Shturcite
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1 January 1967, Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Founder | Kiril Marichkov, Petar Tsankov, Petar Gyuzelev, Veselin Kisyov |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Successor | Fondatsiata (by Kiril Marichkov) |
| Headquarters | Sofia , Bulgaria |
Area served | Bulgaria |
Key people | Kiril Marichkov, Petar Gyuzelev, Vladimir "Valdi" Totev, Georgi Markov |
| Products | Music albums, singles, live performances |
Shturcite ( ; English translation "The Crickets"), occasionally spelled as Shturtsite, was a prominent Bulgarian rock ensemble. Recognized as one of Bulgaria's leading bands throughout the 1970s and 1980s, they maintained a dedicated following. The group initially dissolved in 1990, reunited in 1997, and ultimately ceased activities again in 2013. They have often been referred to as "Bulgaria's equivalent of The Beatles."
History
Established in Sofia in 1967 by Kiril Marichkov, Petar Tsankov, Petar Gyuzelev, and Veselin Kisyov, the band gained early acclaim with the track "Byala Tishina," which secured the national Zlatnia Orfey award. Their debut EP was released in 1968, featuring songs such as "Veselina" and "Zvăn."
Their first full-length album appeared in 1976 and included the popular song "Day Mi Malko Nezhnost." The 1978 release Shturtsite '78 marked the addition of keyboardist and vocalist Valdi Totev, steering their music toward progressive rock. Although Totev did not contribute compositions to this album, his presence signaled a notable stylistic shift.
During the 1980s, albums like XX vek (1980), Vkusăt na vremeto (1982), Konnikăt (1985), and Musketarski marsh (1987) reinforced their status in the music market. To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 1987, they embarked on a national tour that culminated in the release of the triple live album 20 godini po-kusno (1988).
Their last single before disbanding initially was "Az săm prosto chovek" (1990), which became emblematic of Bulgaria’s democratic movement. That same year, Balkanton issued The Crickets, their first official CD.
In 1996, GMP re-released much of their discography on CD and compiled collections that included fresh recordings like "Kletva," further solidifying their influence within Bulgaria’s rock scene.
The band reunited in 1997 for a nationwide tour; a live album featuring new material followed in 1998. In 2004, a detailed 4-CD anthology titled Antologia was published alongside a concert DVD showcasing collaborations with prominent Bulgarian musicians.
Their ninth studio record, Na praga na sărtseto, was released in 2008, representing their first new work since 1987. However, subsequent projects were delayed due to guitarist Petar Gyuzelev’s health complications.
Although plans were announced for a final symphonic concert and an acoustic album, these did not come to fruition. Gyuzelev passed away in April 2013, marking the effective end of the group. Shortly before his passing, he released his solo album Izpoved.
Following the band's dissolution, Kiril Marichkov established Fondatsiata. In June 2017, Shturcite briefly regrouped with new guitarists for a special concert celebrating their 50th anniversary at Sofia's Armeec Arena.
Kiril Marichkov died on 11 October 2024 after an accident.
Members
- Kiril Marichkov – bass guitar, vocals, keyboards (1967–1990, 1997–2013, 2017; d. 2024)
- Petar "Petsi" Gyuzelev – guitar, vocals (1967–1990, 1997–2013; d. 2013)
- Vladimir "Valdi" Totev – keyboards, guitar, harmonica, vocals (1976–1990, 1997–2013, 2017)
- Georgi Markov – drums, percussion (1974–1990, 1997–2013, 2017; d. 2025)
- Veselin Kisyov – guitar, vocals (1967–1969, 2017)
- Petar Tsankov – drums (1967–1971, 2017)
- Konstantin Atanasov (Kosyo Shturetsa) – guitar, vocals (1969–1971, 1973–1974, 1976, 2017)
- Atanas Atanasov – drums (1973–1974)
- Borislav Panov – keyboards, vocals, violin (1974–1976)
- Ivan Lechev – guitar, violin (2017; substitute for Gyuzelev)
- Slavcho Nikolov – guitar (2017; substitute for Gyuzelev)
Studio Albums
- Shturtsite (1976)
- Shturtsite (1978)
- 20-ti vek (1980)
- Vkusăt na vremeto (1982)
- Konnikăt (1985)
- Musketarski marsh (1987)
- 20 godini po-kăsno (1988)
- 30 godini Shturtsite (1998)
- Na praga na sărtseto (2008)
Singles
Except for "Păteshestvie săs sal" and "Az săm prosto chovek," all singles were released under the band's name. The titles listed correspond to the official A-side tracks. Notably, "Păteshestvie săs sal" was included in the soundtrack of the film sharing its title.
- "Zvăn" (1968)
- "Pesen za Shturtsite" (1969)
- "Shte sreshtnem nashata mechta" (1973)
- "Păteshestvie sus sal" (1973)
- "Ti ne razbra" (1975)
- "Uchilishte za malki i golemi" (1975)
- "Az săm prosto chovek" (1990)
Compilation Albums
- The Crickets (1990)
- 1968–1980 I (1996)
- 1968–1980 II (1996)
- Best Ballads I (1996)
- Best Ballads II (1996)
- Antologia (2004)
DVDs
- Antologia – Kontsertat 15.11.2004 (2006)