Tako (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Dušan Ćućuz, Đorđe Ilijin, Sava Bojić, Milan Lolić |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Progressive rock music, albums |
Tako (, translated as That Way) was a progressive rock ensemble from Yugoslavia, established in Belgrade in 1975, and is regarded as a significant contributor to the progressive rock movement within the region.
The group originated with bassist Dušan Ćućuz, keyboardist Đorđe Ilijin, guitarist and vocalist Sava Bojić, alongside drummer Milan Lolić. In 1976, Bojić was succeeded by Sava Jojić; the following year, both Jojić and Lolić were replaced by Miroslav Dukić and Slobodan Felekatović respectively. This formation attracted considerable media attention, producing their self-titled debut album in 1978 and a follow-up record in 1980 before dissolving.
1975–1981
Tako came into existence in 1975 with members Dušan "Dule" Ćućuz on bass, Đorđe Ilijin handling keyboards, Sava Bojić on guitar and vocals, and Milan "Mića Žorž" Lolić playing drums. Ćućuz brought prior experience from bands such as Vihori, Džentlmeni, Plamenih 6, and Opus, in addition to his role as a sound engineer for YU Grupa. Bojić had been a founding member of Pop Mašina, while Ilijin contributed with Sećanja and worked as a session musician. The band’s straightforward name reflected their commitment to creating uncompromising music.
Their inaugural live performance took place in the autumn of 1975 during a charity event at Belgrade’s Pionir Hall. Early sets featured covers of Jimi Hendrix and Santana tunes. They recorded demo tracks at Radio Belgrade studios but struggled to expand their audience due to their uncommercial sound. Bojić departed for mandatory military service and was replaced by Jojić. The band embarked on extensive tours, including a summer engagement in Dubrovnik.
In 1977, Lolić was replaced by Felekatović owing to alcohol-related issues; simultaneously, Jojić was succeeded by Dukić from Koren. This lineup expanded their reach by opening for Bijelo Dugme on tour and performing at prominent events like the Hajdučka česma concert and the BOOM Festival. They also collaborated with S Vremena Na Vreme to stage pioneering quadraphonic sound concerts.
Although the media showed interest, leading Yugoslav record companies initially declined to sign them due to their non-commercial approach. After participating in the Subotica Youth Festival, they secured a contract with Ljubljana-based ZKP RTLJ and released their first album in 1978. The recording process lasted just 36 hours, delivering symphonic rock infused with jazz elements; standout tracks included "Lena," featuring guest Asim Sarvan, and "Minijatura," an homage to Jethro Tull. Their album launch was supported by a complimentary concert held at Belgrade's Kalemegdan fortress.
At the beginning of 1979, Tako temporarily halted activities as Ilijin battled arthritis; during this interval, Dukić formed another band. They resumed later that year and issued their second album, U vreći za spavanje (In a Sleeping Bag), through PGP-RTB in September 1980. The band took on production duties themselves, with each member overseeing their own compositions. Following Felekatović’s departure for military obligations and the emergence of the Yugoslav new wave movement, Tako concluded their journey with a farewell show at Belgrade’s Faculty of Philosophy in March 1981.
Post breakup
Following the group's disbandment, Miroslav Dukić pursued work as a studio musician. In 2010, under the moniker D Mirro, he revisited nine Tako tracks on the album Tako Reloaded.
Đorđe Ilijin dedicated himself to music education and ethnology. In 1983, he released his solo effort Zabranjeno prisluškivanje (No Eavesdropping), performing all instruments except drums—played by Vladimir "Furda" Furduj of Elipse and Korni Grupa fame. Several songs featured backing vocals from the female choir of Sremska Mitrovica Youth Center. During the late 1980s, Ilijin produced albums for artists Mladen Vojičić Tifa and Bijeli Bagremi. After relocating to New York City in 1989, he performed with various ensembles and accompanied dancers at a Harlem ballet school. Over subsequent decades he composed scores for theatre productions and films such as The Class: From Actor to Icon (2008), Pussyfoot (2008), and Truth Be Told (2012). Upon returning to Serbia, he released selected pieces on his 2020 album Flying in the Dream.
Dušan Ćućuz continued his career as a sound engineer for prominent hard rock bands including Riblja Čorba, Divlje Jagode, and Kerber until his passing on 20 October 2022.
Slobodan Felekatović performed with Petty Lucy Band before his death in 2018.
In 1993, German label Kalemegdan Disk reissued both Tako albums on vinyl featuring new artwork by Hungarian artist István Fujkin. The re-release of Tako included an additional track titled "Put na jug" ("Journey to the South"), while U vreći za spavanje contained two bonus songs: "Izgubljeno ništa" ("Lost Nothing") and "Horde mira" ("Hordes of Peace"). These tracks were recorded between 1975 and 1981 but had not been previously published. Kalemegdan Disk also reissued Ilijin’s solo album Zabranjeno prisluškivanje in 1996. Brazilian label Rocksymphony released CD versions of both Tako albums in 1998, followed by Italian label Mellow Records reissuing Ilijin’s solo work in 2002.
Legacy
In 2014, the Serbian alternative rock group Bjesovi interpreted Tako's track "Probudi se" ("Wake Up") for their tribute album Svetla svetlosti (Lights of Light).
Band members
- Dušan Ćućuz – bass guitar, vocals (1975–1981)
- Đorđe Ilijin – keyboards, harmonica, flute, harp, vocals (1975–1981)
- Sava Bojić – guitar, vocals (1975–1976)
- Sava Jojić – guitar (1976)
- Milan Lolić – drums (1975–1977)
- Miroslav Dukić – guitar, vocals (1977–1981)
- Slobodan Felekatović – drums (1977–1981)
Studio albums
- Tako (1978)
- U vreći za spavanje (1980)