Perfect Super Show and Disco Band (1978)
In 1978 in Warsaw drummer Wojciech Morawski (ex-Breakout), bass guitar player Zdzisław Zawadzki (ex-Breakout), keyboard player Paweł Tabaka and vocalists Ewa Korczyńska-Konarzewska and Barbara Trzetrzelewska (ex-Alibabki) founded vocal-instrumental group.
Soon afterwards lead guitar player Zbigniew Hołdys (ex- Kwiaty Warszawy, Rh+, Dzikie Dziecko) joined them and together as a "Perfect Super Show And Disco Band" they played mainly in restaurants in Warsaw and Polish community centres in USA. The group also accompanied Polish music stars as Anna Jantar and Halina Frąckowiak.
In 1979 Barbara Trzetrzelewska left the group. The vocalist later, known as Basia, established a successful international recording career (as no other Polish music artist) - at the beginning with Matt Bianco group, and later as a solo artist. Without her the group recorded their first rock songs, but they were not released until over 10 years later on album "1977-1991Historie nieznane" (1993), which is in fact a documentation of Hołdys' artistic life.
Birth of Perfect (1980)
In autumn 1980 the group, under Zbigniew Hołdys influence, started to change its style to become strictly rock band. At that time they also changed name of the group to Perfect.
The band played its first concert on New Year's Eve 1980 in Student Club Stodoła in Warsaw. At that concert the band consisted of: leader of the group - Zbigniew Hołdys (guitarist, vocalist), Grzegorz Markowski (vocalist, ex-VOX, he earlier sang in Teatr Na Targówku, Victoria Hotel and Warsaw restaurants "Europejski", "Bristol", "Czarny Kot", in 1978 he represented Poland on festival in Castlebar in Ireland), Ryszard Sygitowicz (guitarist, ex-Dzikie dziecko), Piotr Szkudelski (drummer, ex-Dzikie Dziecko, later played with Martyna Jakubowicz, and in groups Jajco i Giganci and Emigranci), Zdzisław Zawadzki (bass guitarist).
Very soon Perfect became one of the most popular rock groups in Poland.
Bogdan Olewicz is the lyrics author of most of Perfect songs. He was writing about problems of Polish people at the time of frustration, when everybody had been looking for some positive changes in the country. Social and political transformations at that time (1980-1982) had an influence on the lyrics of Perfect songs.
People at concerts were manifesting their opposition against political situation in Poland by singing songs with changed lyrics: "Chcemy bić ZOMO" (We want to beat ZOMO [ZOMO - paramilitary riot police formations during the Communist Era]) instead of "Chcemy być sobą", and "Nie bój się tego Jaruzelskiego" (Don't be afraid of Jaruzelski [Wojciech Jaruzelski - Polish Communist political and military leader, Prime Minister from 1981 to 1985]) instead of "Nie bój się tego wszystkiego". Other song - "Autobiografia" became the unofficial anthem of Polish Rock
Music.
In 1981 Perfect played many concerts, and some of them ended in unusual way: in Kielce the group had to shelter from euphoric crowd in the cellar, in Toruń branches of trees were broken under weight of people, who wanted to see their idols. The band also took part in the most important rock festivals in Poland: Rock Arena in Poznań, Rock in Opole, Rock Music Festival in Jarocin, Rock Jamboree in Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw. They also recorded their first EP contained of songs: "Chcemy być sobą", "Coś się dzieje w mej biednej głowie", "Bla,bla,bla" i "Nie płacz Ewka".
Later that year Perfect recorded their first album called "Perfect". The album sold more than million copies !!!
In 1982 Zdzisław Zawadzki and Ryszard Sygitowicz left the group. New members of Perfect became guitarist Andrzej Nowicki (ex- Mech, Irjan), and bass guitarist Andrzej Urny (ex- Dżem, Krzak). These changes didn't have a negative effect on the group, as they released new single with two hit songs "Pepe wróć" and "Opanuj się".
In autumn 1982 Perfect released its first live album - recorded at two concerts in Stodoła in Warsaw.
Most of songs of this album were later recorded in studio and released year later on new album called "UNU".
The End... (1983)
In March 1983, after great concert in Stodoła, during press conference discouraged Zbigniew Hołdys announced his decision to break up the group. Perfect were playing concerts until the last one during Festival in Opole in June.
