Faraoni (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Izola, Slovenia |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Izola , Slovenia |
| Products | Rock and pop music albums |
Faraoni (translated as The Pharaohs) was a Slovenian and former Yugoslav ensemble known for their contributions to rock and pop, established in 1967 in Izola. Although not among the very first rock groups in Yugoslavia, Faraoni played an influential role in shaping the Yugoslav rock scene.
Initially, their repertoire consisted of covers from international beat and pop rock tunes, before gradually embracing rhythm and blues. During the 1970s, they transitioned into the realm of progressive rock, disbanding by 1972. The band was revived in 1979 by original drummer Nelfi Depanger, subsequently functioning as a support band for notable pop performers such as Oliver Dragojević. Their debut studio album came out in 1988. From the 1990s forward, Faraoni adopted a more pop-oriented style, producing seven more studio albums until their formal disbandment in 2007, while occasionally reuniting for special shows.
1967–1972
The group originated in late 1967 in Izola with members Stojan Družina on guitar, Janez Kolarič handling rhythm guitar, Valter Soša on bass, and Nelfi Depanger playing drums; shortly after formation, Soša was replaced by Črtomir "Črt" Janovski on bass. Tine Guzelj occasionally contributed on organ during the early phase. Their initial focus was on performing covers of international beat and pop rock hits, quickly earning local acclaim and invitations to perform at guitar festivals in Belgrade and Ljubljana.
By summer 1968, Marjan Malikovič from Kameleoni took over rhythm guitar duties from Kolarič. Soon after, Tulio Furlančič, formerly of Kameleoni, joined as an additional drummer, creating a unique dual-drummer lineup. Depanger departed early in 1970; thereafter, Furlančič remained as the sole drummer while the band shifted towards progressive rock influences. Their EP Berač was released through Jugoton in mid-1970, accompanied by a month-long residency at Belgrade’s Simonida club. At the close of 1970, Družina exited the band. They also appeared in a documentary directed by Koni Steinbacher and incorporated Bulgarian organist Georgij Krestanov at the start of 1971. Unable to attain broader recognition, Faraoni ultimately dissolved in early 1972 as members moved on to other ventures.
1979–2007
The band reassembled in 1979 featuring Marjan Malikovič (guitar), Nelfi Depanger (drums), Piero Pocecco (bass and vocals), and Ferdinand "Ferdi" Maraš (keyboards). Their reunion concert took place on November 29, Republic Day of SFR Yugoslavia. Subsequently, they primarily served as a backing band for various pop artists. Keyboardist and vocalist Slavko Ivančić joined in 1981; that same year they performed alongside Kameleoni in Portorož. Early 1983 saw Malikovič and Ivančić depart, with guitarist Ezro Horvatin stepping in. The group supported prominent singers including Oliver Dragojević, Tereza Kesovija, Kićo Slabinac, and Mišo Kovač during tours throughout the United States and Canada. By early 1986, they were performing at clubs across Western Europe.
In 1988, Faraoni issued their first studio album since their initial phase titled Faraoni. The following year they supported Oliver Dragojević at his concert at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb; this performance was recorded as the double live album Oliver u HNK. Vocalist Robert Buljevič joined that year but was succeeded by keyboardist/vocalist Klaudio Krmac in 1990.
Entering the early 1990s, the band embraced a more commercially oriented pop style. Their 25th anniversary was marked by a concert in Izola in 1992 along with releasing their second studio album Tu je moj dom (My Home Is Here). That year they secured first place at Melodije morja in sunca with the song "E tristemente." Their third album Naj te morje... (1994) featured a guest appearance by Oliver Dragojević. They won Melodije morja in sunca again that year with "Mi ljudje smo kot morje." After releasing Stari časi (1995), Krmac departed and Ivančić returned; Ivančić had previously recorded with Vivak and performed with Daniel's backing ensemble among others.
Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 1997, Faraoni released a live album titled V živo! recorded at San Simon resort near Izola; it was also made available on video cassette. That year they earned their third Melodije morja in sunca victory with "Kar je res, je res" and received the Zlatni petelin award recognizing them as Best Slovenian Pop Group. Their next studio effort Solinar included another guest spot from Oliver Dragojević on the track "Peškador." Following Maraš’s passing in 2003, Karlo Jaksetič joined as keyboardist and accordion player. In 2007 they commemorated their 40th anniversary with a concert held in Izola and released their final studio album Skupaj (Together). After this release, Faraoni officially ceased their activities.
Post-2007 Activities
After their official breakup, the band occasionally came together for special anniversary events and performances in larger venues, notably marking their 45th anniversary with a series of concerts during the summer of 2013.
Slavko Ivančić pursued a solo career, releasing three albums: Črta in 2000, Moja ljubezen in 2003, and Preberi me... in 2008. In 2009, he established the klapa ensemble Solinar, which issued a self-titled album in 2014. Ivančić ceased performing following a car accident that occurred in July 2015.
Legacy
In 1992, Drago Mislej and Tomaž Feluga authored a book titled Faraoni (1967–1992), chronicling the history of the band.
The Slovenian group Eroika recorded a rendition of "Solinar" on their 2007 album Eroika, while vocalist Alenka Godec offered her interpretation of "Ne bom pozabil na stare čase" on the 2008 album So najlepše pesmi že napisane.
Studio Albums
- Faraoni (1988)
- Tu je moj dom (1992)
- Naj te morje... (1994)
- Stari časi (1995)
- Sem takšen, ker sem živ (1996)
- Kar tako (1999)
- Solinar (2002)
- Skupaj (2007)
Live Albums
- V živo! (San Simon, 20. 8. 1997) (1997)
EPs
- Berač (1970)
Compilation Albums
- Vol 1. (2004)
- Vol 2. (2014)
Video Albums
- V živo! (1997)