Vatreni Poljubac

Lore & Background

Vatreni Poljubac was formed in October 1977 after Milić Vukašinović ended his one-year stint as drummer for Bijelo Dugme. The original lineup consisted of Vukašinović, bass guitarist Shefqet Hoxha, and drummer Perica Stojanović. Their debut single 'Doktor za rock and roll' became an immediate hit, proclaimed Hit of the Year 1977 in the Yugoslav teen magazine Zdravo. The band's debut album Oh, što te volim, joj! was recorded in London and featured Vukašinović's high-pitched singing and machist lyrics, but drew criticism from the Yugoslav music press for its use of folk motifs, with some comparing it to 'newly composed folk music'.

The band released several albums through the early 1980s, including the double album Recept za rock 'n' roll and To je ono pravo, which included the track 'Oda heroju' described as 'national-liberation-revolutionary-heavy metal'. After a three-year hiatus starting in 1982, Vukašinović reformed the group for the 1985 comeback album Iz inata. The 1986 album 100% Rock 'n' Roll was recorded with former Bijelo Dugme vocalist Mladen Vojičić 'Tifa' and is the only Vatreni Poljubac album not to feature Vukašinović on vocals. The group then disbanded, with Vukašinović working with Yugoslav folk singers and releasing solo albums.

In 1997, Vukašinović moved from Sarajevo to Belgrade, reforming Vatreni Poljubac in 1998. Over the following two decades, he simultaneously released new Vatreni Poljubac albums recorded by various lineups and his solo albums. Although his late works saw very little critical and commercial success, Vatreni Poljubac still enjoys a loyal fanbase in former Yugoslav republics.

Reader's Guide

Vatreni Poljubac holds significance as one of the most notable acts of the Yugoslav hard rock and heavy metal scene, primarily due to the vision of Milić Vukašinović. The band's sound, which blended hard rock and heavy metal with folk influences, was both a commercial draw and a source of controversy, with critics accusing Vukašinović of imitating Bijelo Dugme's Balkan folk-influenced hard rock. Despite this, the band maintained a loyal fanbase throughout its career. Their legacy is marked by a series of albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s that defined their style, including the hit single 'Doktor za rock and roll' and albums like Oh, što te volim, joj! and Recept za rock 'n' roll. The band's later work after the 1998 reformation saw diminished success, but their earlier output continues to be remembered in the former Yugoslav republics, where they still enjoy a dedicated following.

Did You Know?

• The band's debut single 'Doktor za rock and roll' was proclaimed Hit of the Year 1977 in the Yugoslav teen magazine Zdravo.
• The 1986 album 100% Rock 'n' Roll is the only Vatreni Poljubac album not to feature Milić Vukašinović on vocals.
• Vukašinović was criticized by some Yugoslav music press for using folk motifs, with one magazine describing him as a 'heavy metal folk singer'.
• The band went on a three-year hiatus starting in 1982 before reforming for the 1985 album Iz inata.