During the next four years members of the group were trying to perform individually, but none of them was really successful.
"Perfect Day" (1987)
In 1987 Perfect came back and gave three concerts (called "Perfect Day"): in Olivia Hall in Gdańsk, in Spodek in Katowice and at Stadion Dziesięciolecia in Warsaw. Concert in Warsaw drew about 50.000 people, the largest audience at any paid show of Polish artist in history.
At that concert tickets for concert in 2000 were sold, but the concert never took place, as it was impossible for the all five musicians to meet again.
Reactivation and another break up (1989-1992)
In 1989 Hołdys reactivated Perfect, but without vocalist Grzegorz Markowski. New Perfect formed: Zbigniew Hołdys (vocal, guitar), Piotr Szkudelski (drums), Mieczysław Jurecki (bass guitar) and Jacek Krzaklewski (guitar). They went to USA and played concerts in clubs in New York, Los Angeles (Whiskey Go Go) and San Francisco.
On 4 January 1990 the group played as the first band from Central Europe in legendary club CBGB's in New York. Effects of these concerts (played for American audience) were great reviews in the media (ABC, "New York Times", "Newsweek", "Village Voice" and "Spin"). At that time Perfect recorded English-language version of their songs: "Po co?" ("What For"), "Niewiele Ci mogę dać" ("I wish I could give you more") and "Ale w koło jest wesoło" ("Golly Gee The Ball is Rolling"). The records were made at Platinium studio. Their producer was Bob Musso, who worked with Metallica, Iggy Pop and Mick Jagger.
Perfect (1993-2000)
Members of the group were receiving many concerts proposals and in 1993 they again decided to reactivate. This time however their leader Zbigniew Hołdys refused to join the group, so new Perfect consisted of: Grzegorz Markowski (vocal), Piotr Szkudelski (drums), Andrzej Nowicki (bass guitar), Ryszard Sygitowicz (guitar) and Andrzej Urny (guitar). At the beginning they were only reactivated to play some concerts for Polonia in Canada as Perfect Band.
After their return from Canada in 1994 Perfect performed their first concert in Poland for seven years in Spodek in Katowice (08.01.1994). Concert was a big success, so musicians decided to continue playing. Perfect appeared at many festivals in Poland, and also went to play concerts in France, Germany, Belgium and USA.
Soon afterwards Andrzej Urny left the group and Jacek Krzaklewski (ex- Test, Pakt, Romuald i Roman, Spisek, Stalowy Bagaż, Banda i Wanda) filled in. In the same year Perfect released new album called "Jestem". At that time Perfect played on concert called "Giganci rocka" and Festival in Opole at "Premiery i przeboje" concert.
In October 1996 Perfect finished recording their next album called "Geny" (it was released in October 1997). Album was certified a "Gold Record", and Perfect proved for the second time, that they can cope without their former leader Zbigniew Hołdys. Next year during Intermiedia'97 in Poznań Perfect gave concert, which was broadcasted live on internet. In 1998 Ryszard Sygitowcz left the group, and Dariusz Kozakiewicz (ex- Test, Breakout, Świadectwo Dojrzałości, Jajco i Giganci, Universe), known as Polish Hendrix, became their new guitarist.
A few months later bass guitarist Andrzej Nowicki also left the group, and was replaced by Piotr Urbanek (ex- Roxa, Human, Tadeusz Nalepa, Syndia, Kasia Kowalska, Lady Pank). On 20 September 1999 they released their next album called "Śmigło". At that time Perfect consisted of: Grzegorz Markowski (vocal), Piotr Szkudelski (drums), Piotr Urbanek (bass guitar), Jacek Krzaklewski (guitar), Dariusz Kozakiewicz (guitar).
(2001-2005)
On 1 January 2001 Perfect released new live album called “Live 2001” – it was the summary of the 20-years, when the group gave many fantastic concerts. Recording of this album were made during three concerts at the tour in the summer of 1999. The album was recorded using Dolby Surround Pro Logic technology (first album in Poland) to improve realism of audio.
