Prljavo kazalište

Prljavo Kazalište (lit. Dirty Theater) is the name of two Croatian (formerly Yugoslav) rock bands; one formed in Zagreb in 1977, and the other formed in Zagreb in 2023. Initially part of the Yugoslav punk rock and new wave scene, the original incarnation of the band turned to mainstream rock sound in mid-1980s. The group has enjoyed large popularity throughout most of its career, and is widely considered one of the most influential acts of Yugoslav and Croatian rock scenes.

Formed by vocalist Davorin Bogović, guitarist Jasenko Houra, guitarist Zoran Cvetković "Zok", bass guitarist Nino Hrastek and drummer Tihomir Fileš, Prljavo Kazalište initially performed punk rock, their songs lyrics featuring provocative social commentary. Their eponymous debut album, recorded with guitarist Marijan Brkić "Brk", who came in as replacement for Cvetković, was released in 1979 to large attention of the country's public and critical acclaim. With their following, more ska- and 2 Tone-oriented album Crno bijeli svijet the group established themselves as one of the most notable acts of the Yugoslav new wave scene. After the album release, Bogović departed from the group, and the band recorded their third album Heroj ulice with Houra on lead vocals, the record marking the band's shift towards more conventional rock sound. Bogović returned for the group's fourth album Korak od sna, after which the group went on hiatus. The band returned to the scene with the 1985 album Zlatne godine, featuring new frontman Mladen Bodalec and radio-friendly pop rock sound. During the following years, the band would enjoy large mainstream popularity, scoring a number of hit songs. Their late 1980s work sparked controversy in some parts of Yugoslavia due to its (perceived) nationalistic undertones, but also increased the band's popularity in Croatian public. During the Croatian War of Independence, the band recorded a number of patriotic tunes, but returned to social criticism with their late 1990s works. The group maintained their musical direction with mainstream rock sound, returning briefly to their new wave roots with the 2003 album Radio Dubrava. Since the late 1990s, Prljavo Kazalište has enjoyed the status of the most popular Croatian rock band (alongside Parni Valjak), also maintaining large popularity in other former Yugoslav republics.

In 2022, a fallout between two remaining original members, Jasenko Houra and Tihomir Fileš, led to a legal process over the rights to the band name. Since 2023, two factions of the band have been active, both named Prljavo Kazalište, one led by Houra and fronted by Bodalec, and the other led by Fileš and fronted by original vocalist Davorin Bogović.