Illés (band)

The band is often compared to the Beatles as regards the time period of its activity, its artistic and cultural influence and continuing popularity.

Later however, the band chose as its logo a chariot in the form of musical notes, drawn by two horses, riding over the name "Illés" and the sun.

Their song Még fáj minden csók (Every kiss still hurts) caused quite a scandal in 1966 because of Levente Szörényi's "squeaking" singing style.

Despite them being highly controversial, they were supported by the Communist regime - that was trying at the time to introduce a policy of "small liberties" for the people - and received numerous awards.

The Illés had been in fact barred for one year (plus a fine) from the Capital because of an interview they did release while staying in Britain and where they did criticize government.

The band later re-united for high-profile concerts on different occasions, the most memorable probably being their 1990 performance in the Népstadion after the regime change in Hungary.

In 1983, Szörényi and Bródy wrote the rock opera István, a király, based on the life of Saint Stephen I, the first king of Hungary.

Bródy, a secular Jew, sympathized with the liberal Free Democrats, while Szörényi became increasingly nationalist and a religious Christian.