Artists like Parni Valjak

Prljavo Kazalište is the name of two Croatian rock bands; one formed in Zagreb in 1977, and the other formed in Zagreb in 2023. Initially part of the Yugoslav punk rock and new wave scene, the original incarnation of the band turned to mainstream rock sound in mid-1980s. The group has enjoyed large popularity throughout most of its career, and is widely considered one of the most influential acts of Yugoslav and Croatian rock scenes.

Crvena Jabuka is a pop rock band originally formed in Sarajevo, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia in 1985, and since 1994 based in Zagreb, Croatia. The group gained nationwide popularity during its initial run, and has continued to enjoy success in former Yugoslav republics since the band's 1994 reformation.

Bijelo Dugme is a Bosnian rock band, formed in Sarajevo, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1974. Bijelo Dugme is widely considered to have been the most popular and the best-selling band ever to exist in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and one of the most prominent acts of the Yugoslav rock scene and Yugoslav popular music in general.

Daleka obala was a Croatian rock band based in Split, active between 1985 and 2002. The band was composed of Marijan Ban, Jadran Vušković, Boris Hrepić, Bogašin Šoić Mirilović and Zoran Ukić. Two members of the band have gone on to form "The Obala", which has recorded 2 CDs to date.

Severina Vučković, better known mononymously as Severina, is a Croatian singer-songwriter and actress. Widely regarded as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the Balkan region and former Yugoslavia. Born in Split, she rose to fame in the late 1980s with a series of commercially successful songs that established her as a leading figure in Croatian pop music. Known for her distinctive blend of pop, folk, jazz and dance elements, as well as her expressive vocal style, music videos and dynamic stage presence, Severina quickly built a large and devoted fan base across Southeast Europe. She further expanded her international recognition when she represented Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006, held in Athens, Greece, with the song "Moja štikla", finishing 12th.

Haustor was a Yugoslav rock band formed in Zagreb in 1979. Haustor is considered one of the most prominent bands of the Yugoslav new wave scene, as well as one of the most notable and influential acts of the Yugoslav rock scene in general.

Ekatarina Velika, sometimes referred to as EKV for short, was a Serbian and Yugoslav rock band from Belgrade, and was one of the most successful and influential Yugoslav music acts.

Galija is a Serbian and Yugoslav rock band formed in Niš in 1977. The central figures of the group are brothers Nenad Milosavljević and Predrag Milosavljević (vocals), the two and the drummer Boban Pavlović being the mainstay members of the band. Galija's initial releases were progressive rock-oriented, but in the mid-1980s the band moved towards more mainstream rock sound to large commercial success.

Miljenko "Dino" Dvornik, was a Croatian musician, music producer, actor and reality television star. Often referred to by the nickname "Kralj funka", Dvornik was a highly popular act in Croatian and Yugoslav popular music.

Riblja Čorba was a Serbian and former Yugoslav rock band formed in Belgrade in 1978. The band has been one of the most popular and most influential acts of the Yugoslav and Serbian rock scene.

Idoli were a Serbian new wave band from Belgrade. They are considered to be one of the most notable acts of the Yugoslav rock scene, and their 1982 album Odbrana i poslednji dani was on several occasions voted by the music critics as the greatest Yugoslav rock album.