Divlje jagode (trans. "Wild strawberries") are an ex-Yugoslav and Bosnian heavy metal band formed in 1977. The band are widely considered to be regional pioneers of the heavy metal genre and one of the most popular enduring icons of rock music in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region. They endured many lineup changes over the years, remained active in music industry and retained their popularity through the years. In 40 years since its founding, the band have released 12 studio albums, the latest being 2013 release Biodinamička ljubav, several singles, compilation albums, and sold several million records.
Divlje Jagode | |
|---|---|
 Divlje Jagode performing at the 2007 Gitarijada festival. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Bihać, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Genres | Hard rock, Heavy metal |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Labels | Jugoton, Diskoton, Logo Records, Nimfa, Croatia Records, One Records |
| Members | Zele Lipovača Livio Berak Damjan Mileković Damjan Deurić Emil Kranjčić |
| Past members | List
|
| Website | www.divljejagode.com |
Biography
1970's: Formation and initital success
Divlje Jagode were formed in 1977 in Bihać by guitarist Sead "Zele" Lipovača (a former Biseri, Selekcija and Zenit member). A very talented guitar player from his early years, Lipovača was what was considered a local wonderkid. He was 22 years old when he formed the band. The first Divlje Jagode lineup featured vocalist Ante "Toni "Janković, bass guitarist Nihad Jusufhodžić (a former Zenit member), keyboardist Mustafa "Muc" Ismailovski (a former Grešnici member) and drummer Adonis Dokuzović (a former Novi Akordi member).[1] The band achieved high popularity with their first singles: hard rock ballads "Jedina moja" and "Patkica" and a cover of Bosnian folk song "Moj dilbere". In 1978 they released their debut self-titled album Divlje Jagode, which featured, among others, a number of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath inspired songs, a new version of ballad "Jedina moja" and song "Krivo je more", the two of wich became huge hits, and remained so, until today. The album was released by Jugoton, then the largest record label and chain record store in the country. After the album was released the band made a break because part of the band's members' army obligations. Ismailovski joined Srebrna Krila, and Lipovača, alongside Marina Tucaković became spiritus movens of a disco band Mirzino Jato.
1980's: Continued success and breakthrough
In 1980, Divlje Jagode continued their activity in the new lineup: Janković, Lipovača, drummer Nasko Budimlić and bass guitarist, then relatively unknown, Alen Islamović. Unstatisfied by their previous record label's work in promotion of their first album, Lipovača makes a decision to move to Sarajevo, and to local major record label, Diskoton. With new lineup, the band recorded their second album entitled Stakleni hotel ("Glass Hotel"), which marked their complete shift towards heavy metal. The album was recorded in Belgrade, and released through Diskoton in February, 1981. The album was produced by Lipovača and Enco Lesić. Songs lyrics were written by Elvis J. Kurtovich & His Meteors vocalist Goran Petranović, Marina Tucaković and Islamović. Album's biggest hits were "Autostop" and ballads "Dodirni me, skloni bol" and "Potraži put". On the tour that followed the album release, Divlje Jagode played around one hundred concerts. The most famous concert of the tour certainly was in September, at the Belgrade Hippodrome, where Divlje Jagode played alongside Bijelo Dugme, and Iron Maiden, who played there for first time in this region.
In 1982, lead singer Ante Janković left the band. He decided to start a career as a solo artist, and was dissatisfied with the band's direction toward a much heavier sound. They parted ways amicably and Janković would be seen in following years many time as a frequent collaborator and guest musucian, on several occasions. In September 1983, Divlje Jagode released their third studio album Motori ("Motorcycles"), and first with Alen Islamović on vocals. Album was recorded in "Music Park Studios" in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Germany, and produced by Theo Werdin. This album was a turning pount for the band and is considered to be a major breakthrough in their carieer so far. The title track became a huge hit, and was considered to be their most famous song, even to this day. Songs "Šejla" (which Islamović wrote for his ex-girlfriend), "Zagrizi rokenrol" and ballads "Nasmiješi se" and "Ne želiš kraj" (written by Janković, before he left the band) were well accepted and brought many new fans for the band. On the tour that followed Motori release, on several occasions they were joined by Janković, their former singer. Following this album, Divlje Jagode was considered as one of the most popular bands in the entire region. They were recipients of several music avards, and were included in many popular magazines at the time.
