Grupa Marina Škrgatića
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 in Zagreb, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Marin Škrgatić |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
Grupa Marina Škrgatića (translated as Marin Škrgatić Band) was a Yugoslav progressive rock ensemble established in Zagreb in 1970. Led by vocalist and trombone player Marin Škrgatić, the band became a prominent figure in the 1970s Yugoslav rock scene.
1970–1976
The group originated in Zagreb in 1970, with its initial lineup comprising Marin Škrgatić (vocals, trombone), Mladen Leib (guitar, bassoon), Branko Kezele (bass guitar, clarinet), Dragan Brčić (drums, viola), and Miro Matošević (percussion, oboe).[1][2] Subsequent members included Rajko Dujmić (organ, electric violin), Vladimir Georgev (bass guitar), and Hrvoje Galeković (drums).[1]
Their innovative and experimental style quickly attracted both media attention and a growing fan base.[2] Soon after forming, they recorded sessions for Radio Zagreb. Throughout the early 1970s, they performed at major Yugoslav rock venues, including the BOOM Festival in Ljubljana, concerts hosted by Pop Mašina at Belgrade's Sports Hall, and frequent club appearances in Zagreb.[1] Their song "Smij se" ("Laugh") was included on the live compilation album Pop Festival Ljubljana 72, documenting the 1972 BOOM Festival.[1]
In 1973, the band released their first 7-inch single featuring "Beži Janke" ("Get Away, Janke") and "Vjeruj" ("Believe") through the label Suzy.[1] The following year saw two additional singles issued by Jugoton: "Rokoko" ("Rococo") / "Čežnja" ("Longing") and "Tina" / "Budi tu" ("Be There").[1]
During 1975, Škrgatić took part in Rock Fest '75 alongside prominent Yugoslav vocalists such as Željko Bebek (Bijelo Dugme), Mato Došen (Hobo), Aki Rahimovski (Parni Valjak), Seid Memić "Vajta" (Teška Industrija), Boris Aranđelović (Smak), Hrvoje Marjanović (Grupa 220), Dado Topić (Time), and Janez Bončina "Benč" (September).[3]
The group disbanded in 1976 when Škrgatić commenced his compulsory military service in Yugoslavia.[1]
Post breakup
Škrgatić's last studio work occurred in 1979 with the EP 20 godina ORA Sava, recorded alongside Stakleno Zvono; he soon afterward retired from live performances. He contributed music journalism to publications including Plavi vjesnik, Studio, and Tina, while also publishing photographic works across various media. Moreover, he authored satirical fairy tales for Kvarner Radio and the magazine Vinodolski zbornik. Marin Škrgatić passed away on 28 September 2014. His daughter Mirna later embarked on a career as a singer-songwriter after performing with the ensemble Putokazi.
In 2023, the Dutch label Everland Music Group issued a vinyl compilation titled Dawn of the Yugoslavian Prog-Rock Era (Unreleased Radio Recordings 1970-1976), featuring previously unheard recordings captured at Radio Television Zagreb's studio R4 along with sessions from Zagreb's Iskra and Lisinski studios.
Compilation albums
- Dawn of Yugoslav Prog-Rock: Unreleased Radio Recordings 1970-1976 (2023)
Singles
- "Beži Janke" / "Vjeruj" (1973)
- "Rokoko" / "Čežnja" (1974)
- "Tina" / "Budi tu" (1974)
Additional releases
- "Smij se" (from Pop Festival Ljubljana 72, 1972)