Jurica Pađen

Jurica Pađen
Jurica Pađen in 2013
Background information
Born (1955-02-03) 3 February 1955
Zagreb, PR Croatia, FPR Yugoslavia
Genres
Occupation(s)Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1974–present
LabelsJugoton, Croatia Records, Menart

Jurica Pađen (born 3 February 1955) is a Croatian and Yugoslav rock musician, known as the frontman and leader of Aerodrom and Pađen Band, as well as guitarist for the bands Grupa 220, Parni Valjak and Azra and a member of the supergroup 4 Asa.

Pađen started his career as a teenager, playing guitar in several Zagreb bands. In 1972, he became a member of the popular band Grupa 220, appearing on the group's second (and last) studio album. After Grupa 220 disbanded in 1975, Pađen and another former Grupa 220 member, Husein Hasanefendić "Hus", formed Parni Valjak. With Parni Valjak, Pađen recorded two studio albums, before leaving the group to form his own band, Aerodrom. Pađen was initially the guitarist and principal songwriter for Aerodrom, taking over the vocal duties with the departure of the band's original vocalist Zlatan Živković in 1982. Initially a progressive rock band, Aerodrom achieved nationwide popularity during the 1980s with their pop rock hits, disbanding in 1987. After Aerodrom ended their activity, Pađen joined the popular band Azra as a guitarist, recording a studio and a live album with the group, also taking part in the recording of Azra leader Branimir "Johnny" Štulić's two solo albums. During the 1990s, he fronted his Pađen Band, recording three studio albums with the group. He reunited Aerodrom in 2000, the band recording four studio albums and a live album since. Simultaneously with his work with reunited Aerodrom, he performed with the supergroup 4 Asa, composed of Vlado Kalember, Alen Islamović, Rajko Dujmić and himself, and recorded two solo albums of instrumental music.