History
Early years, first two albums: 1998–2001
Divokej Bill was founded on 6 June 1998 in Ăšvaly by former members of the bands Wáša and MedvÄ›d 009, Václav Bláha (guitar, vocals), OndĹ™ej PospĂšil (banjo, vocals), Miloš JuraÄŤ (bass, vocals), and Ota SmrkovskĂ˝ (drums). However, a year later, PospĂšil and SmrkovskĂ˝ left the group and Divokej Bill began looking for new musicians. They were soon joined by Roman Procházka (acoustic guitar, vocals), Ĺ tÄ›pán Karbulka (vocals), Adam KarlĂk (violin, vocals), Martin Pecka (accordion), and Honza VeselĂ˝ (drums). They recorded their first demo the same year, titled ''Sedm stateÄŤnĂ˝ch'' (The Magnificent Seven), as the band consisted of seven members at the time. They began to play shows, including at Rock for People during the first few years of the festival's existence. The band's original stringed instrument was the banjo, but since the departure of PospĂšil, this element was missing. They eventually added Honza "Jack" Bártl, who played banjo and harmonica. Divokej Bill recorded another demo, ''Osm stateÄŤnĂ˝ch'' (The Magnificent Eight), in 1999, with which they entered several competitions such as Rock Nymburk, Jim Beam Rock, Broumovská Kytara, and Rock Fest DobřÚ, where they usually placed in the top three spots. Their first album was released in 2000 under the title ''Propustka do pekel''. Divokej Bill began playing club dates, opening for various established bands such as TĹ™i sestry, and gaining some prominence. Their second album, titled ''Svatá pravda'', came out in 2001 and brought them the opportunity to play the Staropramen Tour with Ĺ˝lutĂ˝ pes. Following this, VeselĂ˝ left the group and was replaced by veteran drummer Marek Ĺ˝eĹľulka, who had previously played with Arakain and Daniel Landa, among others.Radio play, Gold record, further albums: 2003–04
On their third album, ''Mezi nima'' (2003), Divokej Bill experimented with synthesizers. The lead single, "ZnamenĂ", got them on the radio for the first time. ''Mezi nima'' was certified Gold for ten thousand units sold. A year later, they managed to release a successful live album together with a DVD named after the place where it was recorded, Prague's Lucerna.''Divokej Bill'', ÄŚeskĂ˝ slavĂk, 10:20 Connection Tour: 2006–08
In 2006, Divokej Bill released their fourth album, ''Divokej Bill'', and won aMore releases, 20th anniversary: 2009–present
In 2009, Divokej bill released the album ''Mlsná''. In 2011, their first compilation record, ''Unisono best of 2000–2010'', came out, followed two years later by another album, ''15'', which referenced the band's 15 years of activity. Two more live albums followed, ''G2 Acoustic Stage'' (2014) and ''Doma (Úvaly 2015 - live)'' (2016), and the group's latest studio album, ''Tsunami'', was issued in 2017. On 24 January 2019, Divokej Bill performed their largest concert to date at Prague's O2 Arena, which was completely sold out, as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of their founding.Band members
Current members * Ĺ tÄ›pán Karbulka – vocals * Václav "Venda" Bláha – vocals, guitar * Roman Procházka – acoustic guitar, vocals * Jurda "Ĺ olim" ÄŚaruj – bass * Marek Ĺ˝eĹľulka – drums and percussion * Adam KarlĂk – violin * Honza "Jack" Bártl – banjo, harmonica * Martin "Pecan" Pecka – accordion Past members * Miloš JuraÄŤ – bass guitar, vocals * OndĹ™ej PospĂšil – banjo (1997–1998) * Ota SmrkovskĂ˝ – drums (1997–1998) * Honza "Kiska" VeselĂ˝ – drums (1998–2003) * Lukáš Toman – didgeridooDiscography
Studio albums * ''Propustka do pekel'' (2000) * ''Svatá pravda'' (2001) * ''Mezi nima'' (2003) * ''Divokej Bill'' (2006) * ''Mlsná'' (2009) * ''15'' (2013) * ''Tsunami'' (2017) Live albums * ''Lucerna live'' (CD+DVD) (2004) * ''Rock for People'' (2007) * ''G2 Acoustic Stage'' (CD+DVD) (2014) * ''Doma (Úvaly 2015 - live)'' (2016) Compilations * ''Unisono best of 2000–2010'' (2011) * ''Platinum Collection'' (3CD) (2015) Demos * ''Sedm statečných'' (1998) * ''Osm statečných'' (1999)References
External links
* {{Authority control Czech rock music groups Musical groups established in 1998 1998 establishments in the Czech Republic