Next year group released album “Perfect Symfonicznie”, where their music was pairing with symphony orchestra. Album, recorded with The Polish Radio Orchestra, contains of 15 songs (almost all of them were new version of their old songs), which were arranged by outstanding Polish musicians: Wojciech Karolak, Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz, Paweł Betley, Grzegorz Piotrowski, Wojciech Zieliński, Adam Sztaba i Wiesław Pieregorólka. “Perfect Symfonicznie” album was nominated for The Fryderyk (Polish music award), and was certified a “Platinum Record” after just two weeks (it was then a record in Poland). It was the first studio album in Poland, where rock music was paired with symphony orchestra. The album was recorded in legendary S4 studio in Polish Radio. The Polish Radio Orchestra was conducted by Wiesław Pieregorólka.
On Monday, 13 October 2003, at 8 am, at Dmowski Roundabout in Warsaw Perfect gave concerts on the rooftop of “Cepelia” building. Happening followed The Beatles example, who gave their last concerts was on the rooftop of Apple building in London, on 30 January 1969. At the end of that concert vocalist of the group Grzegorz Markowski was arrested for disturbing of public order.
On 1 April 2004 Perfect released new studio album called “Schody”. They played most of the songs of this album during concert on the same day at Student Club Stodoła in Warsaw. Informations, that it would be their last concert, turned out to be April Fool's Day joke.
It is worth to mention that “Schody”, was the first album of Polish artist released only on the Internet.
Perfect was given special award for this, and they also received World Telecommunication Day Statue, given only to persons and institution of merit to Polish telecommunication.
At Christmas 2004 Perfect released “Schody” again – this time as CD album, and also special edition, where … vinyl ablum was added to CD.
On 28 November 2004 gave concert in Kiev (Ukraine) as a sign of solidarity with Ukrainian people during The Orange Revolution. They played three songs: "Idź Precz", "Niepokonani" and "Chcemy być sobą".
In 2005 Perfect played at EXPO’2005 in Japan and went on tour in Australia. They also participated in “Droga do Wolności” [Road To Freedom] concert on 17 September in Brussels organized as a part of celebration of 25 years of “Solidarność”. In October 2005 Perfect went on tour in USA. They also played at Rockowisko Festival in Łódź – organized for the first time after 25 years, and at concert in Vienna.
It is worth to mention that Grzegorz Markowski appeared at Sopot Festival, where he was a guest of German group – Scorpions. Together they performed one of the biggest hits of Scorpions “Wind of change”; Grzegorz sang fragment of this song in Polish.
(2006-2007)
In 2006 Perfect celebrated 25 years of artistic work. During Jubilee Concert at Festiwal Jedynki in Sopot on 4 August 2006 famous Polish artists performed some of Perfect’s greatest hits.
Their guests were: former Perfect guitarists Ryszard Sygitowicz and Andrzej Urny (Zbigniew Hołdys rejected an invitation), Patrycja Markowska, Ryszard Rynkowski, Kayah, Bracia Cugowscy, Maciej Silski, Urszula, Hanna Banaszak, Małgorzata Ostrowska, Trio Big Stars (Lora Szafran, Beata Bednarz, Patrycja Gola). Concert was led by radio journalist - Marek Niedźwiecki.
During the concert Perfect received “Gold Microphone Statue” – award given by Polish Radio for distinguished achievements for public radio.
During “Gala Asów EMPiKu 2006”, which took place at Sala Palladium in Warsaw on 7 February 2007, Perfect was given “Gold Record” for their album with symphony orchestra -“Perfect Symfonicznie”. Awards were given to group members and also to Bogdan Olewicz (lyrics author), Adam Galas (group manager) and Wiesław Pieregorólka (The Polish Radio Orchestra).
The same month Perfect appeared as the main star of reactivated Rock Arena Festival in Poznań. They also played in London (in Hammersmith Palais on 16 March) on 3rd birthday of “Cooltura” magazine.
On 11 April 2007 Perfect played at Student Club Stodoła in Warsaw, and their concert was recorded and released on DVD called “Z wtorku na środę” two months later. Perfect’s guest was Ryszard Sygitowicz (their former guitarist), who performed two songs: “Kołysanka dla Nieznajomej” (guitar) and “Niewiele Ci mogę dać” (piano).
On 9 June 2007 Perfect played at Breakout 2007 Festival in Rzeszów organized as a tribute to Mira Kubasińska and Taduesz Nalepa. Perfect also took part in “Lato z radiem 2007” tour, which consist of 21 concert (it included two concerts outside Poland – in Lviv and Vilnius.
