Opus (Yugoslav band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Miodrag "Mive" Okrugić |
| Defunct | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
Opus () was a progressive rock ensemble from Yugoslavia, established in Belgrade in 1973, and recognized as a significant act within the 1970s Yugoslav rock landscape.
The group was spearheaded by Miodrag "Mive" Okrugić, formerly the keyboardist of YU Grupa. Throughout its existence, Opus experienced multiple personnel shifts, featuring notable artists such as guitarist Miodrag "Bata" Kostić, singer Dušan Prelević, and guitarist Vidoja "Džindžer" Božinović. Their discography includes a single studio album before the band dissolved in 1979.
Band history
Okrugić's musical journey began in the 1960s with bands like Beduini and Beat Quintet, culminating in his 1970 tenure with YU Grupa. After one year, he departed to establish Opus; however, his plans were postponed due to compulsory military service.
In 1973, Okrugić assembled Opus with guitarist Kostić, bassist Dušan Ćućuz, and drummer Velibor "Boka" Boganović. The band's name was inspired by Okrugić's composition "Opus No. 1." Their initial performance was followed by Kostić's return to YU Grupa. Ljuba Sedlar succeeded him on guitar, and this formation released the single "Veče" / "Sam" before disbanding when Ćućuz joined the symphonic rock group Tako.
The band was revived in 1975 with Okrugić alongside bassist Slobodan Orlić, drummer Ljubomir Jerković, and vocalist Dušan Prelević. This lineup produced the symphonic rock album Opus 1, which included songs such as "Opus \ Žena tame," "Dolina bisera," and "Memento Mori," featuring guest vocals by Zlatko Manojlović. Despite considerable anticipation, the album garnered mixed critical reception, resulting in another dissolution.
In 1977, Opus reformed once more with Okrugić, Orlić, drummer Želimir Vasić, and guitarist Milan Matić. They released the single "Ne dam da budeš srećna" before undergoing additional lineup changes. The final roster consisted of Okrugić, Orlić, Vladan Dokić on drums, Zoran Dašić and Vidoja Božinović on guitars, and vocalist Dragan Baletić. This ensemble recorded three tracks for Radio Belgrade prior to disbanding permanently in 1979.
The album Opus 1 saw a re-release on CD and vinyl formats in 2013 through the Austrian label Atlantide.
Studio albums
- Opus 1 (1975)
Singles
- "Veče" / "Sam" (1974)
- "Dolina bisera" / "Viđenje po Grigu" (1975)
- "Ne dam da budeš srećna" / "Ona je dama" (1977)