Russian rock is a controversial cultural phenomenon, but at the same time this genre remains interesting and rich in talent. Moreover, it is dynamic. Fans are delighted with new and already favorite songs from numerous Russian rock bands. The list of them is constantly updated. Let's talk about the most talented and popular musicians. Let's remember the best rock bands in Russia, trace the main milestones of their work, and also understand their genre.
The birth of Russian rock
It all started in the 60s of the twentieth century. Then domestic bands began to appear, playing in the manner of the foreign Beatles, Rolling Stones and Beach Boys. Rock and roll was born, albeit different from the canonical one, adjusted to Soviet realities, but already real, our own, domestic.
Rock was forbidden. But the first alternative musical groups tried at all costs to convey to fans the motives of their work. These were the groups “Slavs”, “Skomorokhi”, “Falcon”. A little later, the Integral team arose, which became widely known in the 70s. In 1968, the group The Kids was formed - the future famous “Time Machine”.
1970s: rock under pressure
This decade was perhaps the most difficult in the history of the genre. Officially, heavy music was banned; the management did not favor it; during this period, they tried their best not to stand out; many chose the path of least resistance - education and work within the limits of what was permitted.
But even then, many groups were not afraid to work according to the canons of their chosen genre, although they were forced to be “underground”. During these years, “Time Machine” recorded music quietly, at night, in the speech studio of GITIS. But the new group “Resurrection”, due to its lighter sound, sometimes performs at concerts, and “Leap Summer” is working on recording its first magnetic album.
In the early 70s, Aquarium appeared. At the end of the decade, such groups as “Magnetic Band”, “Picnic” and “Autograph” emerged.
“Thaw” and persecution of the 80s
In 1981, the first rock club opened in St. Petersburg. This event meant a lot for the music of those years, because now alternative bands could come out of the “underground”. However, freedom did not last long: two years later, heavy music was again banned. This time the rockers were called parasites, and real persecution began.
After another two years, rock became legal again. A rock laboratory was then opened in Moscow - a special organization designed to regulate the activities of groups and performers playing heavy music. By this time, “Kino”, “Alice”, “AuktYon”, “Bravo”, “Nautilus Pompilius”, “DDT” were formed.
90s: truly Russian rock
The last decade of the twentieth century was the beginning of freedom. In the 90s, the first Russian rock bands appeared on the stage. The list of bands in the new state playing exclusively heavy music was truly impressive: “Agatha Christie”, “Nogu cramped!”, “Semantic hallucinations”, “Mumiy Troll”, “7B”, “Spleen”, “Zemfira” and many others.
This decade was also significant in terms of style. Russian music has been enriched by punk, alternative, power and symphonic metal, grunge, emo and rapcore. Representatives of each of these trends worked within the chosen style, their music was largely typical, and new trends always came to Russia from the West.
Heavy music in the new millennium
Almost all styles that existed in the 90s of the last century have passed into the present century. Many bands formed in the new millennium have returned to the sounds of metal and alternative of the 80s. This does not mean that they play out-of-date music, it can only be regarded as nostalgia for the lost romance of a bygone era. Perhaps the desire of the musicians to return to rock the ability to protest, to make it as rebellious as it was at the very beginning of its history also plays a role.
Today, there are a huge number of bands and performers who have chosen the path of heavy music. Modern audiences like Jane Air, Animal Jazz, Murakami, Pilot, Louna and other Russian rock bands. This list can be replenished indefinitely, because every fan of the genre has his own favorites. In addition, the mastodons, masters of the Russian alternative movement, still exist, and to this day they delight fans with new albums. And we can only wish them longevity, strength and creative inspiration.
Russia: list
Making ratings objectively is always very difficult. And the point is not that one fan of the genre likes one thing, while another likes something completely different. Just how to evaluate the contribution of this or that group to the musical heritage? How to determine that one did more and the other less? What should be considered the standard?
That's why we've put together a simple list rather than a ranking or top 10. It lists the most famous rock bands in Russia. These musicians have done a lot for the development of alternative culture, which is why they have earned the love of their loyal listeners. There are no better ones on this list, and no one has squeezed their way into it. Everyone here is truly meaningful. And if someone is not mentioned in it, you can blame the limited time, the volume of the article and the resources of human memory.