After finishing their tour, the band starts working on therir follow-up album. Again, the place and the recording studio are the same as with the latest, and November, 1983 marks the release of the album Čarobnjaci ("Wizards"). Lipovača was in charge with production, music and some writing, while Islamović wrote majority of songs. The album didn't achieve the same popularity as Motori, but was received well enough, with title track and song "Metalni radnici" singled out. During the album's supporting tour Islamović receives invitation from Goran Bregović to join Bijelo Dugme as the replacement for their current vocalist Željko Bebek. Unsure of this proposal, and the fact that Bebek was still a member of the band, Islamović turns down this offer. Another reason is that shortley before that, Divlje Jagode were approached by "Trans Atlantic Records" in London for a potential contract, which if proven successful would mean the band's possible breakthrough on European and even world market. Tensions between the band, especially with Islamović and Lipovača began to rise around this time, though they were temporarily withdrawn by Islamović's decision to stay.
By the end of the year Divlje Jagode got another musician within their ranks. It was bass guitarist Zlatan Ćehić "Ćeha". This would mean that Islamović will concentrate only on vocals, and with this lineup, the band start work on their next studio album. Recording and mixing were done in studios "RTV Sarajevo" in Sarajevo, and "Music Park Studios" in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, as was the case with their previous releases. In March 1985, again through Diskoton, studio album entitled Vatra ("Fire"), was released. Music and compositionig was done by Lipovača, while Islamović and Slobodan Đurasović did the writing. The album was produced by Theo Werdin, who also wrote the song "Touch Me Little Girl", the only song the record wrote and performed in English language. Although with a bit less commercial success than previous recordings, the album was well received, with several hit songs like "Ciganka", "Let na drugi svijet", "Divljakuša, and "Moja si".
Soon after they finished their tour, the band signed a contract with British record company Logo Records, located in London. This would mean recording and toruing in Enngland, with much awaited opportunity for international success. This was a feat not yet accomplished by any other band from this region. Divlje Jagode, from that point on, would perform by their name, translated in English language: Wild Strawberries.
1986-1990: Wild Strawberries and lineup changes
In 1986, they started recording an English language album in the sutdio "Matrix" in London, with producer Keith Woolvin. Eight of their old songs were re-recorded with English language lyrics and the album featured two new songs, "Fire on the Water" and "Wild Boys". In February, Divlje Jagode released single "Shayla", and had performed in a number of English clubs. They also had a live show in famous London club "Marquee Club". At the attendance, among others, were world-famous keyboard players Don Airey and Keith Emerson. Airey, who at the time was member of Whitesnake, was later featured as a guest musician on their upcoming album. Shortley after, the band's manager came to Lipovača, for a possibility of him joining Whitesnake, as the band were in a search for a second guitar player at the time. Lipovača stated later in an interview, that it was Don Airey the one who suggested this to their manager. Being already committed to present obligations, Lipovača didn't proceed with the offer and decided to stay, focusing on his current band's career.
However, after this time, things would start to go in a unfavourable direction for the band. Release of their album was constantly delayed by the record company, and as the time passed by, differences and tensions between the band members would start to rise. Unsure of their career in England, constant album release delays, and the fact that the band wasn't making enough profit, Alen Islamović decides to return to Sarajevo. Immediately afther his return, he receives a second invitiation form Goran Bregović, to join Bijelo Dugme, which he accepts. The band was also left by Nasko Budimić, who decides to retire temporarily. At one point during the year, Lipovaca was left as the only band member who was still in London. After turning down an offer to join several local musicians, Lipovača, also decides to leave London, and return to Sarajavo. After his return he found out that Islamović joined Bijelo Dugme, the fact that bothered him and created further friction between two musicians. By the end of the year, Diskoton released compilation album entitled Najbolje (The Best). The year ended with Divlje Jagode without a definitive lineup.
In the beginning of 1987, Lipovača, supported by Zlatan Ćehić, decided to put together another lineup. Soon after they started looking for a new vocalist. Album Wild Strawberries was finally released in May 1987, by Logo Records, almost a year and a half since it's recording, but the band did not have any live performances following the release, and the album itself was proved unsuccessful. Wild Strawberries was released in Sweden, Germany, Italy and Netherlands. In summer, the band's lineup is finally filled up by their new vocalist Mladen "Tifa" Vojičić, the former Bijelo Dugme singer (who Islamović replaced). Also, among new band members were drummer Edin Šehović (a former Country Carma, Bandoleros and Tusk member) and keyboardist Vladimir Podany (a former Armija B member). This lineup started recordnig their next album, produced by Peter Hinton, known for his collaboration with British heavy metal band Saxon. The album, entitled Konji (Horses) was released in the beginning of 1988. It contained several well received songs, as the title track and re-recorded version of song "Divlje Jagode", originally released on the band's first album. First single was an instrumental cover of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Turkish March and the biggest hit was ballad "Zauvjek tvoj", which remain so until today.