At the end of October they released special edition of their album with symphony orchestra called “Perfect Symfonicznie – Platinum”. Before that they gave show in Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw, where they played together with The Polish Radio Orchestra conducted by Wiesław Pieregorólka. Concert was broadcasted live on Channel 1 of Polish Radio. They played most of their songs from “Perfect Symfonicznie” album, and also presented their new song – “Póki mam jeden sen” written by Filip Siejka (music) and Bogdan Olewicz (lyrics).
On 21 November 2007 during concert in Student Club Stodola in Warsaw Perfect was awarded “Gold Record” for their DVD “Z wtorku na środę”.
On 17 November 2007 Perfect gave fantastic concert in König-Pilsener-Arena in Oberhausen (Germany) for a dozen or so thousands people.
On 16 December 2007 Perfect played in a church in Rome (concert called "Spełnić choć jedno marzenie" was later broadcasted by TV Polonia). They performed new acoustic arrangements of Christmas carols (Polish actress Małgorzata Kozuchowska also performed on that concert). It was a charity concert to earn funds for modernization of Państwowy Dom Opieki Społecznej in Brańszczyk.
On 20 December 2007 Perfect performed again with The Polish Radio Orchestra conducted by Wiesław Pieregorólka in Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw. They ended the year giving concert on New Year's Eve in Wrocław for 200.000 people (during TV Show called "Sylwester pod dobrą gwiazdą").
(2008-2009)
In 2008 Perfect gave many concerts around Poland, some of them together with symphony orchestra. In the spring they presented to their fans new song called “Paradoks”.
Members of Perfect group also took part in other projects. Grzegorz Markowski together with his daughter Patrycja made a guest appearance on “Rock loves Chopin” album (Frédéric Chopin compositions in new rock arrangements), and Dariusz Kozakiewicz on Homo Twist album “Matematyk” and “W hołdzie Tadeuszowi Nalepie” album (dedicated to died a year before Polish musician).
Two former members of Perfect group Ryszard Sygitowicz and Zbigniew Hołdys took part on recording of “Hey Jimi - Polskie gitary grają Hendrixa” album (Jimi Hendrix songs performed by Polish guitarists).
They also took part in “Solidarni z Gruzją” concert in Park Wolności in Warsaw on 14 August 2008, which was dedicated to people of Georgia, after military conflict with Russia. On this concert, which was broadcasted live by TVP they played two songs: “Oddech Rosji” and “Chcemy byc sobą”.
On 15 June 2008 Grzegorz Markowski imprinted his hand on newly created Walk of Fame in Nowa Sól. On 2 August 2008 Perfect appeared as the main star of “Zlot Klubu Kultury 2008” in Wêdryñski Park (Czech Republic).
On 31 August 2008 Perfect gave concert with symphony orchestra of Polish Baltic Philharmonic as a star of the final of “Festiwal Solidarności”, which took place at Gdańsk Shipyard.
On 11 November 2008 during ceremony of presenting Radio Wawa’s Polish music award “Złote Dzioby 2008” in Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw, Perfect group received special award -“Super Dziób”.
They ended the year giving concert on New Year’s Eve on Jasne Błonia in Szczecin.
On 16 January 2009 Perfect gave concert at Muffathalle in Munich to a full house of people. Organizers of this “United in Rock” concert wanted to gave momentum to Polish-German dialogue by presenting Polish rock music.
On 19 January 2009 DVD album dedicated to Tadeusz Nalepa and Mira Kubasińska was released. Album is recording of the concert, which took place at “Festiwal Breakout” in Hala Podpromie in Rzeszów in June 2007. Perfect was one of the stars of this concert.
On 31 March 2009 Perfect was the star of the final of Anty-Fest, which took place at Hard Rock Cafe in Warsaw.
Concert was broadcasted live by Antyradio.
On 4 June 2009 Perfect appeared at “20 lat wolności” concert, which was organised to mark the first free parliamentary elections in Poland after World War II (in 1989).
The concert was broadcasted live from Plac Teatralny in Warsaw by Polsat TV.