So, the most popular rock bands in Russia, list:
- "Time Machine";
- "Picnic";
- "Nautilus Pompilius";
- "Agatha Christie";
- "Alice";
- "B2";
- "Spleen";
- "Mummy Troll";
- "DDT";
- "Civil defense";
- "Movie";
- "Leningrad";
- "Crematorium";
- "Gaza Strip";
- "King and the Clown";
- "Moral Code";
- "Aria";
- "Naive";
- “My leg cramped!”;
- "Kipelov";
- "Kukryniksy";
- "Gorky Park";
- "Night snipers";
- "Pilot";
- "Earring";
- “Cockroaches!”;
- "Chizh and Co";
- "Chaif";
- "Lyapis Trubetskoy".
We remembered the best teams. Now let us briefly characterize their genre affiliation.
Good old heavy metal
The genre initially separated from hard rock in Britain. This happened in the 1970s, and the origins of the style were the famous group Black Sabbath. Heavy metal entered the USSR a decade later, but due to the illegality of the rock movement in the 80s, it began to actively develop only a few years later. The pioneers were such groups as “Black Coffee”, “Legion”, “Black Obelisk” and “Aria”. And it was thanks to the latter group that heavy metal remained popular for a very long time.
How did Aria’s ascent to the star Olympus begin? The idea of creating a band that would play serious heavy music came to Vladimir Kholstinin, who initially played in the Alfa group. The musician found a like-minded person in the person of bass guitarist Alik Granovsky. In fact, the material for recording the album was already ready, but the new band did not have a vocalist. It was a member of the former VIA “Leisya, Song” Valery Kipelov. The name “Aria” was proposed spontaneously, but all the group members really liked it. But, as the musicians’ managers noted at the time, there was simply no hidden subtext.
The history of the team was in many ways difficult. Like many other famous rock bands in Russia and abroad, Aria experienced splits, upheavals and moments of glory. But at the same time, as is sung in the song of their famous colleagues Manowar, its participants were ready to give their lives for metal and always remained devoted to music.
The most famous punks
Punk broke away from rock and roll and garage rock. In the USA and Great Britain, its first representatives were The Ramones and the Sex Pistols, and in Russia - the Automatic Satisfaction group, formed in 1979 in St. Petersburg. By the way, the name appeared precisely under the impression of the work of the British team Sex Pistols and was a simple free translation. It is also interesting that future members of Kino performed at the St. Petersburg apartments together with the group “Automatic Satisfactioners” at different times. And even Viktor Tsoi himself.
Later, other prominent representatives appeared on the punk scene - “Civil Defense” by Yegor Letov and “Gaza Strip” by Yuri Klinskikh. These groups have survived a lot and remain popular to this day. Today the style is represented by “Cockroaches!”, “Naive”, “Elysium” and many other famous punk rock groups in Russia.
Russian alternativeists
An alternative direction of rock music is a kind of synthesis of post-punk and garage rock. However, it is difficult to talk about a specific style, because during the formation of the genre in America in the 80s, each band expressed itself as best it could, which is why there are great differences in the sound of modern groups playing alternative.
In Russia, the first groups belonging to this genre were “Dubovy Gaay”, “Khimera” and “Kirpichi”. The lead singer of the first mentioned group is Dolphin. Subsequently, it was his solo project that gained great popularity, by the way, without changing its stylistic musical orientation.
Many Russian rock bands still play an alternative. Popular among them are “Slot”, “Psyche”, Tractor Bowling, Lumen.
Folk rock: folk motifs in the work of Russian rock groups
Many famous bands playing heavy music come from folk songs as inspiration. And then folk rock appears. Representatives of the genre in the US and UK are Simon & Garfunkel, Gentle Giant and Death In June. In Russia, folk rock is played by “Melnitsa”, “Troll oppresses spruce”, “Solstice”, White Owl.
It is interesting that, in fact, the same Soviet VIA that existed in the 70-80s of the last century can be attributed to this genre. These are “Pesnyary”, “Trio Linnik”, “Good fellows”. It is also noteworthy that sometimes folk as a style is attributed to the famous group “The King and the Clown”. This is not entirely true, since the “scary tales” that were set to music, although they contain some folk motifs, still have no relation to folk art. Rather, the following genres can characterize the group’s stylistic orientation: horror-punk, punk rock and, probably, to some extent folk-punk.
