Parni Valjak

Parni Valjak

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975
Headquarters	Zagreb , Croatia
Products	Rock music albums, live performances

Parni Valjak (; translated as Steamroller) is a rock ensemble originating from Zagreb, Croatia, established in 1975. They emerged as a prominent force within the Yugoslav rock movement and have maintained considerable acclaim throughout the successor states of the former Yugoslavia after its disintegration.

The group was initiated by guitarists Husein Hasanefendić "Hus" and Jurica Pađen, both formerly of Grupa 220, alongside lead vocalist Aki Rahimovski, bassist Zlatko Miksić "Fuma," and drummer Srećko Antonioli. Their dynamic performances and boogie rock style rapidly attracted attention. The initial albums, Dođite na show! and Glavom kroz zid, solidified their foothold in the music scene. Following their sophomore release, Pađen departed to establish Aerodrom, with Branimir "Johnny" Štulić of Azra briefly stepping in. Throughout these changes, Hasanefendić and Rahimovski remained central figures.

After a short-lived international project under the name Steam Roller, which produced an English-language album, Parni Valjak aligned themselves with the Yugoslav new wave movement through their 1980 album Vruće igre, elevating them to leading status in the regional rock market. Their subsequent records leaned towards mainstream rock, spawning numerous popular tracks and cementing their reputation as one of the most beloved bands in Yugoslavia until its breakup. During the 1990s, they continued to enjoy widespread popularity in Croatia and later regained recognition across other former Yugoslav republics. The band ceased activities in 2005 but reunited four years later. Following Rahimovski’s passing in 2022, they have continued performing with Igor Drvenkar as their vocalist.

Formation, early success, and initial recordings (1975–1978)

Following the dissolution of Grupa 220, former guitarists Husein Hasanefendić "Hus" and Jurica Pađen, together with manager Vladimir Mihaljek, established Parni Valjak. After ending his collaboration with Bijelo Dugme's leader Goran Bregović, Mihaljek aimed to create a Zagreb-based rival to Bijelo Dugme. The lineup was completed by bassist Zlatko Miksić "Fuma" (previously with Zlatni Akordi and founder of Boomerang), drummer Srećko Antonioli (formerly of Delfini), and vocalist Aki Rahimovski. Rahimovski, who had experience as a DJ and keyboardist, was recruited after being noticed at the 1975 BOOM Festival while performing with Macedonian group Tor. The official formation date of Parni Valjak is recorded as 29 November 1975.

The band quickly attracted attention through their glam rock influence and succinct boogie rock tracks. Although their live performances were energetic, initial singles drew critique for imitating foreign rock motifs and featuring simplistic lyrics authored by Josip Ivanković. Ivanković later achieved recognition through work with folk ensemble Zlatni Dukati.

In 1976, their debut album Dođite na show! was released via PGP-RTB. This concept album depicted the fictional narrative of the band Ludi Šeširdžija i Jahači Rumene Kadulje, inspired by a well-known Western novel. Songwriting duties were primarily handled by Hasanefendić and Pađen, with Rahimovski contributing "Pjesma o starosti". The production team included guitarist Vedran Božić and composer Jovan Adamov, featuring Rahimovski on piano and Mato Došen from Hobo on synthesizer. Notable tracks such as "Dođite na show!" and "Prevela me mala žednog preko vode" received extensive radio play. The group appeared at the 1976 BOOM Festival; their track "Ljubavni jadi jednog Parnog valjka" was included on the live compilation BOOM '76. They also took part in the 1977 live album Pop parada I, recorded in Belgrade.

Their follow-up album Glavom kroz zid (1977) featured cover artwork by comic illustrator Igor Kordej. Maintaining a style akin to their debut, it contained ballads like "Crni dan" and "Noć" alongside popular songs "Kravata oko vrata" and "Lutka za bal". After its release, they performed once more at the BOOM Festival; live renditions of key pieces appeared on BOOM '77. In 1978, both Hasanefendić and Rahimovski were conscripted into the Yugoslav People's Army, resulting in a temporary pause for the band.

Reformation, engagement with the new wave movement, and nationwide acclaim (1979–1980)

During the band's break, Pađen departed from Parni Valjak to establish Aerodrom. Upon Hasanefendić and Rahimovski's return from military service, the group reassembled with guitarist Branimir "Johnny" Štulić joining the lineup. However, this formation lasted merely two weeks before Štulić left to revive Azra, with Hasanefendić producing their first single; this short collaboration played a role in shaping Parni Valjak's developing musical direction.

