Elvis J. Kurtović & His Meteors
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Mirko Srdić "Elvis J. Kurtović", Davor Sučić "Sejo Sexon", Dražen Janković "Seid Karajlić" |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Sarajevo , Yugoslavia |
Area served | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia |
Key people | Mirko Srdić "Elvis J. Kurtović" |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums |
Number of employees | Various band members over time |
Elvis J. Kurtović & His Meteors was a punk rock ensemble originating from Sarajevo, Yugoslavia in 1981, closely linked to the New Primitivism cultural movement. Established by Mirko Srdić “Elvis J. Kurtović”, Davor Sučić “Sejo Sexon”, and Dražen Janković “Seid Karajlić”, the group quickly achieved a cult following across Bosnia and the broader Yugoslav region, thanks to their dynamic live performances and a well-received initial album.
During the period when Zabranjeno pušenje members were conscripted into military service, new musicians joined the lineup: guitarist Dražen Ričl “Zijo”, drummer Radomir Gavrilović “Hare”, and vocalist Goran Petranović “Rizo”. Elvis took on the role of chief songwriter and conceptual leader, contributing vocals and deliberately untuned guitar parts during shows.
Once Zabranjeno pušenje members completed their army duties, Sejo Sexon departed from the band; however, creative cooperation persisted through co-writing, guest performances, and involvement in the project “Top lista nadrealista” (Top List of Surrealists). The group ultimately dissolved as a consequence of the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
Debut album
Their first album, Mitovi i legende o kralju Elvisu (Myths and Legends about King Elvis), was produced in 1984 at the Akvarijus studio with production credits going to Elvis, Raka Marić, and Goran Vejvoda. Released by RTV Ljubljana, it was designed as a "thematic radio show" honoring "the greatest star of R'n'R, Mr. Elvis J. Kurtović." The record mainly consists of satirical reinterpretations of famous global rock classics. Highlights include their rendition of the Rolling Stones’ "Baščaršy Hanumen" ("Honky Tonk Woman"), original tracks such as "Kad se babo vrati kući pijan", a cover of The Who's "Ćiza-vizard" ("Pinball Wizard"), and the disco-inspired "Folk Raping", which introduces band members. All compositions were crafted by Sejo Sexon and Elvis J. Kurtović. Additionally, keyboardist Margita Stefanović from Ekatarina Velika made guest appearances.
Initial lineup and sophomore album
The lineup for the first two records included:
- Goran Petranović (Rizo) – lead vocals
- Dražen Ričl (Zijo) – guitar
- Radomir Gavrilović (Hare) – drums
- Nermin Dedić (Fićo) – bass guitar
- Zoran Degan (Poka) – keyboards
- Mirko Srdić (Elvis J. Kurtović) – occasional vocals
In 1985, they released their second album titled Da bog da crk'o rok'n'rol through the same label, with production handled by Boris Bele. This record featured contributions from keyboardist Borut Činč (Buldožer) and vocalist Anja Rupel (Videosex). The album’s standout track was a cover of the Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock'n'Roll," which became its most popular single. Other memorable songs included "Ljubav je jaka", "Surfing at Bembasha", and "Ćerka jedinica", the latter later appearing on an album by Bombaj štampa.
Third album and final formation
After guitarist Dražen Ričl “Zijo” left to establish Crvena jabuka, the band entered a three-year hiatus.
Third album
In 1988, they returned with a refreshed lineup but retained their original record label to release their third album, Čudesan svet privatluka (The Wonderful World of Private Business). Production was overseen by Zoran Redžić (Bijelo Dugme) and Mustafa Čengić (Zabranjeno pušenje). The album featured guest artist Nenad Janković (also known as dr. Nele Karajlić from Zabranjeno pušenje) on the track "E.J.K. Rapping." This release satirizes the emergence of private entrepreneurship amid socio-economic changes, combining original compositions with witty, incisive lyrics that explore themes such as love, culture, and societal challenges. Prominent tracks include "Šta da radi insan", "Zašto ljubav boli", "Haile Selasije", "Vrati mi ljubav", "Onaj sa ekrana", and "Njene divne oči." Most lyrics were authored by Elvis J. Kurtović alongside Zoran Degan “Poka”.
The final roster consisted of:
- Goran Petranović (Rizo) – vocals
- Sergej Kreso (Garo) – drums
- Jure Paunović – keyboards
- Zvonimir Matić (Kriza) – bass
- Saša Strunjaš – guitar
- Mirko Srdić (Elvis J. Kurtović) – occasional vocals
Origin of the Name
The band’s name originated when Mirko Srdić (known as Elvis J. Kurtović) formed the group, and Jasmin Kurtović, an enthusiast of Rock'n'Roll, was a nearby resident. Jasmin had named his son Elvis, likely as a tribute to Elvis Presley. Inspired by this, the band initially titled one of their songs "Elvis Jasmina Kurtović." After Jasmin filed a lawsuit, they modified the title to "Elvis J. Kurtović" to distance themselves from any direct connection. Mirko Srdić embraced this moniker, which combined his nickname with a style evocative of Presley’s influence. As Jasmin relocated, Elvis J. Kurtović & His Meteors rose to prominence across the country.
Impact of the Bosnian War and Band's Dissolution
The conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina brought the band’s work to a standstill and tragically resulted in the passing of keyboardist Zoran Degan “Poka”. Vocalist Goran Petranović “Rizo” moved to Belgrade, whereas Elvis J. Kurtović stayed in Sarajevo during the siege, collaborating with artists like Sejo Sexon and Boris Šiber on the wartime television program “Top lista nadrealista.”
Post-War Period
Following the war, Elvis J. Kurtović supported Sejo Sexon in bringing back Zabranjeno pušenje, contributing to two album releases: 1997's Fildžan viška and 1999's Agent tajne sile. In 2002, he produced a solo record alongside then-vocalist Marin Gradac, released under titles such as "To sam ja," "Die neue bosnische Kunst," or "Za prijatelje i rodbinu," which included songs like "U modi je biti šupak" and "Protestna pesma."
Elvis Jr. Kurtović
After the war, former frontman Goran Petranović “Rizo” issued a compilation album in 2000 in Belgrade named “Welcome to the beautiful world of new primitives,” featuring new tracks such as "Šleper" and "Guru dedo." He later re-emerged in 2011 with an album titled "Koševo zove," performing under the updated band name "Elvis Jr. Kurtović."
Studio Releases
- Mitovi i legende o kralju Elvisu (1984)
- Da bog da crk'o rok'n'rol (1985)
- The wonderful world of private business (1988)
Collections
- Hitovi '83-'88 (1996)
- Najgori hitovi (1998)