KUD Idijoti
| Company type | Punk rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Pula , Croatia |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, live performances |
KUD Idijoti was a punk rock group originating from Pula, Croatia, established in 1981 during the Yugoslav era. The acronym KUD represents Kulturno-umetničko društvo (Culture and Arts Society), a term typically associated with amateur folk ensembles, while Idijoti is an intentional misspelling of the word Idioti (Idiots). The band became recognized for their sound inspired by the Ramones, their satirical social and political commentary, and their outspoken leftist, anti-fascist ideology. KUD Idijoti emerged as a prominent figure within the Yugoslav punk scene, retaining widespread acclaim across the post-Yugoslav states after the country's breakup.
At first, the band performed in smaller venues, experiencing numerous lineup shifts and receiving minimal media exposure. By 1985, the definitive lineup was established, featuring Saša Milovanović "Sale Veruda" on guitar—the only founding member remaining—vocals by Branko Črnac "Tusta", bassist Nenad Marjanović "Fric", and drummer Diego Bosusco "Ptica". Their early releases included EPs and live recordings on independent labels, complemented by dynamic stage shows. Their debut studio album, Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para (1990), solidified their cult status within Yugoslavia. Despite disruptions caused by the Yugoslav Wars, they maintained a loyal following throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s across all former Yugoslav republics. The band paused activities in 2011 due to Črnac’s illness and officially ceased in 2012 following his passing.
Formation years (1981–1985)
KUD Idijoti came together on 2 February 1981 when members of the band Nafta (Oil)—guitarist Saša Milovanović "Sale Veruda", bassist Davor Zgrabljić "Buco", and drummer Egidio Rocco—were joined by vocalist Marino Piuko, previously part of Problemi (The Problems). Piuko’s involvement was limited to rehearsals, with Milovanović handling vocals during early gigs. Approximately eighteen months later, Nenad Marković became their frontman. The band’s name was chosen as a reaction against some elitist figures within Yugoslavia’s new wave movement. Musically, they embraced a Ramones-inspired punk rock style. Initially, they faced challenges distinguishing themselves from the dominant new wave acts and local hard rock group Atomsko Sklonište, performing at smaller venues and undergoing several personnel changes including drummer Miro Kusačić (who later played guitar for Messerschmitt) and occasional bassist/guitarist Mario "Marjeto" Dobrić.
Established lineup and initial recordings (1985–1986)
By 1985, KUD Idijoti’s lineup stabilized with Saša Milovanović on guitar, Branko Črnac "Tusta" as vocalist, bassist Nenad Marjanović "Fric"—formerly of punk group Besposličari—and drummer Diego Bosusco "Ptica". Črnac, then a 30-year-old ex-hippie with no prior experience performing live, worked alongside Marjanović and Bosusco at the Uljanik shipyard, while Milovanović was employed as a night guard at a psychiatric facility. Their frequent concerts around Pula and neighboring areas helped them cultivate regional recognition.
The band collaborated with independent Slovenian label DID from Koper, contributing four songs—"Tko zna," "Darwill," "Za tebe," and "Daj, daj, daj"—to the 1986 compilation cassette Istarski rock '86, which featured other Pula-based bands such as H.T.B. Later that year, DID Slovenija released their live cassette titled Legendarni uživo, capturing a modestly recorded November concert in Koper. This album included well-known local tracks along with a rendition of the Italian revolutionary song "Bandiera Rossa," also famously covered by Yugoslav punk group Pankrti.
Emergence and growing acclaim (1987–1991)
After the positive reception of Legendarni uživo, KUD Idijoti participated in the 1987 Subotica Youth Festival, where the audience honored them as the best band alongside emerging acts such as Mizar, Grad, and Indust Bag. Live recordings of "Za tebe" and "Disco Is Not Dead" were included on the festival’s live compilation Najbolji uživo. This milestone revitalized the group, which had been on the verge of disbanding due to limited media exposure.[1]
The band quickly began receiving invitations throughout Yugoslavia and attracted underground punk enthusiasts from Western Europe, performing in venues across West Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.[1] Early in 1987, they represented Yugoslavia at the Mediterranean festival Vivere in Mediteraneo held in Reggio Calabria, where their politically provocative act prompted intervention by local officials, causing a minor diplomatic issue.[1] Another incident arose during a concert in Switzerland when feminist protesters objected to a controversial guitar sticker.[1]
Facing challenges in securing domestic recording contracts, KUD Idijoti issued their initial work as three separate vinyl EPs released by DID Slovenija. Their 1987 EPs included Bolje izdati ploču nego prijatelja, featuring songs such as "Cirkus" and "Ratna pjesma", along with ...Budimo solidarni – s bogatima...'’, which contained "Lutke na koncu" and a rendition of "Bella Ciao".[2] In 1988, they released the politically charged EP Hoćemo cenzuru, which included a tribute to their former vocalist.[2] Additionally, a live album from their Swiss tour titled Live in Biel was self-published. The band also returned as previous winners to the Subotica Youth Festival in 1988.[2]
