Zlatni Dukati were formed back in 1983. They appeared on the tambura
scene with their first album titled "Ni sokaci nisu ono sto su
bili". Album was released by then "Jugoton", now "Croatia
Records".
Original members of the band were:
Zoran Buckovic-prim
Stanko Saric-basprim
Zdravko Sljivac-basprim
Zeljko Milos (Yinks)-celo
Mario Plesa-kontra
Mato Lukacevic-bas
Marijan Majdak-Vocals
In the above mentioned formation the band played only for one season.
Two members, Mato Lukacevic and Stanko Saric continued to play under
different name "Zlatni Dukati. They were joined with group
of tambura players from their hometown of Stitar. The leader of
the band was Sima Dominkovic and the rest of the members were: Andrija
Milicic, Mato Milicic, Mirko Gasparovic, Josip Dominkovic, Mato
Lukacevic and Stanko Saric. Little bit later they were joined by
Hrvoje Majic. For the next few years they perform exclusively in
Slavonije around town of Zupanja. 1985 marks the end of this formation
of the group because of the internal problems. One year later Mato
Lukacevic with the help of Stjepan Bogutovac forms yet another formation
of Zlatni Dukati. Third formation of the band consisted of:
Petar Nikolic-violin
Hrvoje Majic-basprim
Mirko Gasparovic-basprim
Stjepan Bogutovac-basprim
Mato Milicic(Pista)-kontra
Mato Lukacevic-bas
This formation also performs around town of Zupanja for the most
part. Especially important for this formation was their regular
weekly gig at the "Tavern Kristal" where band performs
during 1986 and 1987. By the end of 1986 Stanko Saric joins the
band again while violin player Petar Nikolic leaves the band. During
the summer of 1987 the band stars their first tour around Croatia
with the help of music agency "Lira" from Cakovec. Band
members for the tour were:
Hrvoje Majic-prim
Mirko Gasparovic-basprim
Stjepan Bogutovac-basprim
Stanko Saric-basprim
Mato Milicic (Pista)-kontra
Mato Lukacevic-bas
That same year band started working with composer Josip Ivankovic
which resulted with the release of album "Nek zvone tambure".
Album was released in 1988.
After disagreements with Josip Ivankovic, in June of 1988 Stjepan
Bogutovac leaves the band. The rest of the band continues working
with Ivankovic which resulted in several successful albums.
During their tour in USA, which was organized by CFU, the band
came to idea to record an album with Croatian patriotic songs. The
name of that album was "Hrvatska Pjesmarica" . This release
was a great success and in a great part has contributed to the popularization
of tambura music in general.
During and after the war in 1991 Zlatni Dukati continue to record
patriotic songs. The name of that album was " U meni Hrvatska"
which boosted the morale of Croatian soldiers on the front lines.
Successful collaboration with Josip Ivankovic ends in 1996 after
numerous disagreements and fights. The court proceedings are still
pending and this matter hasn't been resolved yet. Because of the
litigation "Zlatni Dukati" changed their name to "Najbolji
Hrvatski Tamburasi" in 1997. Even though the band had to change
the name "Dukati" continue to be succsseful. Under the
name "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburasi" the band releases following
albums: "Vranac", "Nem me pamte gradovi", "Hrvatske
pjesme iz Bosne I Hercegovine" and the latest release "Sedam
Dana".
In 1999 the band was hit by a tragedy. Prim player Hrvoje Majic
commits suicide for unknown reasons. These were very tragic and
shocking news not only for family and band members but also for
the whole Croatian public. After this great irreversible loss the
band finds the strength to continue with work. In place of Hrvoje
Majic, Denis Spegelj joins the band. Denis is young and talented
prim player from Virovitica. His youth and enthusiasm brings freshness
to "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburasi".
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