Divokej Bill is a Czech folk rock band formed in 1998 in Úvaly, near Prague. The band takes its name from Wild Bill Hickok, and blend country music influences with punk rock, folk, and alternative rock sounds. Divokej Bill is currently composed of vocalist Štěpán Karbulka, guitarist Václav "Venda" Bláha, acoustic guitarist Roman Procházka, bassist Jurda "Šolim" Čaruj, drummer Marek Žežulka, violinist Adam Karlík, banjo and harmonica player Honza "Jack" Bártl, and accordion player Martin "Pecan" Pecka. As of 2021, they have released seven studio albums, four live albums, and two compilations. History Early years, first two albums: 1998–2001 Divokej Bill was founded on 6 June 1998 in Úvaly by former members of the bands Wáša and Medvěd 009, Václav Bláha (guitar, vocals), Ondřej Pospíšil (banjo, vocals), Miloš Jurač (bass, vocals), and Ota Smrkovský (drums). However, a year later, Pospíšil and Smrkovský left the group and Divokej Bill began looking for new musicians. They were soon joined by Roman Procházka (acoustic guitar, vocals), Štěpán Karbulka (vocals), Adam Karlík (violin, vocals), Martin Pecka (accordion), and Honza Veselý (drums). They recorded their first demo the same year, titled Sedm statečných (The Magnificent Seven), as the band consisted of seven members at the time. They began to play shows, including at Rock for People during the first few years of the festival's existence. The band's original stringed instrument was the banjo, but since the departure of Pospíšil, this element was missing. They eventually added Honza "Jack" Bártl, who played banjo and harmonica. Divokej Bill recorded another demo, Osm statečných (The Magnificent Eight), in 1999, with which they entered several competitions such as Rock Nymburk, Jim Beam Rock, Broumovská Kytara, and Rock Fest Dobříš, where they usually placed in the top three spots. Their first album was released in 2000 under the title Propustka do pekel. Divokej Bill began playing club dates, opening for various established bands such as Tři sestry, and gaining some prominence. Their second album, titled Svatá pravda, came out in 2001 and brought them the opportunity to play the Staropramen Tour with Žlutý pes. Following this, Veselý left the group and was replaced by veteran drummer Marek Žežulka, who had previously played with Arakain and Daniel Landa, among others. Radio play, Gold record, further albums: 2003–04 On their third album, Mezi nima (2003), Divokej Bill experimented with synthesizers. The lead single, "Znamení", got them on the radio for the first