Bezimeni
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1961 in Zagreb, Croatia |
| Defunct | 1964 (initial breakup) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2002 for performances and recordings |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia) |
| Products | Rock music performances and recordings |
Bezimeni (translated as The Nameless Ones) were a pioneering Croatian and Yugoslav rock group originating from Zagreb in 1961, recognized for their influential role in the early development of the Yugoslav rock scene. During the early 1960s, they built their reputation through live renditions of American rock and roll classics. The ensemble dissolved in 1964 but reunited after 36 years to perform live and record several of their 1960s songs for the first time.
1961-1964
The band was established in 1961 by a group of Zagreb high school students: Janko Mlinarić "Truli" (vocals, bass), Slaven Rački (guitar), Željko Margetić "Marga" (guitar), Mahmud Ismailovski "Mamut" (tenor saxophone), and Mario Škrinjarić (drums).[1] Their decision to form the band took place during a school trip to Poreč.[1] Subsequently, Petko Katrandžijev "Mlinac" joined on keyboards, and Radovan Krajnović took over drums from Škrinjarić.[1]
Their first performance occurred at the esteemed Zagreb Music Institute.[2] While they occasionally performed there, their main venues were Zagreb clubs Medicinar and Ribnjak.[1] Unlike many contemporaneous Yugoslav bands that favored popular schlager tunes, Bezimeni concentrated on American rock and roll icons such as Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley, and Chuck Berry, alongside instrumental rock inspired by Johnny and the Hurricanes.[1] The band also featured on the Television Zagreb children’s program Slavica i Mendo.[2] After a series of performances during the summer of 1964 in Zadar, Bezimeni ceased their activities.[1]
Post breakup
Following the band's dissolution, Mlinarić, Rački, and Krajnović became members of Bijele Strijele. Mlinarić later collaborated with Karlo Metikoš’s backing ensemble and went on to establish Trooly Studio in 1978, marking his transition into music production.
Ismailovski joined Kennedy Boys before relocating abroad; upon his return to Zagreb, he opened a café and performed with the group Cadillac.
Katrandžijev contributed to Kennedy Boys and Delfini before building a prominent career as a pop composer and producer. Among his achievements are compositions for the well-known band Indexi. In 2018, Croatia Records issued a compilation of his works titled Gold Collection. For his 2019 release Francais – Electric Piano, he recorded classical music pieces. He passed away on 20 April 2015.
Škrinjarić died in an accident in France in 1968, while Margetić passed away in 2000.
2002 reunion
In 2002, Bezimeni reunited to perform at an event celebrating the Croatian national skiing team’s achievements. This reunion marked their first studio session where they recorded classic tracks including "Shadoogie", "Crossfire", and "Revival". These recordings were later featured in the 2005 box set Kad je rock bio mlad - Priče sa istočne strane (1956-1970), released by Croatia Records, which showcased pioneering acts from the Yugoslav rock era.
Discography
- "Shadoogie" / "Crossfire" / "Revival" (from Kad je rock bio mlad - Priče sa istočne strane (1956-1970), released in 2005)