[7]In September 1976, a compilation albumYU zlato(YU Gold), which featured their songs released on 7 "singles, was released.[7]During the same year, Đelmaš left the band and formedZebra.Dragan Micić replaced Đelmaš, and at the end of 1976, guitarist Nedžat Maculja joined the band. In 1977, they went on theSoviet Uniontour, during which they held sixty-four concerts. During the same year, they released their fourth studio albumMeđu zvezdama(Among the Stars). The album featured Bata Kostić as a guest musician.[7]

In 1978, YU Grupa performed at thepop-oriented festival inOpatija,and their song "Spali svoja sećanja" ( "Burn Your Memories" ) was released on the festival albumOpatija 78.[7]At the end 1978, Kostić once again became the member of the band, and a former Mama Co Co and Ribeli memberDragoljub Đuričić(drums) and a formerZdravomember Dragan Janković (keyboard) joined YU Grupa. This lineup held anotherSoviet Uniontour.[7]

The next albumSamo napred...(Ride On...), released in 1979, featured hits "Identitet (" Identity ")," Udaj se dobro "(" Get Married Well ")," Ideš mi na nerve "(" You're Getting on My Nerves ")," Autobus za raj "(" Bus to Heaven "). The album featuredBebi DolandSlađana Miloševićon backing vocals as guests.[7]At the time ofthe great popularity of new wave bands in Yugoslavia,YU Grupa's popularity, alongside the popularity of other bands with similar stylistic orientation, declined.[10]At the end of 1981, their van which included musical equipment, burned down, and Žika Jelić got injured in the fire.[10]After this incident, YU Grupa members decided to end their activity.[10]The Jelić brothers started working as concert organisers, Đuričić became a member ofLeb i Sol,and Miodrag Kostić became aRadio Belgradeeditor.[10]

1987–present

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Although they occasionally performed during the 1980s, YU Grupa officially reunited in 1987, in the lineup that featured Jelić brothers, Bata Kostić and Velibor Bogdanović.[10]They released their comeback albumOd zlata jabuka(Golden Apple), with the title track inspired by folk music as the main hit.[10]YU Grupa performed at the Legende YU rocka (Legends of Yugoslav Rock) concert, alongsideIndexi,Drago Mlinarec,Korni Grupa,TimeandRadomir Mihajlović Točak.[10]Live versions of YU Grupa's "Čudna šuma", "U tami disko kluba" ( "In the Darkness of Discothèque" ), "Crni leptir" and amedleycompiled of "Nona", "Kosovski božuri" ( "KosovoPeonies") and" Sama "(" Alone ") were released on the double live albumLegende YU Rocka.[10]

In November 1988, YU Grupa releasedIma nade(There Is Hope).[10]The album's biggest hits were "Mornar" ( "Sailor" ) and thepower ballad"Dunavom šibaju vetrovi" ( "Winds Blow by theDanube"). This album was followed byTragovi(Traces), recorded with Đelmaš on the drums once again, and featuringPera Joe,Saša LoknerandNikola Čuturiloas guests.[10]

At the band's 22nd birthday, old members of the band played with YU Grupa, and the band got a new member, guitarist Petar Jelić (Dragi and Žika's nephew).[10]The new lineup released albumRim 1994(Rome1994).[10]The album was recorded inItaly,and was produced by Dragi Jelić and Mario Zaninni Quirini.[10]The album brought hits "Odlazim" ( "I'm Leaving" ), "Oluja" ( "Storm" ), "Dunav" ( "Danube" ), "Gledaj samo pravo" ( "Just Look Straight Ahead" ).[10]During the late 1990s, the band rarely performed inYugoslavia.[10]

