San was formed in 1971 by keyboardist and composer Aleksandar "Sanja" Ilić, formerly of the band Vragolani (The Imps).[1] San consisted of Ilić (keyboards), Predrag Jovičić (vocals), former Bele Višnje member Aleksandar Slaviković (guitar), Dragoslav Jovanović (bass guitar) and former Smeli (The Daring Ones) member Aleksandar Grujić (drums).[1]
In 1971, the band released their debut record, a 7-inch single featuring the songs "Tebe sam želeo" ("I Wanted You") and "Helena", through PGP-RTB record label.[1] Two years later, the band released another single, featuring the songs "Papirni brodovi" ("Paper Ships") and "Hej, malena" ("Hey, Little Girl").[1] In 1974, the band released three 7-inch singles: the first one featuring the songs "Legenda" ("Legend") and "Milena", the second one featuring the songs "Jedan svet za sve" ("One World for All") and "Srce na dlanu" ("Heart on a Sleeve"), and the third one featuring the songs "Anabela" and "Zvezda ljubavi" ("Love Star").[1] With the song "Legenda", the band won the Second Prize on 1974 Festival Omladina in Subotica.[1][2] During their activity, the band made recordings for Radio Belgrade on several occasions, performed as the backing band for popular singer Miki Jevremović and held well-received concerts on the Adriatic shore.[1] In addition to working with San, during the band's run Ilić wrote music for the film ITD (ETC.) and the rock operaArhanđeli i automati (Archangels and Automatons) performed in Belgrade's Dadov Theatre.[1]
On 2 February 1975, during a concert at Čair Hall in Niš, Jovičić died from an electric shock.[1] The tragedy caused San members' decision to split up, Ilić deciding never to perform in a rock band again.[1]
Post-breakup
After San disbanded, Ilić continued his career as a successful composer.[1]