The American label CBS Records expressed interest in the band, partnering with Yugoslav label Suzy to co-release their third album and subsequent records. Their 1979 release, Gradske priče (City Stories), was produced in Milan under Italian producer Valentino Maggioni. The lineup featured Hasanefendić, Rahimovski, Miksić, guitarist Zoran Cvetković (formerly of Prljavo Kazalište), and drummer Ivan "Piko" Stančić (previously with Grupa 220 and Time). Drawing inspiration from Stančić and Štulić, the album marked a transition toward new wave influences, including a cover of Azra's "Jablan" alongside popular tracks like "Ulične tuče" and the ballad "Stranica dnevnika." CBS issued English-language versions under the title City Kids, which included "When the Show Is Done," an English adaptation of "Predstavi je kraj." On 7 January 1980, the band performed under the name Steam Roller at Milan’s Odissea 2001 nightclub.

By the end of 1980, they released Vruće igre (Hot Games), fully embracing the dynamic Yugoslav new wave scene. Again recorded in Milan and produced by Tini Varga, this album introduced guitarist and saxophonist Rastko Milošev, bassist Srećko Kukurić, and drummer Paolo Sfeci. Meanwhile, Cvetković departed to create Parlament, and Stančić joined Film. Miksić continued performing in West German venues until his passing in 1982. The Vruće igre cover reflected the band's updated aesthetic—black suits paired with slim ties—mirroring new wave fashion trends. The album contained ska-inspired hits such as "Neda," "Ona je tako prokleto mlada," and "Javi se," which incorporated a reference from "Needles and Pins." Hasanefendić paid tribute to Štulić by covering Azra’s "Kad Miki kaže da se boji" and debuted as lead vocalist on the track "Ne udaraj me nisko." This record achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Parni Valjak’s dominance within the Yugoslav rock landscape.

Transition to mainstream rock and continued achievements within Yugoslavia (1981–1991)

Building on the momentum of Vruće igre, Parni Valjak released Vrijeme je na našoj strani in 1981, produced by Tini Varga and recorded in Sweden. This album fused elements of 1960s pop with 1980s rock styles, featuring standout tracks like "Kao ti" and "Moje dnevne paranoje," while also revisiting their boogie rock origins through songs such as "Djevojčice ne...". Following this came the double live album Koncert, captured at Zagreb’s Dom Sportova.

The 1983 release Glavnom ulicom maintained this musical approach with contributions from Hasanefendić, Milošev, and Kukurić. It included popular songs like "Kao prije" and "Ma 'ajde / Gledaj stvari mojim očima." Guest appearances featured saxophonist Miroslav Sedak and keyboardist Rajko Dujmić. After Milošev began his military service, Vedran Božić took over guitar duties for live performances.

Milošev returned for the 1984 album Uhvati ritam, which showcased his composition "Ponovo sam" alongside backing vocals from notable artists including Momčilo Bajagić. The subsequent 1985 album Pokreni se! incorporated contributions from Margita Stefanović of Ekatarina Velika and Drago Mlinarec. Following this release, Milošev pursued a solo career.

In 1985, Rahimovski and Hasanefendić took part in YU Rock Misija for Live Aid. Zoran Cvetković rejoined the group as they issued their second live album, E = mc² (1986), recorded once more at Dom Sportova with keyboardist Toni Ostojić.

Produced by Hasanefendić alongside Tomo in der Mühlen, Anđeli se dosađuju? (1987) featured increased keyboard prominence and guest musicians such as Zoran Predin. The ballad "Jesen u meni" emerged as a major success. A VHS concert release followed in 1988 introducing keyboardist Miroslav Barbir. That same year saw a large free concert in Zagreb after which Hasanefendić announced a hiatus.

Upon returning with new members Zorislav Preskavec on bass and Dražen Šolc on drums, they released Sjaj u očima (1989), which included the hit ballad "Moja je pjesma lagana" plus a cover of Drago Mlinarec's work. Guitarist/saxophonist Bruno Kovačić and keyboardist Berislav Blažević joined for live shows including participation in the ZG Rock Forces compilation.

The 1990 album Lovci snova, inspired by Milorad Pavić’s novel and sponsored by Levi's brand, produced hits like "Suzama se vatre ne gase" and "Godine prolaze". After its release, Marijan Brkić replaced Kovačić on guitar. Celebrating their fifteenth anniversary with concerts at Dom Sportova led to the triple live album Svih 15 godina (1991) along with the compilation Samo sjećanja.