Their appearances in West Germany led to collaboration with the German indie label Incognito Records, which issued the 1989 compilation album Bolivia R'N'R, combining early EP tracks and demos.[2]
On 25 May 1990, KUD Idijoti served as the opening act for Canadian punk band D.O.A. in Dobrova, SR Slovenia.[2] After repeated rejections from major Yugoslav labels, they eventually signed with Helidon, based in Maribor, influenced by editor Boris Bele of Buldožer.[2] Helidon released their first full-length studio album, Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para (We're Only Here for the Money), which featured popular tracks like "Minijatura", "Neću da radim za dolare", and an extended version of "Bandiera Rossa" including a distinctive currency exchange rate reading performed by Biljana Babić of Boye.[2] Milovanović took on lead vocals for "...dan kada sam ostao sam".[2] The album's success allowed them to self-produce the concert VHS Đuro Was Sold Out!, capturing their December 1988 performance in Zagreb.[2]
Interruption during wartime and revival (1992–1994)
The release of the band's second studio album, Glupost je neuništiva (translated as Stupidity Is Indestructible), was postponed due to the 1991 Yugoslav Wars. Eventually issued in mid-1992 via Helidon, the album included standout tracks such as "Pisma o ribaru Marinu, Mari i moru," "Delamo škifo," "Bepo, vrati se," and a rendition of "No Room For You" originally by the British punk group Demob. During the conflict, the band was inactive as a unit; however, members Milovanović, Marjanović, and Bosusco performed together in Lokalni Bend Radnički (Local Labour Band).
Although disbanding was briefly contemplated, KUD Idijoti reactivated in 1993 with the album Tako je govorio Zaratusta (Thus Spoke Zaratusta), marking their inaugural compact disc release. This collection featured Milovanović’s compositions from 1981 to 1985, blending seven previously released tracks with seven unreleased pieces and two new collaborations co-written with Franci Blašković of Gori Ussi Winnetou. The album also included covers from Pula-based punk groups Gola Jaja and Visoki Napon. Of particular note, "Io sonno... dittatore" incorporated a sample from a monologue delivered by Yugoslav actor Ljuba Tadić in the 1970s television drama Defence of Socrates and Death. Additionally, the album presented a fresh take on "Bella Ciao," subtitled "ili... šta hoće ti antifašisti," enriched by accordion segments reminiscent of Yugoslav Partisan melodies.
Following this release, KUD Idijoti resumed touring throughout Europe, notably serving as the opening act for the Ramones at Ljubljana’s Tivoli Hall on 10 October 1994. Despite the changing political landscape in newly independent Croatia—where communist and Yugoslav symbols had fallen out of favor—the band persisted in promoting their anti-fascist stance and continued to confront the emerging political and economic order through their provocative lyrics.
Renewed activity in independent Croatia and regional reemergence (1995–1999)
In 1995, KUD Idijoti collaborated with alternative rock artist Franci Blašković to record Istra ti materina, followed by a series of ten performances in Istrian taverns featuring a brass ensemble. That same year saw the release of Megapunk, an album charged with political commentary and including tracks like "Fuck the System" and "Blago budalama." Milovanović took lead vocals on "Sjaj." During summer 1996, they worked alongside former member Mario "Marjeto" Dobrić on his solo project Marietto & I.R.A., performing together with local acts Fakofbolan and Dark Busters.
To address issues with piracy, KUD Idijoti initiated the Veruda Singles vinyl EP series in 1996 but halted after releasing Fuck upon signing with Dancing Bear. The following year, they produced Cijena ponosa ("The Price of Pride"), which was launched simultaneously in Croatia and Serbia—marking them as the first Croatian band officially released in Serbia after the war. This album showcased a more melodic approach with popular songs such as "Ja sjećam se" and "Jebemti rat," featuring guest appearances from Bruno Krajcer and Franci Blašković. Concurrently, they issued a compilation titled Singles Collection Vol. 1.
In 1998, KUD Idijoti participated in a charity concert held in war-impacted Sarajevo alongside Serbian and Bosnian bands. They also collaborated with Pero Lovšin on refreshed versions of his tracks for his compilation release. The band commemorated their 18th anniversary with performances at Pula's club Uljanik early in 1999 and later that year released the live album Gratis Hits Live!. Their last show with the lineup active from 1985 to 1999 occurred in Ljubljana on 5 November 1999.
Lineup changes, final studio release, and regional tours (2000–2010)
At the end of 1999, due to internal conflicts concerning the band's future, Nenad Marjanović and Diego Bosusco departed from KUD Idijoti. They continued their collaboration as hosts of the radio program Mali mrak and television shows Duty Free Show and Sistematski pregled, producing various audio and video sketch comedy works. Their spots were filled by original member Davor Zgrabljić "Buco" on bass and Kristijan Bijažić "Picek" on drums, both formerly of the Pula-based group Manekeni. Shortly thereafter, Dejan Gotal took over drumming duties, also known for his involvement with Fakofbolan and Stabat Mater. In December 2000, following the removal of Slobodan Milošević from power, KUD Idijoti became the pioneering Croatian band to perform in Serbia after the conflict, holding concerts at Belgrade Sports Hall and Novi Sad’s SPENS arena.