Metalcore on the modern Russian music scene
This genre arose in the 90s of the last century in American music, and its heyday came in the 2000s. Its origins included Bullet For My Valentine, Killswitch Engage and All That Remains. Metalcore came to Russia at the beginning of this century, and it was represented by “Rashamba”, “Stigmata” and “Access is closed”.
Today, metalcore is played by many young rock bands in Russia. These are Party Animal, Francis, VIA “My Turn”, “The Lost World” and some others.
In conclusion
Russian rock music is multifaceted. It has an interesting history, it has many faces, and these are talented people who decided to express their position in creativity. And this is their lifestyle - free and open, the one that fans of these performers try to choose for themselves.
The best rock bands in Russia create not only music for their fans. Their songs help you find inspiration in simple things, learn to look at life more simply and appreciate the beauty of the world around you. And this is why Russian rock is original and amazing. Well, let's wish creative success to the best and emerging groups and performers. And let the Muse be their faithful companion.
Where played: Track, Nastya
Genres: Russian rock
What's cool: Nastya Poleva is the first truly famous woman in Russian rock. Our first female rock star. It is doubly symbolic that such a thing could only appear in Sverdlovsk, remote from the centers of civilization, where rock life flowed according to its own laws. By the will of fate, Nastya is also one of the founders of Sverdlovsk rock as such: in 1980 she became the vocalist of Trek - gloomy moralizers akin to Kraftwerk and Black Sabbath, in 1985 she actively collaborated with the growing young Nautilus, and in 1987 she finally went solo career. Her debut album Tatsu became the country's first major female rock album. This was facilitated by Nastya’s new, soft and lyrical singing style, unusual fashionable arrangements full of references to exotic countries, and surreal lyrics. Nastya’s career after this album (and the tragedy with another album, The Bride, stolen from the studio) can hardly be called triumphant, but even after moving to St. Petersburg, she retained both her unquestioned musical authority and the status of a living legend of Russian rock.
Quote: I was one hundred percent sure that Tatsu would pass. I have always had the desire to move mountains and do something to make everyone gasp. And when such motivation appears, I become a meteor. I would endure everything to get the end result.
Diana Arbenina
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Where played: Night snipers
What's cool: Diana Arbenina has spent almost 23 years of her life on the big stage. Behind us are hundreds of cities, two hundred songs, collections of poetry and prose, the autobiographical performance of Motofoso on the stage of the Moscow Art Theater. Chekhov, soundtracks for 16 films, experience as a team mentor in the Voice of Ukraine project (and in 2015 on the Main Stage project) and a nomination for the Russian independent award for achievements in the field of literature and art Triumph. In addition to all this, Diana successfully combines active concert activities with the position of mother of two beautiful kids Artem and Marta.
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Quote: To be a sniper means to have a bare, if nervous, heart, to be receptive to human kindness. As for love, don’t defend yourself from it and wait, even if it takes your whole life.
Zemfira
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Where played: Zemfira, The Uchpochmack
Genres: Russian rock
What's cool: At least because she is Zemfira. I think it makes no sense to describe the influence that she had on all Russian music. Zemfira has become one of the most commercially successful singers on our stage, without being a particularly public person, but simply doing her job. In November 2010, Afisha magazine included her first album in the top “50 best Russian albums of all time.” And more than once Zemfira was included in the ranking of the most influential women in the country. But she, however, always did not care about such titles and regalia.
Quote: It's very difficult for me to please. I am dissatisfied with the musicians, dissatisfied with myself, very often, dissatisfied with the audience. Sometimes it seems to me that they could be more active. They cannot hurt me, criticize me more than I can criticize myself. I know who I am, I am in the right place. I know this, I am sure of it. And this is my greatest truth and strength. Confidence in who I am and what I am. And I will sing for a very long time.
