The Dubrovniks
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | August 1986 |
| Founder | Roddy Radalj, Boris Sujdovic, James Baker, Peter Simpson |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, Europe |
Key people | Roddy Radalj, Boris Sujdovic, James Baker, Peter Simpson, Chris Flynn, Glenn Armstrong |
| Products | Studio albums, singles |
The Dubrovniks were an Australian rock ensemble established in August 1986, initially known as The Adorable Ones. In early 1987, they changed their name to The Dubrovniks, paying tribute to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, the hometown of founding members Roddy Radalj and Boris Sujdovic. Radalj and co-founder James Baker had earlier launched Hoodoo Gurus in 1981. All three founding musicians were prominent figures in the Perth punk movement during the late 1970s. The band produced four studio albums before their dissolution in 1995.
History
Formed in August 1986 as The Adorable Ones, The Dubrovniks' original lineup included James Baker on drums (formerly of The Victims, The Scientists, Hoodoo Gurus, and Beasts of Bourbon), Roddy Radalj handling guitar and vocals (previously with Exterminators, The Scientists, Rockets, Le Hoodoo Gurus), Peter Simpson on guitar and vocals (ex-Teeny Weenies, Spectre's Revenge), and Boris Sujdovic playing bass guitar (also ex-Exterminators, The Scientists, Rockets). The group adopted the name The Dubrovniks in early 1987 to honor Radalj and Sujdovic’s Croatian roots, prompted by a naming conflict with a Brisbane band already called The Adorable Ones. Australian music historian Ian McFarlane characterized their music as "clattering, yet accessible rock'n'roll," drawing inspiration from acts such as The Troggs, T-Rex, and New York Dolls.
Their first single, "Fireball of Love," was issued through Citadel Records in April 1988 with production by Rob Younger. This was succeeded by a rendition of Alvin Stardust's "My Coo Ca Choo" in November 1988 and "Speedway Girls" in June 1989. Their inaugural album, Dubrovnik Blues, produced by Chris Masuak for Timberyard Records, was released in August 1989. By this time, Radalj had exited to establish The Punjabbers.
Following Radalj’s departure, Chris Flynn (formerly of Headstones) joined on guitar and vocals as the band secured a deal with Mushroom Records. Their debut album under Mushroom, Audio Sonic Love Affair, arrived in September 1990 with production by Kevin Shirley (noted for his work with Hoodoo Gurus and The Angels). Singles from this period included "She Got No Love" (released June) and "Love Is on the Loose" (October). Concurrently, Baker and Sujdovic toured with Beasts of Bourbon but departed early in 1991 to concentrate on The Dubrovniks. That same year saw Glenn Armstrong replace Simpson on guitar.
The group’s third album, Chrome, again produced by Shirley, was released in June 1992 and featured singles such as "Saigon Rose" and "French Revolution." Both albums under Mushroom retained their distinct raw rock'n'roll edge. Despite this, Mushroom Records dropped the band in 1993. Subsequently, German label Normal issued their fourth album, Medicine Wheel, which was distributed domestically by Mushroom Distribution Services.
The Dubrovniks ceased activity in 1995. Afterward, Baker returned to Perth to join the power pop outfit Satellite 5; meanwhile, Flynn and Sujdovic formed Black Dirt. In 2015, The Dubrovniks reunited for touring engagements throughout Australia and Europe.
Members
Listed alphabetically:
- Glenn Armstrong — guitar, backing vocals (1990–1994)
- James Baker — drums, percussion (1988–1994) (died 2025)
- Christopher Flynn — guitar, vocals (1989–1993)
- Roddy Radalj — guitar, bass, vocals (1988–1989)
- Peter Simpson — guitar, piano, vocals (1988–1990, 1993–1994)
- Boris Sujdovic — bass, guitar, vocals (1988–1994)
- Tony Thewlis – guitar (late 1980s)
Albums
| Title | Album information |
|---|---|
| Dubrovnik Blues |
|
| Audio Sonic Love Affair |
|
| Chrome |
|
| Medicine Wheel |
|
Singles
- "Fireball of Love" (Sujdovic) / "If I Had a Gun" (Baker, Simpson, Sujdovic, Radalj) — Citadel (CIT036) (April 1988)
- "My Coo Ca Choo" (Peter Shelley) / "Girls Go Maniac" (Radalj, Sujdovic) — Citadel (CIT043) (November 1988)
- "Speedway Girls" (Sujdovic) / "Freezing Rain" (Simpson, Sujdovic, Radalj) — Timberyard (BUZZ 005) (June 1989)
- "She Got No Love"/"Got This Far" - Mushroom (K10088) (June 1990)
- "Love is on the Loose Tonight"/"Something's Not Right In This World" - Normal/Mushroom (NORMAL 137)/(K 10176) (October 1990)
- "Saigon Rose" - Mushroom (D11031) (February 1992)
- "French Revolution" (Flynn) — Survival (SUR 707 CD) (June 1992)
ARIA Music Awards
The ARIA Music Awards have been conducted annually by the Australian Recording Industry Association since their inception in 1987.
! |- | 1990 | Dubrovnik Blues | Best Independent Release | | [1]
References
- General
- Note: The archived version may have limited features.
- Specific
External links
- ↑ "ARIA Awards Best Independent Release". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2021.