Overview
Branko Črnac "Tusta" (6 October 1955 – 14 October 2012) was a Croatian and Yugoslav musician, best known as the frontman of the popular punk rock band KUD Idijoti. Noted for his charisma, stage persona and anti-fascist stands, Črnac was one of the most prominent figures of the Yugoslav punk rock scene.
Early life
Črnac was born on 6 October 1955 in Pula, in a family originating from a village on the Ćićarija hill. He graduated from Pula Technical School, and in 1978 got an employment in Uljanik Electric Machines and Equipment Factory (TESU), where he eventually became a head of a department; he was a trade-union representative for the Trade Unions of Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia, and he actively organized and participated in workers' protests.
Musical career
Črnac joined KUD Idijoti in 1985, four years after the band's formation. At the time, Črnac was 30 years old, married and had a child, working in Uljanik factory and had no previous experience in performing. Although the Yugoslav Wars made a gap in their career, the group soon returned to the scene, and throughout 1990s and 2000s maintained large fanbase in all former Yugoslav republics.
Illness and death
At the beginning of 2011, Črnac was diagnosed with lung and throat cancer. He had his last performance with the band on 26 February 2011 in Zeleni Gaj in Slovenia. Several days following his death, Milovanović announced that KUD Idijoti have ceased to exist.
Honors and legacy
dedicated to Črnac in Stara Pazova, Serbia, created in 2019. In 2020, the band was awarded the Rock&Off Lifetime Achievement Award.
Studio albums
*Mi smo ovdje samo zbog para (1990) *Glupost je neuništiva (1992) *Tako je govorio Zaratusta (1993) *Istra ti materina (With Franci Blašković; 1995) *Megapunk (1995) *Cijena ponosa (1997) *Remek-djelo (2001)
Live albums
*Legendarni u živo (1986) *Live in Biel (1988) *Gratis Hits Live! (1999)
EPs
*Bolje izdati ploču nego prijatelja (1987) *...Budimo solidarni – s bogatima... (1987) *Hoćemo cenzuru (1988) *Fuck (1996)
Compilation albums
*Bolivia R'n'R (1989) *Singles Collection Vol. 1 (1997)
Video albums
*Đuro Was Sold Out! (1991)
External links
*KUD Idijoti official website *Branko Črnac at Discogs