This lineup did not last long either: in the middle of 1988, during a tour, Vojičić, Podany and Šehović left the band. Ćehić took over the vocals, and the drums were played by Dragan Jankelić. During the tour in 1989, they were also joined by their former and original vocalsit Ante Janković, who performed mostly songs from his period in the band. His participation was highly praised by the fans and the crowd on live concerts. By the end of the year the former Osmi Putnik frontman Zlatan Stipišić "Gibonni" became the band's new vocalist. This lineup recorded demos, mainly in Sarajevo digital sound studio "Vogue". This helped Lipovača to sign a five-year contract deal in the United States, but that project was never realised. Soon afterwards, Stipišić left the band and returned to Split to start his solo career. Shortley after these events, Divlje Jagode disbanded.
1990's: Disbandment years and reunion
At the beginning of Yugoslav wars in 1991, Lipovača lived in London and Zagreb. During this time he recorded his first solo album, with Divlje Jagode members Zlatan Ćehić and Nasko Budimlić, while on vocals were Žanil "Žak" Tataj, Emir Čerić and Tina Tina Rupčić. The album was recorded in studio "Roccoco", in Zagreb. He was also involved in many humanitarian concerts across Zagreb, and as the war started to spread to his current home in Sarajevo, he decided to stop making music for a while. In 1993, Lipovača's first solo album was released. He was credited on it by his longtime nickname "Zele". The album entitled Magic Love was released through Croatia Records and was recorded entirely in English language. Production was done by Nikša Bratoš, who also did the keyboard parts, and backing vocals. The songs were written by Tataj and former "Jaogde" member Zlatan Stipišić, while music was composed by Lipovača. Although released as his solo album at the time, the album was initially supposed to be next Divlje Jagode effort, and as a result it is included in Divlje Jagode discography.
During 1993, Lipovača makes a decision to officially reform Divlje Jagode. Lineup is made with Ćehić and Budimlić. Ćehić also took over the vocals and the band go to Germany, where they play many live concerts, mostly those with humanitarian nature. While in Germany, they started working on their next studio album. The album was recorded in Gelsenkirchen, with Ćehić on vocals. At the beginning of 1994, album Labude, kad rata ne bude ("Swan, when there is gone") was released, again through Croatia Records. Live concerts across Croatia and Germany followed, and soon in other European cities. In 1995, after finishing a series of concerts, Zlatan Ćehić leaves the band, so he could work on his upcoming solo album. Bass guitarist Sanin Karić was hired in his place, and the band continue their work. Concerts throughout Europe follow, and also the work on their next record. They are joined once more by Žanil Tataj, and this lineup recorded album Sto vjekova ("A Hundred Centuries") in 1996. The album was recorded in Stuttgart in studio "Boston" and released by German record label "Nimfasound". After the album release, Karić left the band and was replaced by Dejan Orešković. Additional drummer, Thomas Balaž, was hired as a temporary replacement for Budimlić, on several occasions. After series of concerts accros Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia, the band took a short break. By the end of 1999, after series of numerous concerts across Europe, Žanil Tataj leaves the band.
2000-present
By the end of the 1999, and the departure of their previous singer, Divlje Jagode regroup with new lineup. It consisted of previously hired drummer Thomas Balaž, bass guitarist Dejan Orešković, and a new vocalist; this time it was Pero Galić, who until that time worked as a main singer for Croatian hard rock band "Opća Opasnost". After their breakup, Galić accepted invitation from Lipovača, and soon after, they began working on the band's upcoming studio album. It wasn't until 2002, that they showed up for first time in public, with this lineup. Their next album, entitled Od neba do neba ("From sky to sky") was released in 2003, by Croatia Records, seven years since their previous release. The album was recorded and mixed in three years period, in many different recording studios across the region and Europe. It marks the band's return to more heavier sound, comparing to their prevoious two albums, which were more ballad oriented. The album included re-recorded version of their hit song "Motori", and also "Kap po kap" (a song previously recorded by Mladen Vojičić Tifa in 1995, titled "Duge kiše јеsenje"). The album's biggest hit was ballad "Marija". Ante Janković was featured as a guest singer, on song "Ne krivi me".