Svetlana Surganova
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Where played: Something Else, Night Snipers, Surganova and Orchestra
Genres: rock, alternative rock, jazz rock, trip hop, art rock
What's cool:
In fact, Svetlana Yakovlevna Surganova’s first education is as a pediatrician (Svetlana has never worked in her field), which does not prevent her from being a talented musician. The artist herself calls the group’s style VIP-Punk-Decadence (behind the complex abbreviation lies aesthetics, “hooliganism,” energetic presentation, self-irony, lyrics based on classical poetry), but even this definition is not enough for their work. In addition to the above genres, we can safely say that Svetlana skillfully plays with Latin, ethnic motifs, and sometimes electronic samples, and at the same time she is one of the women without whom Russian rock is now unthinkable. This off-format group called Surganova and the Orchestra has existed for almost 14 years, is dearly loved by fans, deservedly has one of the most generous fan clubs with surprises and gifts and actively travels with concerts throughout Russia and abroad, and rightfully bears the title, perhaps the most touring rock band in our country (just look at C&O’s performance schedule).
The group celebrated its tenth anniversary (in 2013) with a concert in the Kremlin Palace, and the release of new albums is accompanied by concerts in Crocus.
The deep lyrics of the St. Petersburg poetess can be analyzed into quotes for a very long time, but we will present one of them below.
Quote: In my creativity, I, like many, try to solve for myself the fundamental questions of existence. I talk, sing, shout about it. The result is a burning mixture of depression and catharsis.
Linda
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Where played: Convoy, Bloody Faeries, Linda
Genres: trip hop, trip rock, new age, experimental music, ethno rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock, indie rock, art rock, alternative rock, grunge, post-punk, gothic rock
What's cool:
She became one of the most mysterious singers of our rock scene. Svetlana Gaiman was born in the small town of Kentau in Kazakhstan, then she and her family moved to Tolyatti, and at the age of 15 she ended up in Moscow. Three years later, her creative career began (Linda took her first steps in a folk art group), and after that she entered Gnesinka. She managed to work with many famous figures in the Russian music industry of those years, for example, with Vladimir Matetsky, Yuri Aizenshpis, Maxim Fadeev. The unusual musical style quickly helped the singer become noticed, her albums became platinum (they sold more than 250 thousand copies), Voron's album became platinum with sales status of 1,250,000 copies, becoming the third in Russia. Multiple changes of images from album to album, constant experiments with sound and appearance, and finally - a successful collaboration with the Universal Music label, which brought her big concerts and performances at festivals and even opened for Moby in 2005. Part of Linda's musical career is connected with Greece - it was from there that Stefanos Korkolis, a Greek singer and composer, with whom Linda later tied the knot, but divorced a couple of years later, came from. The singer continues to create, release new albums (her eighth studio album, 2013 LAI, @!, was even recognized as the best album of the year according to MusicBox), and continues to create to this day. Well, who knows how many more musical experiments her talent will be enough for.
Quote: The image is born at the moment when childbirth occurs, “birth-water”, so the image is laid by the parents. Then in life you can search, try on yourself and feel with all your inner state what is closer to you, where you are more comfortable and where there are those things with which you can grow further. In kindergarten I wanted to become an astronaut, then I really liked fishing, I always thought that I would be a dolphin rescuer. Life has always been unpredictable. Then I became very interested in the circus. Plus I was born in an ethnic place. I received my first musical burns at the age of four, when I heard the ethnic instruments of ordinary street musicians. Also, my grandmother, who raised me, who gave me a lot in life, was a very creative person, and she had a difficult life. This all layered over the years and acquired a certain foundation that guided me. These are all components, and this is a very global issue.
Lusine Gevrkyan
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Where played: Sphere of Influence, Traktor Bowling, Louna
Genres: alternative metal, alternative rock, nu metal, punk rock
What's cool: Lou is considered one of the best alternative vocalists in our country, which has been confirmed more than once by both fans and awards such as the Chart Dozen. Lusine has recently successfully combined work in two projects (Tracktor Bowling and Louna) with the role of a wife (Lu is married to Vitaly Demidenko, bass guitarist of Tractors and Louna) and a caring mother, while actively performing with her colleagues at many festivals , where they are always welcome guests, working on electrical and acoustic material, charity and filming. Previously, however, Lou also taught vocals, but with such a busy schedule she had to give it up. An economist by training. For his groups, he writes some of the material himself - both the lyrics and the musical component of the songs. She is an endorser of Sennheiser microphones and ear monitoring systems, as well as a representative of Roland brand synthesizers in Russia (she herself is a pianist).
Quote: Guys, rock music... it is truthful, it is honest, it is sometimes aggressive, it is often heavy, sometimes even heavy, energetic, but it is always against war, against weapons, against violence, against injustice, and glorifies love, honesty, kindness, equality and brotherhood.
