YU Grupa is one of the oldest and most influential rock bands from the former Yugoslavia and present-day Serbia. The band was formed in 1970 in Belgrade by brothers Dragi and Žika Jelić, who remain the only original members still active in the group. YU Grupa is considered a pioneer in blending rock music with elements of Balkan folk traditions.
Their self-titled debut album, YU Grupa (1973), was an immediate success. It features hits such as "Čudna šuma", "Crni leptir", "More", "Trka", and "Noć je moja", and became one of the best-selling rock records of its time in Yugoslavia — even before the debut of Bijelo Dugme.
The band has released more than ten studio albums. Notable among them are their fourth and fifth albums – Kako to da svaki dan (1974) and Među zvezdama (1977), both recognized for their progressive rock and blues-inspired sound. In 1976, they released the compilation YU zlato, which includes iconic tracks from their early years and was ranked among the 100 greatest Yugoslav rock and punk albums.
After disbanding in 1981, the group reunited in 1987 and continued to develop a signature sound with a consistent lineup. Their first official live album, Live (2007), recorded at concerts in Belgrade and Novi Sad, showcases their enduring stage presence and loyal fan base.