Achievements in Independent Croatia and Disbandment (1992–2005)

In 1992, Parni Valjak introduced the compilation Pusti nek' traje, kolekcija vol. 1 and participated in the patriotic project Rock za Hrvatsku. Their thirteenth studio release, Buđenje (1993), marked Brkić's debut as a songwriter and was supported by a significant concert at Dom Sportova featuring guest artist Dado Topić. The group secured seven Porin Awards in 1995, notably winning Album of the Year for Buđenje. That same year, they also unveiled an unplugged live recording titled Bez struje – Live in ZeKaEm.

The 1997 album Samo snovi teku uzvodno showcased collaborations with Vlado Kreslin and Tina Rupčić, enriched by orchestral arrangements from the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra. To promote the album, the band undertook an ambitious tour covering multiple cities within a single day.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Parni Valjak released Zastave in 2000, exploring sounds influenced by neo-psychedelia, Tex-Mex, and Latin genres. A major concert at Dom Sportova reunited previous band members and introduced bassist Zvonimir Bučević; this event was subsequently issued on DVD. The following year, the double live album Kao nekada / Live at S.C. featured numerous guest musicians.

Their 2004 studio album Pretežno sunčano? included backing vocals from Tina Rupčić. In 2005, they published a DVD capturing their acclaimed unplugged performance. To mark their 30th anniversary with a New Year's Eve concert in Zagreb, the band announced their dissolution shortly afterward.

After disbanding, Rahimovski launched his solo career with a debut album in 2007; Bučević released an instrumental solo project in 2006; Brkić contributed to Christmas-themed collaborations and joined Gibonni’s ensemble before issuing his own solo work featuring prominent Croatian artists. Original drummer Srećko Antonioli passed away in 2006.

Reunion and Rahimovski's Passing (2009–2022)

Parni Valjak reassembled in 2009 with key members Hasanefendić, Rahimovski, Brkić, Preskavec, Blažević, and new drummer Dalibor Marinković. They embarked on extensive tours, including two sold-out shows at Belgrade Arena in 2010 that each drew crowds exceeding 22,000; these concerts were later released on DVD.

In 2012, five unplugged performances at Belgrade's Sava Centar sold out rapidly. Their seventeenth studio album Stvarno nestvarno (2011) was made available digitally as a complimentary download linked to concert ticket purchases. The deluxe compilation Nema predaje (2013) combined new songs with live recordings and rehearsal footage on DVD.

The band took part in the EU enlargement celebration held in Wrocław in 2013. Former guitarist Rastko Milošev passed away in 2014. Acknowledging their cultural significance, Parni Valjak received the City of Zagreb Award in 2015 while releasing box sets compiling their extensive works from the 1980s through the early 2000s.

Following these releases, they performed numerous concerts across Croatia and Serbia during 2016–2017—including both acoustic and electric shows—and issued an anthology box set that highlighted various aspects of their musical style along with Blu-ray recordings of live performances.

Their most recent studio album, Vrijeme (2018), explored themes of time’s fleeting nature with production led by Hasanefendić and Brkić; it featured longtime backing vocalist Tina Krestnik taking lead vocals on the track "Kad nemaš kud".

Lead singer Aki Rahimovski passed away on 22 January 2022; his funeral at Mirogoj Cemetery was accompanied by widespread radio tributes. Later that year, the posthumous compilation album Vrijeme ljubavi was released in his honor.

Commemoration of Rahimovski and new phase with Igor Drvenkar (2022–present)

On 26 March 2022, Parni Valjak organized a tribute performance honoring Rahimovski at Zagreb Arena, featuring appearances by guest artists; this concert was subsequently released on various streaming services. That same year, Rahimovski was honored posthumously with the Porin Lifetime Achievement Award.

In early 2023, the band declared their ongoing journey with a new lead singer, Igor Drvenkar, debuting the single "Moja glava, moja pravila".

Legacy

The impact of Parni Valjak is evident through numerous covers by prominent Yugoslav musicians including Aska, Plava Trava Zaborava—with Rahimovski participating—Viktorija, and Vanna (collaborating with original band members). Their work also appears on international tribute compilations such as Poland’s Yugoton. The track “Zastave” notably gained political significance during Paweł Kukiz’s campaign for president.

Critics have lauded their albums: Anđeli se dosađuju? secured the 82nd position among the greatest Yugoslav records; the live album Koncert is regarded as one of the finest live releases from the region; several songs consistently rank high on various top rock song lists across the former Yugoslav territories.

Parni Valjak’s artistic achievements have been recognized with prestigious honors, including multiple Porin awards and the City of Zagreb Award, celebrating their contribution to enriching social life through music.

