Dado Topić, born in Belgrade in 1949, emerged as a formidable force in the burgeoning Serbian rock scene of the late 1960s. Inspired by The Beatles and other Western rock bands, he formed his first group, Yu Grupa, in 1969.
Dado Band and Commercial Success
In 1971, Topić rebranded his band as Dado Band. With their eclectic fusion of rock, pop, and Balkan folk influences, they quickly gained popularity, releasing a string of hit albums. Their iconic song, "Apsolutno Sve" (Absolutely Everything), became an instant classic and cemented their status as one of the most influential rock bands in the former Yugoslavia.
Challenges and Controversies
Topić's provocative lyrics and outspoken persona often courted controversy. His satirical commentary on social and political issues drew both acclaim and criticism. In 1974, he was briefly banned from performing by the Yugoslav authorities due to his "subversive" songs.
Musical Evolution and Later Career
Despite the challenges, Topić and his band continued to evolve musically. In the 1980s, they experimented with new wave and electronic elements. After the breakup of Dado Band in 1990, Topić embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with other prominent musicians.
Discography
* Yu Grupa: Nešto Više (1970), E = MC² (1971) * Dado Band: Da Li Si Spreman Da Rock 'n' Roll (1972), Ja Nisam Odavde (1973), Koncert (1974), Generation '75 (1975), Šta Se Dogodilo Baby (1976), Ovde (1977), Zemlja (1979), Aritmija (1981), Hadley (1984), Seks, Droga, Rock 'n' Roll (1986), Vreme i Zemlja (1989) * Solo: 15 Godina (1991), Bez Naziva (1995), Svetlost (1997), Naš Stari Dobri Rock 'n' Roll (2001), Nedelja Popodne (2006), Naš Stari Dobri Rock 'n' Roll 2 (2010)