During anniversary concert "40 lat Woodstocku" in Kostrzyn nad Odrą Dariusz Kozakiewicz played on his guitar Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Star Spangled Banner - Jimi Hendrix).
In September new album of "Z Archiwum Polskiego Radia" collection was released. It contains two Perfect’s concerts recorded in 1981 during Festival in Opole and Rock Jamboree in Sala Kongresowa in Warsaw.
On 19 October new DVD album called “Perfect Symfonicznie” was released. It contains Perfect’s concert with Symphony Orchestra of W. Lutosławski Philharmonic, which took place on 26 April 2009 in Hala Stulecia in Wrocław. The album was certified a “Gold Record” at the day of its release.
(2010-2012)
In 2010 Perfect celebrated its 30-th birthday. The main birthday concert named “Odlotowy koncert” took place at Spodek in Katowice on 13 March 2010.
The hall was full of people and it was the first concert of that type in Poland – it was played on unusual stage and it consisted of three parts: acoustic, rock and symphonic.
In the autumn of 2009 new joint album of Grzegorz Markowski and Ryszard Sygitowicz called “Markowski&Sygitowicz” was released.
In the 30th year of their artistic activity Perfect gave many concerts in Poland and abroad. They played in USA (New York, Chicago), Canada (Toronto) and in Germany during the third edition of “Koncert Gwiazd” in Essen.
On 9 November 2010 Perfect released their new studio album called “XXX”. It contains 11 new songs, and its first single is “Raz po raz (straszą nas)”.
In December 2010 première of the video clip of "Raz po raz (straszą nas)” took place. This song promotes new album “XXX”.
On 19 February 2011 during concert in Student Club Stodola in Warsaw Perfect was awarded “Gold Record” for their album “XXX”.
During 48th National Festival of Polish Song in Opole Perfect appeared in “Perfect i przyjaciele” [Perfect and Friends] concert, and in The Stars of Polish Song Boulevard the group’s star was revealed.
On 1 July 2011 Perfect took part in a concert, which inaugurated Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and was organized at Plac Defilad in Warsaw.
On 23 July 2011 Perfect gave concert at Dni Św. Kingi in Wieliczka, which was watched (according to organisers’ estimations) by about 20.000 people!
On 30 July 2011 Perfect appeared at the 30. Piknik Country Festival in Mrągowo. Their concert was broadcasted live by Polsat TV.
In December 2011 première of the video clip of "Czy to ja” took place. This song promotes new album “XXX”.
Perfect ended year 2011 with New Year’s Eve concert at City Stadium in Poznan (at the Bulgarska street).
In 2012 Perfect gave concerts, among others, in Belgium (Brussels) and Sweden (Stockholm). They also appeared as the main star of VI Rock Legends’ Festival in Dolina Charlotty (August 2012).
On 25 August 2012 during “Sopot Festival Top Of The Top” Perfect appeared in a concert organized on the occasion of 50-th anniversary of creation of the legendary British group – The Beatles. They performed one of their song – “Yesterday”.
On 7 October 2012 Perfect gave concert in Stockholm (Capital of Sweden).
On 18 December 2012 Perfect appeared in Teatr Wielki (Grand Theatre), in Warsaw, at the concert organized to celebrate 20 years of Polsat TV. Concert was broadcasted live by Polsat TV.
On 25 March 2013 a long-awaited reissue of the first Perfect’s album (so-called “White album”) on CD was released. Three additional songs: “Pepe wróc”, “Po co” and “Opanuj się” also appeared on this album.
In June, on the other hand, double vinyl album “Perfect” was released (original album and single with three songs: “Pepe wróc”, “Po co” and “Opanuj się”).
At the turn of April and May Perfect went to USA, where they gave concerts in New York, New Britain and Chicago to the full house of rock-eager public. Due to huge interest of fans, extra concert in Chicago took place.
On 17 May 2013 in Łódź meeting of The Official Fan Club “Adrenalina” took place, where the most faithful fans met with musicians of Perfect group.
Perfect gave charity concert (for “Fundacja Dzieci Ulicy” foundation) on 14 November 2013 at Stodola Club in Warsaw. Additional income for this foundation was raised by selling CD singles with specially recorded song by Perfect called “My Nie Chcemy Być Dziećmi Ulicy” (D. Kozakiewicz, B. Olewicz). Video for this song was also recorded.