Current lineup

• Husein Hasanefendić "Hus" – guitar (1975–2005, 2009–present)
• Zorislav Preskavec – bass guitar (1988–2000, 2009–present)
• Berislav Blažević – keyboards (1989–2005, 2009–present)
• Marijan Brkić – guitar (1990–2005, 2009–present)
• Dalibor Marinković – drums (2009–present)
• Igor Drvenkar – vocals (2022–present)

Past members

• Jurica Pađen – guitar (1975–1978)
• Aki Rahimovski – vocals (1975–2005, 2009–2022)
• Zlatko Miksić "Fuma" – bass guitar (1975–1980)
• Srećko Antonioli – drums (1975–1978)
• Branimir "Johnny" Štulić – guitar (1979)
• Zoran Cvetković – guitar (1979–1980, 1985–1989)
• Ivan "Piko" Stančić – drums (1979–1980)
• Rastko Milošev – guitar, saxophone (1980–1983, 1984–1985)
• Srećko Kukurić – bass guitar (1980–1988)
• Paolo Sfeci – drums (1980–1988)
• Miroslav Barbir – keyboards (1987–1988)
• Dražen Šolc – drums (1988–2005)
• Bruno Kovačić – guitar, saxophone (1989–1990)
• Zvonimir Bučević – bass guitar (2000–2005)

Studio albums

• Dođite na show! (1976)
• Glavom kroz zid (1977)
• Gradske priče (1979)
• City Kids (as Steam Roller, 1980)
• Vruće igre (1980)
• Vrijeme je na našoj strani (1981)
• Glavnom ulicom (1983)
• Uhvati ritam (1984)
• Pokreni se! (1985)
• Anđeli se dosađuju? (1987)
• Sjaj u očima (1988)
• Lovci snova (1990)
• Buđenje (1993)
• Samo snovi teku uzvodno (1997)
• Zastave (2000)
• Pretežno sunčano? (2004)
• Stvarno nestvarno (2011)
• Vrijeme (2018)

Live albums

• Koncert (1982)
• E = mc² (1985)
• Svih 15 godina (1990)
• Bez struje – Live in ZeKaeM (1995)
• Kao nekada / Live at S.C. (2001)
• Dovoljno je reći... Aki (2022)

Compilation albums

• Parni Valjak (1985)
• Samo sjećanja (1991)
• Pusti nek' traje, kolekcija vol. 1 (1991)
• Najveći hitovi (1997)
• Balade (1998)
• Koncentrat 1977.-1983. (2005)
• Koncentrat 1984.-2005. (2005)
• The Ultimate Collection (2009)
• Najljepše ljubavne pjesme (2010)
• The Best Of (2010)
• Nema predaje (2013)
• Greatest Hits Collection (2017)
• Vrijeme ljubavi (2022)

Box sets

• Original Album Collection Vol. 1 (2015)
• Original Album Collection Vol. 2 (2015)
• Antologija (2017)

Video albums

• Koncert (1988)
• Live – Zagreb, Dom sportova 2. XII 2000. (2002)
• Bez struje – Live in ZeKaeM (2005)
• Live Beogradska arena (2011)
• Live in Pula (2017)

Singles

• "Parni valjak" / "Šizofrenik" (1976)
• "Tako prođe tko ne pazi kad ga Parni valjak zgazi" / "Dok si mlad" (1976)
• "Ljubavni jadi jednog Parnog valjka" / "Teško je biti sam" (1976)
• "Prevela me mala žednog preko vode" / "O šumama, rijekama i pticama" (1976)
• "'Oću da se ženim" / "Ljeto" (1977)
• "Lutka za bal" / "Crni dani" (1977)
• "Od motela do motela" / "Predstavi je kraj (u živo)" (1978)
• "Stranica dnevnika" / "Ulične tuče" (1979)
• "Motel to Motel" / "When the Show Is Done" (1979)
• "Neda" / "Hvala ti" (1981)
• "Moje dnevne paranoje" / "Ona je tako prokleto mlada" (1982)
• "Uhvati ritam" / "Samo ona zna" (1984)
• "Kekec je slobodan, red je na nas" (1991)
• "Kaži ja (Boje jeseni)" / "Sai Baba Blues" (1997)
• "Tko nam brani" / "Dok si pored mene" (2002)

Charted singles

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		CRO
"Moja glava, moja pravila" (feat. Igor Drvenkar)	2023	1	Non-album single
"Bogati će pobjeći na Mars" (feat. Igor Drvenkar)		6
"—" indicates releases that either did not chart or were not launched in the specified region.