Biography
Zlatni Dukati were formed back in 1983. They appeared on the tambura scene with their first album titled "Ni šokaci nisu ono što su bili". Album was released by then "Jugoton", now "Croatia Records".
Original members of the band were:
Zoran Bučković-prim
Stanko Šarić-basprim
Zdravko Šljivac-basprim
Zeljko Miloš (Yinks)-celo
Mario Pleše-kontra
Mato Lukačević-bas
Marijan Majdak-Vocals
In the above mentioned formation the band played only for one season. Two members, Mato Lukačević and Stanko Šarić continued to play under different name "Zlatni Dukati''. They were joined with group of tambura players from their hometown of Štitar. The leader of the band was Šima Dominković and the rest of the members were: Andrija Miličić, Mato Miličić, Mirko Gašparović, Josip Dominković, Mato Lukačević and Stanko Šarić. Little bit later they were joined by Hrvoje Majić. For the next few years they perform exclusively in Slavonije around town of Županja. 1985 marks the end of this formation of the group because of the internal problems. One year later Mato Lukačević with the help of Stjepan Bogutovac forms yet another formation of Zlatni Dukati. Third formation of the band consisted of:
Petar Nikolić-violin
Hrvoje Majić-basprim
Mirko Gašparović-basprim
Stjepan Bogutovac-basprim
Mato Miličić(Pista)-kontra
Mato Lukačević-bas
This formation also performs around town of Županja 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 Šarić joins the band again while violin player Petar Nikolić leaves the band. During the summer of 1987 the band stars their first tour around Croatia with the help of music agency "Lira" from Čakovec. Band members for the tour were:
Hrvoje Majić-prim
Mirko Gašparović-basprim
Stjepan Bogutovac-basprim
Stanko Šarić-basprim
Mato Miličić (Pista)-kontra
Mato Lukačević-bas
That same year band started working with composer Josip Ivanković which resulted with the release of album "Nek zvone tambure". Album was released in 1988.
After disagreements with Josip Ivanković, in June of 1988 Stjepan Bogutovac leaves the band. The rest of the band continues working with Ivanković 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 Ivanković 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 Tamburaši" in 1997. Even though the band had to change the name "Dukati" continue to be succsseful. Under the name "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši" the band releases following albums: "Vranac", "Nek' 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 Majić 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 Majić, Denis Špegelj joins the band. Denis is young and talented prim player from Virovitica. His youth and enthusiasm brings freshness to "Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši".
Now the Band Members are: Najbolji Hrvatski Tamburaši
Denis Špeglj-Prim
Stanko Šarić-Brac(Lead Vocals)
Mato Lukačević-Brac
Krunoslav Golubičić-Celo (Vocals)
Mato Miličić (Pista)-kontra
Mato Lukačević-bas
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