Yulia Kogan
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Where played: Leningrad, solo project
Genres: pop, pop rock, jazz
What's cool: The red-haired beast Yulia Kogan quickly burst into the music scene in 2007 and became famous in one day. Of course, Sergei Shnurov’s team never left anyone indifferent, and with the arrival of Yulia, a “second wind” of the group’s popularity began. A beautiful figure, a cloud of red hair and songs that consist mainly of obscenities (and how else, they were written by Shnur) did their job. For almost six years, Yulia was the “face” and voice of Leningrad. In 2013, she left the group and pursued a solo career. To date, the singer has released her debut album entitled “Fire Woman”.
The image of a bitchy, liberated beauty attracted television people - for several seasons Yulia became the host of the show #YaPrava on channel Yu. The singer also recorded several arias for the musical TODD by the group King and the Clown. You can hear it in the songs - Death Machine and Lovett's Confession.
Julia is an actress by training; she began studying classical vocals quite late - at the age of 16. I got into the Leningrad group by accident - in the St. Petersburg music scene everyone knows each other. In life, Yulia Kogan bears little resemblance to her stage image - calm and quiet, she is married, has a daughter, Lisa, and plays at the Entreprise Theater as a hobby. A. Mironova.
Quote: It’s somewhat problematic to get away from the image that I had in the Leningrad group. This is something akin to actors who became popular thanks to one role. You have to pay for it; not all the audience is ready to see something different in me. I can be touching and tender on stage, or I can be tough. And for this I don’t have to swear obscene words into the microphone. I'm a little worried about the audience's reaction. People are now in some confusion: they don’t know which Yulia Kogan they are going for. They don't understand what to expect from me. But this is a kind of challenge, and it is interesting. I want to reach such a level of perception of my solo image that the lyrical songs performed by me are completely understandable to the public who came to the concert.
Daria Nookie Stavrovich
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Where played: SLOT, Nuki
Genres: alternative rock, nu metal
What's cool: Daria Stavrovich, or Nookie, has been the female “voice” of the Slot group for many years. Dasha was born in the Arkhangelsk region, studied at the Nizhny Novgorod Music College, and then in Moscow. Fond of creativity since childhood, little Dasha first gravitated towards drawing, but then she was fascinated by music. Having, thanks to friends, joined the Slot group at the age of 20, she remained there - today, together with Dasha, 7 albums have already been recorded, and it’s difficult to imagine anyone else in Nuki’s place in this group. The singer also created her solo project Nuki, which has two releases to its credit.
Quote: I ended up in the Slot by luck. We make modern music for youth and for everyone who is young at heart. With our creativity we try to express our perception of the world, to show how everything is interconnected in it. We don’t say: “Girlfriend, look at me, do as I do...” We say: “If you do this, then it will be like this, and then you’ll figure it out on your own.” My mother watches our performances on TV. Sometimes he calls and scolds me for the slang that I use in my speech. Parents know our creativity, but do not always understand it. Probably due to the age barrier.
Zhanna Aguzarova
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Where played: Bravo
Genres: rock, pop rock, beat, glam rock, rockabilly
Nicknames: Ivanna Anders, Nineteen Ninties
What's cool: The name of Zhanna Aguzarova is always associated with shockingness, space and a beautiful piercing voice. And of course, with the Bravo group. Despite the fact that Aguzarova has not been a very frequent guest in public lately, she still remains popular, and almost everyone knows the songs she performs. In 1983 she joined the Bravo group (then Postscript). In 1988, Aguzarova left the group to pursue a solo career. From 1991 to 1996 she lived in America and very little is known about this period.
This is a woman without age and timeless, she is like an alien from outer space, we don’t know anything about her one hundred percent for sure: even the date and place of birth are surrounded by mystery. And what can be said about a man who, having arrived in Moscow, lived for some time with a fake passport, and only because Zhanna did not have her own. Taking someone else’s passport and changing her name from “Ivan” to “Ivanna,” Zhanna Khasanovna pretended to be the daughter of diplomats, Ivanna (later Yvonne) Anders, for which she subsequently paid first with detention and then with forced labor.
The singer at one time made a real revolution on the music scene: her shocking style of clothing, fantastic outfits, eccentric hairstyles and hair color, as well as unpredictable behavior on stage and in interviews left their mark on the country’s musical culture. In communications with the press, Zhanna often spoke about her connection with the Martians, now that her trace in music is lost, fans believe that she has flown home.