YU Grupa performing live inNišin 2007

In 2005, with Igor Malešević (a formerHazariandBjesovimember) as the new drummer, YU Grupa released a studio album with a symbolic titleDugo znamo se(We've Known Each Other for a Long Time).[10]The album was mostlyhard rock-oriented.[2]The lyrics for the song "Pustinja" ( "Desert" ) were written byBebi Dol,and the lyrics for "Bože, spasi me" ( "God, Save Me" ) and "Tango" were written byVan GoghfrontmanZvonimir Đukić.[10]The album featured Saša Lokner on keyboards, as guest musician.[10]The album was well received, and brought hits "Pustinja", "Zamoliću te" ( "I'm Asking You" ), "Bože, spasi me", and "Tango". In 2007, the band released its first official live albumLive.Some of the tracks featured on the album were recorded in 1996 on YU Grupaunpluggedconcert inStudio MinNovi Sad,which featuredKornelije Kovačon piano.[11]

In 2008, drummer Slobodan Jurišić replaced Malešević. In 2009,Croatia Recordsreleased the double compilation album,The Ultimate Collection,which featured 35 songs from 1972–77.[12]

On 9 April 2013, at the band's concert inFoča,Žika Jelić suffered anelectric shock,after which he was transported to a hospital. The concert was ended with Petar Jelić playing the bass guitar. At a following concert, a local musician played bass.[13]

With Malešević on drums once again, the band celebrated 45 years of activity with a concert inNew Belgrade Sports Hall,held on 17 December 2015. The concert featured numerous guests:PartibrejkersfrontmanZoran Kostić "Cane",SmakguitaristRadomir Mihajlović "Točak"and bass guitarist Zoran Milanović,Disciplina KičmefrontmanDušan Kojić "Koja"and singer-songwriterNikola Čuturilo.[14]

In February 2016, onSerbian Statehood Day,Dragi and Žika Jelić were awarded the second class Sretenje Medal by thePresident of SerbiaTomislav Nikolićfor their contribution to Serbian culture.[15]

In April 2016, the band released their twelfth studio album, entitledEvo stojim tu(I Am Standing Here).[16]The album, announced with the singles "Panika" ( "Panic" ), released in November 2015,[17]and "Ko" ( "Who" ), released in March 2016,[18]was released through PGP-RTS and featured lyrics written by Petar Jelić,Bora ĐorđevićandNikola Čuturilo.The album was also released on vinyl in 2020.[16]

The band's former member Raša Đelmaš died in Belgrade on 28 October 2021 at the age of 72.[19]

Legacy

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In 2016 Dragi and Žika Jelić were awarded the second classSretenje Orderby thePresident of Serbia,Tomislav Nikolić,for their contribution to Serbian culture.[15]

The song "Čudna šuma" was covered by thealternative rockbandDisciplina Kičmeon their 1986 albumSvi za mnom!,[20]by thepunk rockband Generacija Bez Budućnosti on their 1997 albumSpleen,[21]and by the rock bandPrljavi Inspektor Blaža i Kljunovion their 2007 live albumSamo Supermen Srbiju Spašava.[22]The song "Noć je moja" was covered by the progressive rock band Frenky on their 1993 albumNoć je moja.[23]The song "U tami disko kluba" was covered bypopsinger Aleksa Jelić (Dragi Jelić's son) on his 2008 albumU tami disko kluba.[24]

The bookYU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike(YU 100: The Best albums of Yugoslav pop and rock music) features two YU Grupa albums:YU zlato(ranked No. 57)[25]andYU Grupa(ranked No. 62).[26]

TheRock Express Top 100 Yugoslav Rock Songs of All Timeslist featured four songs by YU Grupa: "Crni leptir" (polled No.18), "Kosovski božuri" (polled No.33), "Čudna šuma" (polled No.50) and "Osveta" (polled No.60).[27]TheB92 Top 100 Domestic Songslist features two songs by YU Grupa: "Čudna šuma" (ranked No. 29) and "Crni leptir" (ranked No. 47).[28]In 2011, the song "Mornar" was polled, by the listeners ofRadio 202,one of 60 greatest songs released byPGP-RTB/PGP-RTSduring the sixty years of the label's existence.[29]

Discography

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Main article:YU Grupa discography

