Biography

Gjurmët became one of the most influential Albanian Rock bands and most popular in both Albania and Kosovo. Led by guitarist/vocalist Migjen Kelmendi, the band brought a new wave of music in Kosovo. The band was formed by Migjen Kelmendi (rhythm guitar), Tomor Kurshumliu (bass), Bekim Dyla (lead guitar), and Petrit Riza (drums). The band reached its peak in 1984 with the planned release of a cassette titled "Të Vallëzojmë" ("Let's dance") which became a controversial topic due to its album cover which featured two traditional Albanian dancers, making the shape of a double-headed eagle with their posture. In 1985 the album was released but due to censorship by The Radio Television of Prishtina had its cover and name changed, the front cover featured the band's photo, in the image, Migjen Kelmendi is looking at his wristwatch as a comment on the release delay. The album featured a combination of New Wave, Post-Punk, Reggae, and Folk music. In 1986, due to the socio-political situation forming up in Kosovo, the band decided to break up. In 1988 the band got back together to record one last song as an ode to their city Prishtina "Hero i Qytetit Pa Lum" ("Hero of the City without a River"). After the war in Kosovo, in 2002, Gjurmët returned once again with the Gjurmët LP Project, which included a compilation album LP, featuring a collection of the material the band had recorded in the course of the '80s and a book written by Migjen Kelmendi which was about the band's history.