Biseri
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Defunct | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Beat, rhythm and blues, pop rock music |
Biseri (translated as The Pearls) was a Yugoslav rock ensemble that originated in Zagreb in 1965.
Throughout the 1960s, Biseri specialized in beat and rhythm and blues genres. In the following decade, their style evolved towards pop rock, yet they did not manage to gain widespread acclaim and ultimately dissolved in 1980. While not counted among the very first Yugoslav rock groups, Biseri contributed significantly as trailblazers within the Yugoslav rock scene.
1965–1980
The band was established in 1965 by Robert Marinčić (lead vocals), Vladimir Kočiš "Zec" (guitar and vocals), Boris Bregović (guitar), Vladimir Hlady (bass guitar), and Milorad Perić (drums). Their early repertoire consisted mainly of beat and rhythm and blues, performing predominantly at Zagreb venues such as Centar and Mladost. Soon after their inception, they appeared on the television program Koncert za ludi mladi svet, presenting the tracks "Pokucaj o drvo" ("Knock on Wood") and "Set My Soul".
By 1969, following several lineup adjustments, a consistent formation was achieved including Vladimir Kočiš (guitar, vocals), Vladimir Hlady (bass), Slavko Pintarić (drums), and Ranko Marton (keyboards). That year marked the release of their first 7-inch record featuring the songs "Anuška" ("Anoushka") and "Naša ljubav" ("Our Love"). Additionally, they recorded "Život, to smo mi" ("Life, It's Us") for Radio Zagreb; although it was never officially released, it gained regional popularity. Despite enjoying success locally, the band did not break through to a national audience.
Entering the 1970s, Biseri shifted towards a pop rock style, issuing three more 7-inch singles. However, they were unable to broaden their commercial reach before disbanding in 1980.
Over time, several musicians became part of Biseri’s lineup, including vocalist Zoran Antoljak (previously with Grešnici and Zlatni Akordi), guitarist Željko Kovačević "Pes" (formerly of Mladi, Delfini, and Zlatni Akordi), rhythm guitarist Čedo Juzbašić, bassist Igor Franulović, and keyboardist Dragutin Horvat.
After disbandment
Following the group's dissolution, Kočiš became a member of Novi Fosili, while Pintarić joined Soul Soul Band before later affiliating with Srebrna Krila.
Their track "Anuška" was featured in the compilation box set Kad je rock bio mlad - Priče sa istočne strane (1956-1970), released by Croatia Records in 2005, which highlights foundational Yugoslav rock artists.
Singles
- "Anuška" / "Naša ljubav" (1969)
- "Igra" / "Želim da ti dam" (1970)
- "Vidim te u snu" / "Zbog stare navike" (1974)
- "Sve dok muzika svira" / "Ti si moja mladost" (1975)
Additional contributions
- "Hej mala" (from Zagreb '79, 1979)