References

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  1. ^abcdefghijkJanjatović, Petar (2007).EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006.Belgrade: self-released. p. 241.
  2. ^abTASIĆ, Snežana (3 July 2007)."Dragi Jelić: Slučajno smo uveli etnorok".Nezavisne.com.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  3. ^"Bregovićevi uzori opet jašu".Muzika.hr. Archived fromthe originalon 23 July 2011.Retrieved25 April2011.
  4. ^ab""Hazardersko upuštanje u životne tokove", interview with Žika Jelić on Popboks.com ".Archived fromthe originalon 2012-10-08.Retrieved2010-12-09.
  5. ^abSrpski „Stonsi "rođeni na Dan republikeArchived2023-03-29 at theWayback Machine,pressonline.rs; accessed 15 November 2016.
  6. ^ab"Pola veka u rokenrolu".Vreme.com.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  7. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvJanjatović, Petar (2007).EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006.Belgrade: self-released. p. 242.
  8. ^"Dejan Cukić -" Dok se još sećam: London ", popboks.com".Archivedfrom the original on 2012-08-20.Retrieved2012-09-12.
  9. ^"Srđan – Srđan Marjanović I Prijatelji (1974, Vinyl)".Discogs.com.Archivedfrom the original on 29 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  10. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrJanjatović, Petar (2007).EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006.Belgrade: self-released. p. 243.
  11. ^"Live"Archived2011-06-29 at theWayback Machine,Discogs.com; accessed 15 February 2017.
  12. ^"Bregovićevi uzori opet jašu"Archived2011-07-23 at theWayback Machine,Muzika.hr; accessed 15 February 2017.(in Croatian)
  13. ^""Žiku Jelića udarila struja", popboks.com ".Archivedfrom the original on 2015-12-08.Retrieved2013-05-09.
  14. ^"OVAKO 45 GODINA ŠIBAJU ROK VETROVI! Neuništiva" YU grupa "NEVEROVATNIM koncertom proslavila jubilej! (FOTO) (VIDEO)".Telegraf.rs.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  15. ^ab""Sretenjsko ordenje za Miru Stupicu, Zvonka Bogdana, YU grupu"".Rs.n1info.com.Archivedfrom the original on 17 February 2016.Retrieved28 October2021.
  16. ^ab"YU grupa nakon 10 godina najavila novi album".Nezavisne.com.23 March 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  17. ^"Legendarna" YU grupa ": Poslije 10 godina novi singl" Panika "(VIDEO)".Nezavisne.com.26 November 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  18. ^"YU Grupa: To je" Ko "".Rockomotiva.com.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  19. ^""Preminuo Raša Đelmaš, nekadašnji bubnjar Yu grupe", N1 ".Archivedfrom the original on 2021-10-30.Retrieved2021-11-11.
  20. ^"Svi za mnom"Archived2012-11-09 at theWayback Machine,discogs.com; accessed 15 February 2017.
  21. ^Janjatović, Petar (2007).EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960-2006.Belgrade: self-released. p. 265.
  22. ^"Прљави Инспектор Блажа & Кљунови – Само Супермен Србију Спасава (2007, Digipak, CD)".Discogs.com.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.
  23. ^"Noć je moja"Archived2021-02-20 at theWayback Machine,discogs.com; accessed 15 February 2017.
  24. ^"U tami disko kluba"Archived2021-02-21 at theWayback Machine,discogs.com; accessed 15 February 2017.
  25. ^Antonić, Duško; Štrbac, Danilo (1998).YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike.Belgrade: YU Rock Press. p. 39.
  26. ^Antonić, Duško; Štrbac, Danilo (1998).YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike.Belgrade: YU Rock Press. p. 41.
  27. ^"100 najboljih pesama svih vremena YU rocka".Rock Express(in Serbian) (25). Belgrade.
  28. ^"The B92 Top 100 Domestic Songs list at B92 official site".Archivedfrom the original on 2012-11-03.Retrieved2010-08-30.
  29. ^"Log into Facebook".Facebook.Archivedfrom the original on 28 October 2021.Retrieved28 October2021.{{cite web}}:Cite uses generic title (help)

Bibliography

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