The band's concluding album, titled Remek-djelo (translated as Masterpiece), was released in 2001 under Milovanović's production. This record included standout tracks such as "Dobro jutro," "Sirotinja uvek najebe," "Mir no alternativ," "Blitzkrieg Boys," alongside the instrumental piece "Anti-ljubazna mrcina." The album was distributed on CD and also saw a limited vinyl pressing capped at 200 copies.
Tragedy struck on 21 November 2004 during a performance in Kotor's central square when a signal flare launched from the crowd resulted in the death of 22-year-old Vedran Petrović. The following year, KUD Idijoti appeared at Milan’s East Is West festival and shared top billing at Pula’s Viva la Pola festival alongside The Vibrators. Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2006, they staged concerts at Uljanik club and Viva la Pola; concurrently, Belgrade filmmaker Nikola Babić released a documentary entitled Stare pizde chronicling the band’s history. In 2007, they contributed two songs—"Panzer Noster" and "El Condom Pasa"—with lyrics penned by journalist Predrag Lucić, to Franci Blašković’s album Nek se širi vira Isusova.
Črnac’s illness, passing, and band’s cessation (2011–2012)
In early 2011, lead vocalist Branko Črnac was diagnosed with lung and throat cancer. His last appearance with KUD Idijoti took place on 26 February 2011 in Slovenia. Following this, the ensemble continued as a trio with Milovanović assuming vocal responsibilities. After performing shows in Belgrade and Opatija in May 2011, the group entered an indefinite hiatus. Črnac died on 14 October 2012; shortly thereafter, Milovanović declared the official end of KUD Idijoti.
Activities after disbandment
Milovanović went on to front the band Saša 21, releasing the album VD – i1 in 2014, which featured recordings from 2004 and was limited to 521 copies. In 2020, Saša 21 issued a double album titled VD – i2, comprising two discs named Za po doma and Za auto. Meanwhile, Dejan Gotal continued his musical pursuits with Urar, producing their 2018 release 40+.
On 21 August 2016, former KUD Idijoti guitarist Mario "Marjeto" Dobrić passed away from a heart attack while in New York City.
The year 2017 saw the publication of Glupost je neuništiva, edited by Zvonko Jovanović. To commemorate two decades since the release of Gratis Hits Live!, Dancing Bear reissued it on vinyl in 2019. That same year premiered the documentary film Tusta, directed by Andrej Korovljev, which focused on Črnac’s life and legacy at the Motovun Film Festival.
Legacy
After the passing of Črnac, the outdoor stairway leading to Pula's Uljanik club was dedicated as the Stairs of Branko Črnac "Tusta". In 2020, the group was honored with the Rock&Off Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2016, Croatian ensemble Tito's Bojs launched a tribute compilation titled Za tebe in honor of KUD Idijoti, featuring reinterpretations by numerous regional artists such as Pankrti, Goblini, Atheist Rap, Psihomodo Pop, among others. The Serbian band Josip A Lisac delivered an a cappella rendition of "Pisma o ribaru Marinu" on their 2012 release Sto godina sam ovđe. Bosnian group Dubioza Kolektiv included a cover of "Ja sjećam se" on their 2013 album Apsurdistan, collaborating with Atheist Rap and Hladno Pivo. Additionally, Hladno Pivo performed "To nije mjesto za nas" on their 2014 live record.
The Australian band Oztronix has incorporated multiple KUD Idijoti tracks into their live performances.
The album Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para was placed at number 64 on Rolling Stone Croatia’s ranking of the 100 Greatest Yugoslav Albums in 2015.
Lyrics from songs like "Hoćemo cenzuru", "Neću da radim za dolare", "Božina", and "Ja sjećam se" are featured in Petar Janjatović's anthology covering ex-Yugoslav rock poetry spanning from 1967 to 2007.
Discography
Studio albums
- Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para (1990)
- Glupost je neuništiva (1992)
- Tako je govorio Zaratusta (1993)
- Istra ti materina (With Franci Blašković; 1995)
- Megapunk (1995)
- Cijena ponosa (1997)
- Remek-djelo (2001)
Live albums
- Legendarni u živo (1986)
- Live in Biel (1988)
- Gratis Hits Live! (1999)
EPs
- Bolje izdati ploču nego prijatelja (1987)
- ...Budimo solidarni – s bogatima... (1987)
- Hoćemo cenzuru (1988)
- Fuck (1996)
Compilation albums
- Bolivia R'n'R (1989)
- Singles Collection Vol. 1 (1997)
Video albums
- Đuro Was Sold Out! (1991)