Quote: In art there is no old - there is existing
Happiness is everywhere, it is around us. They say it’s good where we are not, but that’s not true: it’s good where we are
For 10 years now, the Big City concert agency has been organizing events with the participation of famous artists from Russia and abroad. We work directly with many public idols and offer clients a transparent payment system and always the quality of the holidays. A large selection of musicians of different genres allows you to choose exactly the one who will provide an atmosphere at your corporate party, birthday or wedding that everyone present will be happy about. From the list of Russian rock bands of the 90s you can invite such legends of heavy music as Bi-2, Splin, 7B, Diana Arbenina, Tantsy Minus. For fans of the alternative, we can organize a concert of the groups Slot, Tracktor Bowling, Amatory or Stigmata.
Personal concert from rock musicians
The list of Russian rock bands of the 80s and 90s presented in our catalog contains famous groups whose work is adored, covered and divided into quotes. There has always been a huge demand for high-quality, meaningful music. This is also relevant now, so if you want to make a corporate event or anniversary unforgettable, invite a star to your celebration. You can order popular Russian rock bands of the 80s from the list - Zemlyane, Alisa, Chaif, Aria, DDT, Mashina Vremeni, Mumiy Troll and a host of other musicians whose records sold out in no time.
What artists can be booked for events?
Russian rock bands of the 80s and 90s are represented only by the most famous groups who have earned their authority with powerful music and lyrics. Musicians who earned their popularity thanks to their talent. Don't know who you want to invite to your event? The concert and holiday agency "Bolshoy Gorod" will help you select popular Russian rock bands of the 90s from the list for your holiday and organize it, taking into account all your wishes and suggestions. Some groups that are worthy of an invitation to a private or corporate event:
- The Lyube group and Nikolai Rastorguev will bring solemnity to the atmosphere of your holiday and charge you with patriotic energy.
- The Leningrad group will blow the audience away and leave no chance for boredom. Everyone present will be delighted, regardless of gender and age.
- Gorky Park is a cult band of the 80s, whose song Moscow Calling brought them wild popularity in America and Europe.
Of course, the choice of a Russian rock band from the 80s and 90s completely depends on the musical preferences of the customer, but one thing is obvious - having a celebrity as your guest is solid, interesting and extraordinary. The specialists of the Big City agency are ready to take full responsibility for organizing any holiday.
List of Russian punk rock bands of the 90s
Punk is a subculture, a separate milestone in the history of heavy music, because this genre personifies a critical attitude towards society and generally accepted moral norms. Many people now listen to punk rock of the 80s and 90s with nostalgia, for some the words are important, while others are interested in the rhythm of the guitar strings, which charges with energy and drive. Book the best Russian rock bands of the 90s for yourself and your guests and your event will remain in memory for a long time. Prince, Cockroaches, Brigadny Podryad, Lumen, Lyapis Trubetskoy - the list of popular Russian rock bands of the 80s can be continued for a long time. Our concert agency cooperates with all famous artists in Russia and abroad, so we provide our clients with a huge selection of musicians who can be invited to private or public events.
Reasons why choose "Big City"
The high level of professionals of the Big City concert agency helps to realize the wildest fantasies of customers. We provide custom musicians and provide a cultural program at the event. Working with us, you will receive a concert of your favorite artists of those years, as well as many advantages, because we:
- We have been on the market since 2008, which means that for 10 years we have been creating a festive mood and inviting stars to corporate events, birthdays, and weddings.
- We make a million-dollar event for affordable money thanks to direct cooperation with musicians.
- We have a huge base of artists and work with them on an ongoing basis. We guarantee high-quality sound and a spectacular show at your event.
- We carry out a series of works on the creation and organization of celebrations of various sizes - from small private ones to public ones available to the general public.
In the new Internet reality of battles, rappers, shows on how to get a star married, and endless stories; It’s hard to find music where the meaning outweighs the “trendy sound.” Songs that you memorize by heart - the words are so ingrained in your heart - are increasingly found in the bygone romance of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. We present a selection of Russian rock legends according to .
