The two founding members are László Bódi and László Attila Nagy. The two played together for a band called Cipőfűző (Hungarian for shoelaces). From this name, László Bódi acquired the nickname "Cipő", i.e. shoe. Cipő died in March 2013 at the age of 47. The most recent change in the band's composition was in 1991 when the original lead guitarist Imre Bali retired and was replaced by Tamás Patai.
While not formal members of the band, András "Bundás" Szabó (violin) and Gábor Halász (acoustic guitar, vocals) perform with the band during their live shows.
On albums, Republic frequently refers to itself ironically as "the worst group in Hungary″. The logo of the band is a stylised fish which from a certain angle resembles a human figure.
László Bódi died on 11 March 2013 of heart failure.[1]
Current members
László Attila Nagy - drums, percussion and background vocals