Formula 4 (band)
Ljubiša Racić | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 20, 1954 Sarajevo, Yugoslavia |
| Occupation | Rock musician |
| Years active | Late 1960s–1979, 2000s–2010s |
| Known for | Lead vocalist and guitarist for Formula 4; touring bassist for Bijelo Dugme |
Ljubiša Racić (born 20 January 1954) is a Bosnian and former Yugoslav rock artist, known primarily as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the hard rock group Formula 4, as well as serving occasionally as bassist for the renowned band Bijelo Dugme.
Initial stages
Racić launched his musical journey in the late 1960s, performing with ensembles such as Mladi Lavovi, Albatros, and VIS Oni.
Formula 4 (1970–1979)
In 1970, Racić established the hard rock ensemble Formula 4, taking on vocal and guitar duties alongside Brano Likić on bass, Zlatko Nikolić handling rhythm guitar, and Senad Begović on drums. The group attracted notice partly due to Racić’s signature leopard print attire and dynamic stage presence, which included adaptations of classical compositions. While they did not reach mass acclaim, Formula 4 sustained a consistent role within Sarajevo’s music environment, issuing two singles: "Kakvo veče" / "Oproštaj s tobom" (1976, PGP-RTB) and "Mladi smo, mladi mi" / "Nikom nije tako kao što je meni" (1979, Diskoton).
Thanks to Racić’s familial connections with FK Željezničar Sarajevo’s administration, the band secured a halftime performance at Koševo Stadium during a match against Red Star Belgrade in 1974 before an audience of about 30,000. Over their nine years together, Formula 4 experienced multiple personnel shifts involving prominent musicians such as Sanin Karić and Điđi Jankelić. The band dissolved following their role as opening act for Riblja Čorba at Tašmajdan Stadium on 1 September 1979.
Bijelo Dugme (1976)
At the start of 1976, Racić became a touring bassist for the well-known group Bijelo Dugme, temporarily substituting for Zoran Redžić who was fulfilling compulsory military duties. He participated in concerts across Yugoslavia but was not involved in recording their 1976 album Eto! Baš hoću!, which featured vocalist Željko Bebek on bass. After several months of touring, Racić sought increased compensation and was replaced by Sanin Karić, previously associated with Teška Industrija.
Subsequent activities
Following the outbreak of the Yugoslav Wars in 1991, Racić moved to Germany where he initiated a boat manufacturing enterprise. During the 2000s and 2010s, he sporadically reformed Formula 4 for live shows.
Singles
- "Kakvo veče" / "Oproštaj s tobom" (1976)
- "Mladi smo, mladi mi" / "Nikom nije tako kao što je meni" (1979)