Even if you were never into Russian rock, didn’t go to the Nashestvo, or were so young that you didn’t have a disc player, you still heard or watched the films “Brother” and “Brother-2”. Here it is - the iconic soundtrack, songs of struggle, love, pain and a new world.
And this is the whole point of Russian rock - it is in words, not in music. While American rock bands have been selling millions of copies around the world for almost 70 years, Russian rock began as an underground movement in the apartment buildings of the 80s. If you want to understand that feeling of “Change!”, watch the films “Needle” and “Assa”. The desire to get out from behind the Iron Curtain, to become free, to find themselves, motivated the young guys when they created a new musical language. Guitar music has become the main mediator of the generation - you can scream it with a guitar, and now - with a video on YouTube.
MOVIE
"Tsoi is alive". The phrase is soon 30 years old, and posthumous concerts with songs by Viktor Tsoi are still held every year. A man-legend, a group-symbol, songs scattered into quotes. From unknown Leningrad boys, the group turned into a cult of worship, they were compared to the “New Romantics” of British pop rock. Download any album - from the teenage and awkward "45" to the posthumous "Black Album" - and listen with your heart.
AQUARIUM
“Aquarium” and the permanent Boris Grebenshchikov, even the ancient “Kino”. Grebenshchikov is often compared to classical poets, his songs with mantras, and “Golden City” was even recently mentioned in an interview with Yuri Dud.
ALICE
"Alice" led by Konstantin Kinchev is called the most influential group of Russian rock. During their existence since the early 80s, they have played, it seems, all directions, from rock and roll and punk rock, to heavy and folk metal, and in recent years the lead singer has led the sound of the group to Christian rock. And you've probably heard “Route E95”.
AGATHA CHRISTIE
Do you want to get into a gothic novel that has a little horror story, a little dark fairy tale, a romantic ballad and even hysteria? Agatha Christie, which appeared in the late 80s, is perhaps the most suitable of all. The leaders of the group, brothers Vadim and Gleb Samoilov, directed the sound from symphonic, almost operetta-like to rhythmic electronic. The album "Opium" is considered a classic and an example of their work. It draws you in like a cobweb.
KING AND THE CLOWN
If “Agatha Christie” is all about theatricality, then for real tavern tales you should turn to “The King and the Jester.” The two brothers Pot and Prince called their style “fables”. Mikhail Gorshenev, who died tragically in 2013, was the leader of the group, which without him lost its meaning. But the songs remain, so “make yourself at home, traveler.”
DDT
The founder and only permanent member of the group, Yuri Shevchuk, is the author of almost all hits. Admit it, you’re singing along to “What is Autumn?”
NAUTILUS POMPILIUS
Butusov’s almost soothing vocals are 90% of the soundtrack to the film “Brother.” By the way, Butusov himself played a cameo role in the episode at the apartment building, when Danila went to work. Butusov is his idol, Danila is trying to get his new CDs. The group performs the song “The Beast” with dedication to the deceased Sergei Bodrov, who in some sense in the minds of the generation became Tsoi’s double, because it was he who hosted the TV program “The Last Hero”.
PICNIC
“Picnic” – real bison. Soloist Edmund Shklyarsky has a unique timbre, and the combination of rock with a symphony orchestra and exotic folk instruments turns the group into the most outlandish of the list.
B2
Well, no one writes to the colonel? Where are you, Varvara? Leva and Shura may not have an answer, but they have remained one of the most popular Russian groups for many years now. They continue to experiment, performing concerts with symphony orchestras and reflecting on the theme of the fall of the empire in the new single “Black Sun”. The long-standing duet with Chicherina “My Rock and Roll” is a separate love.
ZEMFIRA
The only woman on the list is here not for the sake of gender equality, but because it is impossible to imagine the rock scene without Zemfira. It was great to scream at 15, listen to the words at 20, and finally feel the power of the combination of music and words at 25.
Text // Anastasia Dorogova
Music lovers are still arguing whether there is such a thing in world culture as “Russian rock,” so popular in our country. No other country pays so much attention to this musical direction. There is no such number of fans anywhere. And in no other subculture do song lyrics have such exceptional importance. Russian rock as a separate amazing cultural phenomenon became most widespread in the 90s of the previous century. After all, it was then that the groups “Nautilus Pompilius”, “Aquarium”, “Zvuki Mu”, “Agatha Christie”, “DDT”, “Chizh and Co” and many others became truly legendary.