Next year, in 2004, Croatia Records released double compilation album "The very best of", which contains many of their most popular songs, as well as a new version of hit ballad "Krivo je more", from their first studio album. Divlje Jagode then begun the tour in support of the new album. They depart for the United States and Canada, and after numerous concerts there, they continue touring in the entire region throughout ex Yugoslavia. In 2005, Pero Galić left the band, and was replaced by their original vocalist Ante Janković, for the following tour in the United States. During the tour they played a concert in Chicago, together with Parni Valjak. After finnishing this tour, they start another one, this time in Australia, joined by returning bass player Sanin Karić. The band also played several shows in Switzerland.
In 2006, Galić returns to Divlje Jagode, along with long time bass guitarist Zlatan Ćehić. In April, they release a new single "Piramida". Same year they release a box set collection, containing all studio albums released so far in their career, along with newest single "Piramida" and Lipovača's solo album Magic Love.In spring 2007 they released another single, re-recorded version of song "Zvijezda sjevera", sung by Ćehić, along with music video. During the same year, the band announced that they will start working on a follow-up studio album. In July, together with Galić's previous band "Opća Opasnost", they play as a opening act at Whitesnake concert in Osijek. Next year in 2008, Galić left the band; this time it was so he could return to recently reunited "Opća Opasnost". In Divlje Jagode then again returns Ante Janković as a main vocalist.
Next several years, Divlje Jagode mainly continue touring across the region, playing local festivals and concerts, and also several international bouts. During this time the bend members change constantly, without any permanent and deffinitive lineup. Many previous band members join on various occasions at live performances, while work on next studio album is still in progress.
On January 25, 2012, the band released a new single "Ne, Nisam Ja", with singer/guitarist Marko Osmanović on vocals, which will be also released on the band's upcoming album. The music video was shot in Sarajevo.[2] In February and March 2012, Jagode went on tour in Australia, performing three concerts in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on "On the Road Again" tour.[3] In 2013, Lipovača hired a new vocalist, Livio Berak, from Zagreb. He first met him in 2010, during regional talent rock show "Rat Bendova", where Berak participated with his band, "Livio Berak Trio", reaching the finals. While on vocals, Berak also serves as a band's second guitar player.
After 10 years since the latest, Divlje Jagode released new studio album, entitled Biodinamička Ljubav (Biodynamic Love) in December 2013. The album was released through Croatia Records and features 11 songs. The line-up consisted of Zele Lipovača (guitars, backing vocals), Livio Berak (vocals), Damjan Deurić (keyboards), Nasko Budimlić (drums) and András Ispán (bass). Among several guest musicians were Žanil "Žak" Tataj (vocals), Ivana Peters (vocals), Vladimir Kmoniček (vocals), Zlatan "Čeha" Čehić (bass) and Vlatka Pokos (backing vocals).
Members
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
- Divlje jagode (1979) (Wild Strawberries)
- Stakleni hotel (1981) (Glass Hotel)
- Motori (1982) (Motorcycles)
- Čarobnjaci (1983) (Wizards)
- Vatra (album) (1985) (Fire)
- Wild Strawberries (1987) - as Wild Strawberries
- Konji (1988) (Horses)
- Labude, kad rata ne bude (1994) (Swan, when the war is gone)
- Sto vjekova (1996) (100 Centuries)
- Od neba do neba (2003) (From sky to sky)
- Biodinamička ljubav (2013) (Biodynamic love)
Compilations
- Najbolje (1986)
- Sarajevo, ti i ja (1993)
- Antologija 1 (1995)
- Antologija 2 (1995)
- The Very Best Of: Let na drugi svijet (2004)
- The Ultimate Collection (2008)
- The Love Collection: Najljepše ljubavne pjesme (2011)
- Greatest Hits (2015)
Singles
- "Jedina moja" / "Rock 'n' Roll" (1977)
- "Moj dilbere" / "Prijatelj" (1977)
- "Patkica" / "Kad bi vi, gospođo" (1978)
- "Nemam ništa protiv" / "Bit će bolje" (1979)
- "Piramida" (2006)
- "Zvijezda sevjera" (2007)
- "Ne, nisam ja" (2012)
- "Evo banke cigane moj" (2016)
- "Zauvijek tvoj" (2018)
- "Zbog tebe draga" (2019)
- "Sama si" (2019)
References
- ^ Duraković, Jasmina (February 7, 2012). "Pitam se jesam li čarobnjak ili svirač". Oslobođenje. p. 37. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ Divlje jagode - novi singl i video spot. party.hr. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
- ^ Australian Tour 2012 - Melbourne - Brisbane - Sydney Welcome to the Show![permanent dead link]. divljejagode.net. Retrieved April 14, 2012.