Poslednja Igra Leptira

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Poslednja Igra Leptira was a Yugoslav pop-rock band from Belgrade, formed in 1979. They mixed catchy pop-rock with humor and cabaret-style skits, led by singer Nenad “Neša” Radulović, who wrote most of the songs.

The band gained attention in the early 1980s and won the Palilula Culture Olympics in 1981, which helped them grow a steady lineup. They released their debut album Napokon ploča in 1982, which included the big hits “Nataša” and “Vrati se.” In 1983 they put out a second album, Ponovo ploča & druge priče, with new keyboardist Slobodan Mitić and the hits “Sličuge” and “Hvala ti za muziku.”

In 1984 the male members were drafted into the army, causing a hiatus and the departure of Zorica Đermanov and Olivera Perić. When the band returned, Lidija Asanović joined as the new female vocalist. The third album Opet ploča – Srce od meda came out in 1985, produced by Rajko Dujmić, and featured the hit “Dečko, ajde o'ladi.” That year the band won the Oscar of Popularity as Pop Band of the Year.

The fourth album, Grudi moje Balkanske, was released in 1986 with Dujmić handling arrangements. It included “Nemoj da me nerviraš” (a duet with child singer Nataša Gaćeša), “Trodupli čovek” (based on The Third Man), and a cover of “Šanzelize.” The title track “Umiru jeleni” and other songs were also popular. In 1987 they released a fifth album, Zajedno smo piškili u pesku, with Dragoljub “Dado” Pejoski joining on guitar. Bora Đorđević wrote the lyrics for the title track, and guests included Jelica Sretenović and future star Aleksandra Kovač on some songs.

The band stopped performing in 1989. Radulović continued with solo projects, but died of cancer in February 1990. A 1997 compilation, Modra bajka – Best of, collected their hits and live recordings. In 2011 a square in Belgrade was named in Radulović’s honor, and a commemorative plaque was placed in Lajkovac in 2012.

Poslednja Igra Leptira’s songs have been covered by other bands, and their work remains influential in the region’s rock history. Their debut Napokon ploča is remembered as a significant 1980s Yugoslav pop-rock release.