On 16 November 2013 Perfect gave concert at O2 Shepards Bush Empire in London.
On Dezember 2013 a long-awaited reissue of the two Perfect’s album "Live" on CD + Vinyl was released.
They ended the year giving concert on New Year’s Eve at Main Square in Krakow (broadcasted live by TVN).
Newest Perfect’s album called “DaDaDam” was released on 9 June 2014. It contains 12 songs with lyrics written by Jacek Cygan, Wojciech Waglewski, Bogdan Loebl, Andrzej Mogielnicki and Robert Gawliński. The lead single was “Wszystko ma swój czas” (D. Kozakiewicz, J. Cygan). Video clip was also recorded for this song.
“Wszystko ma swój czas” was at the top of many charts of the most popular radio stations in Poland. Album was certified a “Gold Record” less than three weeks after its release. Ceremony of presenting this award took place during “Lato z radiem” concert in Stegna on 27 July 2014. Album cover was created by Edward Lutczyn, who created group’s logo and many of their previous albums covers.
Perfect took part in “Lato z radiem 2014” promoting their new album “DaDaDam”. Perfect’s concerts were broadcasted live by Polskie Radio on their website.
Perfect and Anna Frontczak (second finalist of RMF FM “Ja Cię Kręcę” competition) recorded new version of Lady Pank’s hit – “Zawsze tam, gdzie ty”.
On 13 October 2014 second video clip (for song “Odnawiam dusze”) promoting album “DaDaDam” was released.
On 22 October 2014 Perfect was given “Mateusz Trójki 2014” award for lifetime art achievement in “Popular music” category. Award ceremony in Agnieszka Osiecka studio (on Myśliwiecka street) was broadcasted live by Polish Radio.
At the end of October 2014 the animated video clip for “Strażak” song (produced by Fan Club “Adrenalina”) was released.
In November Perfect took part in “wROCK for Freedom - Dzień Niepodległości” concert, organized on 96-th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland.
Perfect also received award in “Music” category at “Róze Gali 2014” ceremony - for “DaDaDam” album.
“Perfect Live 1995” concert, which took place at Legia Warsaw tennis courts, was released on CD and DVD combine album.
They ended the year giving acoustic concerts – long-awaited by their fans. Perfect also gave concerts at Czestochowa Philharmonic, in Lodz, and at “Sylwester z Dwojka” (New Year’s Eve) at Main Square in Wroclaw.
On 7 February 2015 Perfect was choosen as an Artist of 25 Years by RMF FM (radio completion).
On 12 February 2015 during TV show „Świat się kręci” (TVP1) Perfect received „Platinum Record” from Fan Club “Adrenalina” for “perfect” 35 years career.
On 15 February 2015 giving two concerts in Torwar in Warsaw Perfect started their Jubilee Tour “Wszystko ma swój czas” – as a 35th Anniversary. Their guests on this concert were: Ryszard Sygitowicz and Patrycja Markowska.
On 25 February “DaDaDam” album was certified a “Platinum Record”, and on 9 March 2015 “DaDaDam” vinyl album was released.
On 8 March jubilee concert “Niepokonani – 35 lat Perfectu” from Atlas Arena in Lodz was broadcasted live by Polsat TV.
On 13 June 2015 Perfect received two “Super Jedynka” awards at 52nd National Festival of Polish Song in Opole – for “Wszystko ma swój czas” song (in Super Hit category) and in TV viewers’ voting.
On 27 June 2015 Adam Galas – manager of Perfect group – died.
During “wRock for Freedom Wroclaw 2015” Festival (29.08.2015) Grzegorz Markowski was given “Solidariusz” statuette by Chairman of Lower Silesia department of “Solidarity”.
In October jubilee concert (as a 35th Anniversary) from Atlas Arena in Lodz was released on DVD album. Perfect’s special guests were Ryszard Sygitowicz, Patrycja Markowska and Igor Herbut from Lemon group.
In October and November Perfect were giving concerts in Dublin, London, Manchester, Essen and Vienna.
Perfect ended year 2015 with New Year’s Eve concert at common land of National Stadium in Warsaw.
On 25 January 2016 re-edition of “Jestem” album was released by MTJ company. On 2 May 2016 “Jestem” was released as a double-vinyl album.
