Zdravo
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Boban Petrović |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Disco, funk music |
Zdravo (; meaning Hello) was a Yugoslav band specializing in disco and funk genres, originating from Belgrade in 1976. Fronted by singer and keyboard player Boban Petrović, the group became a prominent presence in the Yugoslav popular music landscape during the late 1970s. Following the band's dissolution, Petrović embarked on a short-lived solo career.
1976–1980
Established in 1976 by Boban Petrović, who had previously worked as a nightclub disk jockey, Zdravo sought to create captivating disco and funk tunes. The band's name was taken from the youth magazine Zdravo, which was published by Politika Newspapers at that time. The founding members were Petrović (vocals, keyboards), guitarist Dragan Jovanović, bassist Branko Kojić, drummer Vlastimir Cvetković, along with vocalists and dancers Boža Jeremić, Vladislav Kukolj, and Branko Popović. Additionally, female dancers from Zaire were featured in their performances.
Their first single, "Vikend fobija" ("Weekend Phobia"), released in 1977, became their sole significant hit despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. After Jovanović left to create Generacija 5, guitarist Branko Pešić "Amerikanac" joined the lineup, following Momčilo Bajagić’s decision to decline the role. A live rendition of "Sugestivni rok" ("Suggestive Rock") was included on the 1977 compilation Pop parada I. That same year, Zdravo served as the opening act for Bijelo Dugme at Hajdučka česma and later supported Indexi during their tour across Yugoslavia. The band also collaborated with vocalist Slađana Milošević, who appeared as a guest during several concerts.
In 1978, the original ensemble disbanded; however, Petrović continued performing under the Zdravo name with various musicians while simultaneously playing with Orion. After releasing a single featuring "Sugestivni rok" and "Žalba" ("Complaint"), Popović ended his involvement with the group. Subsequently, two singles were released under Boban Petrović & Zdravo, including a 1979 duet with Gordana Ivandić.
Post-breakup
Following Zdravo’s disbandment, Petrović initiated a solo career marked by the 1981 EP Meteorologija. That year also saw the release of his debut solo album Žur (Party) through ZKP RTLJ; it was recorded in New York City utilizing session musicians. Although tracks such as "Prepad" ("The Raid"), "Đuskaj" ("Dance"), and "Kupatilo je shvatilo" ("The Bathroom Realised") achieved modest recognition, overall commercial success was limited.
His next album, Zora (Dawn), released in 1984, met with even less acclaim, leading Petrović to retire from active music-making. Concurrently, he took on managerial duties at Belgrade's Klub M and Zvezda discothèques—a position he retained after stepping away from his solo endeavors. In 1986, he authored the novel Rokanje (Rocking), drawing inspiration from Belgrade's nightlife during the 1980s.
By the late 1980s, Petrović shifted focus to international business ventures, becoming proprietor of Spanish football club CA Marbella and owning the Marbella nightclub Piernas Largas. Interest in his solo work resurged in Serbia during the early to mid-2000s thanks to frequent airplay on Radio B92; notably, his song "Prepad" was ranked 82nd on B92’s Top 100 Domestic Songs list in 2006.
In 2008, Macom Records reissued Žur with additional tracks and videos while also republishing Rokanje. During the 2010s, Petrović returned to music by producing and composing for Jela Cello & Power Symphony Orchestra’s album Potraga za magičnim violončelom (The Quest for the Magic Cello).
His autobiography titled Rokanje 2, serving as a sequel to his 1986 novel, was published in 2020 accompanied by a CD containing his musical works.
Singles
- "Vikend fobija" / "Roditeljski savet" (1977)
- "Disko je prava stvar" / "Raspust i kraj" (1977)
- "Sugestivni rok" / "Žalba" (1978)
- "Kuc-Guc-Štuc" / "'Ajmo na žurku" (1979)
- "Moram" / "Balada o šampionu" (1980)