Dorian Gray (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Zagreb, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , SFR Yugoslavia |
Key people | Massimo Savić (lead vocals, guitar) |
| Products | Music albums |
Dorian Gray was a notable Yugoslav music group active during the 1980s, recognized within the former Yugoslav rock circuit for its distinctive artistic approach and dynamic live performances. The ensemble was fronted by Massimo Savić, who later achieved acclaim as a solo artist. This band is distinct from a 1970s German act sharing the same name.
Biography
Established in 1982 in Zagreb, then part of SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia, the lineup featured lead vocalist and guitarist Massimo Savić, guitarist Vedran Čupić, bassist Emil Krnjić, keyboardist Toni Ostojić, and drummer Branko Terzić. The group's name, Dorian Gray, was proposed by Terzić and inspired by Oscar Wilde's fictional character, reflecting their art rock influences drawn from bands like Japan, Roxy Music, and artists such as David Bowie.
Their initial rehearsals and shows were held at the Student Centre's art gallery in Zagreb. After establishing a reputation throughout Yugoslavia and participating in the prominent YURM festival, they recorded their first album, Sjaj u tami ("Glow in the Darkness"), at the end of 1983. The album was produced by Saša Habić, who also contributed electric piano parts. Guest appearances included bassist Jadran Zdunjić and saxophonist Miroslav Sedak Benčić. The album's visually artistic cover was crafted by Sanja Baharah and Mario Krištofić. The single "Sjaj u tami" was a rendition of "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)".
After releasing their debut, Terzić, Čupić, and Krnjić departed from the band. Their replacements were Zdunjić on bass, drummer Dragan Simonovski, and guitarist Zoran Cvetković Zok, previously associated with well-known Croatian groups Prljavo kazalište and Parni valjak. Their sophomore album, Za tvoje oči ("For Your Eyes Only"), produced by Sjunne Ferger and recorded in Sweden, came out in 1985.
The group dissolved in 1986 due to financial difficulties linked to excessive spending on their second album's production combined with pressure from their label Jugoton. Following the breakup, Massimo Savić embarked on a prosperous solo career in pop music.
Discography
- Sjaj u tami (Jugoton, 1983)
- Za tvoje oči (Jugoton, 1985)
- Dorian Gray (Croatia Records, 1997)