Nirvana (Yugoslav band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 in Zagreb, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Krešimir Šoštar, Zdravko Štimac, Tomas Krkač |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Zagreb , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
Nirvana was a progressive rock group originating from Zagreb in 1970, recognized as a significant presence in the Yugoslav rock landscape throughout the 1970s.
1970–1976
The band Nirvana was established by Krešimir Šoštar (guitarist, previously with Mladi, Grešnici, Psalentas), Zdravko Štimac (drummer, formerly part of Mladi Lavovi and Psalentas), and Tomas Krkač (bass guitarist, also an alumnus of Mladi and Psalentas). Their mutual fascination with Indology influenced the choice of the band's name. Initially, their repertoire consisted of covers from bands like Taste and Grand Funk Railroad, which helped them build a reputation as proficient instrumentalists.
Capitalizing on their strong live performance skills, Nirvana took part in numerous festivals across Yugoslavia. In 1972, they appeared at the first BOOM Festival held at Ljubljana's Tivoli Hall; live recordings of "222" and "Pred tvojim vratima" were included on the album Pop Festival Ljubljana 72. The following year, they returned to the BOOM Festival with a performance of "Klik tema broj 1," featuring vocalist Zdenka Kovačiček; this track was later released on Boom Pop Fest '73. In 1973, Slavko Pintarić Pišta succeeded Krkač as the bassist.
Their only official release came in 1975—a 7-inch single containing "Duh," a cover version of Gary Moore's "Spirit," paired with "Kome da kažem". The group dissolved in 1976.
Post breakup
In 1979, Tomas Krkač formed Telefon (Telephone), which included his brother Tomislav Krkač on guitar, Srđan Jug handling vocals, and Krešimir Randić on drums. Neven Mijač joined as harmonica player in 1982. Telefon produced two 7-inch singles and contributed to a compilation album before disbanding in 1983. A retrospective compilation titled 79-83, featuring both studio and live material, was released in 2003.
Following Telefon's disbandment, Tomas Krkač remained active in the club scene with Call 66 and Telephone Blues Band, collaborating with prominent artists such as Vedran Božić, Walter Neugebauer, Piko Stančić, and Slavko Pintarić. These ensembles specialized in rock classics and issued a split live album called Looking Back Vol 1. – Dance Rock Session in 1983, recorded at Zagreb's Kulušić venue. Telephone Blues Band later released another live recording in 1994 entitled Telephone Blues Band & All Stars Session, featuring guest appearances by Josipa Lisac, Zdenka Kovačiček, Oliver Dragojević, Neno Belan, among others. In 1995, they recorded Live in Zagreb at Kulušić with guitarist Phil Shackleton.
In 1996, Krkač unveiled Fluid, an instrumental collection composed over the period from 1987 to 1995 that included pieces created for performances by the Zagreb Dance Ensemble. The compilation Rock portret, issued in 2003, presented selections spanning all stages of Krkač’s musical career.
Krešimir Šoštar collaborated with the group Likosi (Characters), releasing their album Zvona zvone (The Bells Are Tolling) in 1984. He passed away in 1990.
Singles
- "Duh" / "Kome da kažem" (1975)
Additional appearances
- "222" / "Pred tvojim vratima" (Pop Festival Ljubljana 72, 1972)
- "Klik tema broj 1" (featuring Zdenka Kovačiček, Boom Pop Fest '73, 1973)