1. The Genesis: A Humble Beginning
2. The Arrival of The Beatles: A Spark Ignites
3. The Evolution of the Lineup: Constant Fluctuation
4. The Birth of "Mashina Vremeni": A Legendary Name Emerges
5. The First Album: A Lost Masterpiece
6. The Arrival of Alexander Kutikov: A Major Force
7. The Maiden Concert: A Milestone Achieved
8. The Beginning of Trials: Members Depart and Return
9. Kavagoe and Kutikov Clash: A Creative Rift
10. Igor Degtyaryuk and Alexey Romanov: Brief Additions
11. The Second Exodus of Kutikov and the Arrival of New Faces
12. "Tallinn Songs for Youth-76": A Breakthrough Festival
13. Sergei Ostashev and Yura Ilyichenko: Additions and Departures
14. The Introduction of Horns: A New Musical Dimension
15. The Studio Debut: A Landmark Moment
16. The Departure of Horns and the Arrival of Synths
17. The Internal Turmoil and the Return of Kutikov
18. The Moscow State Theater of Comedy: An Unconventional Alliance
19. The Birth of a Standalone Professional Band
20. The "Spring Rhythms-80" Festival: A Triumph and a Hit Song
21. The "Blue Bird Hodgepodge" Controversy
22. The Departure of Petya Podgorodetsky and the Arrival of New Members
23. A Period of Relative Calm and Professional Growth

The Genesis: A Humble Beginning

Before the advent of "Mashina Vremeni," the legendary band existed as an unnamed collective comprising two guitarists (Andrei Makarevich and Mikhail Yashin) and two female singers (Larisa Kashperko and Nina Baranova) who performed Anglo-American folk songs.

The Arrival of The Beatles: A Spark Ignites

In 1968, a pivotal moment occurred when Andrei Makarevich stumbled upon The Beatles' music. Inspired, he joined forces with two new recruits, Yura Borzov and Igor Mazayev, to form "The Kids."

The Evolution of the Lineup: Constant Fluctuation

The initial lineup of "The Kids" featured Andrei Makarevich, Igor Mazayev, Yuri Borzov, Alexander Ivanov, and Pavel Ruben. However, the band's composition underwent constant shifts, with key changes including the dismissal of the female vocalists at the behest of Borzov's childhood friend, Sergei Kavagoe.

The Birth of "Mashina Vremeni": A Legendary Name Emerges

With the departure of the female singers, the band sought to establish a permanent moniker. Initially, they considered "Mashiny Vremeni" (plural form of "Machine of Time"). However, it was shortened to the singular "Mashina Vremeni," a name destined for greatness.

The First Album: A Lost Masterpiece

The band's first album, recorded in 1973, consisted of eleven songs performed in English. The recording process was rudimentary, with a single microphone placed in the center of a room while the band played. Sadly, this legendary recording has been lost over time.

The Arrival of Alexander Kutikov: A Major Force

1971 marked the entry of Alexander Kutikov, a musician who infused the band with an upbeat and optimistic rock 'n' roll spirit. His influence brought forth cheerful songs such as "Prodavets Schastya" ("Seller of Happiness") and "Soldat" ("Soldier").

The Maiden Concert: A Milestone Achieved

The same year, "Mashina Vremeni" took the stage for their first concert at the "Energetik" Cultural Center, a cradle of Moscow's rock scene.

The Beginning of Trials: Members Depart and Return

The following years were marked by a series of setbacks and challenges. Igor Mazayev was drafted into the army, followed by Yuri Borzov's departure as the band's drummer. Maksim Kapitanovsky was recruited as a temporary replacement but was also soon called for military service. Eventually, Sergei Kavagoe took over the drums.

Igor Sausky also entered the picture, joining and leaving the band multiple times, making it difficult to pinpoint his exact tenure.

Kavagoe and Kutikov Clash: A Creative Rift

In 1973, tensions rose between Sergei Kavagoe and Alexander Kutikov. The conflict led to Kutikov's departure and his subsequent involvement with the band "Visokosnoe Leto" (Leap Year Summer).

Igor Degtyaryuk and Alexey Romanov: Brief Additions

Kavagoe introduced Igor Degtyaryuk into the lineup, but his tenure was short-lived, as he left to join "Arsenal." Kutikov returned from "Visokosnoe Leto," and the band briefly operated with the members Makarevich, Kutikov, Kavagoe, and Alexey Romanov. This arrangement lasted until the summer of 1975.

The Second Exodus of Kutikov and the Arrival of New Faces

During the summer of 1975, Romanov departed, followed by Kutikov's unexpected exit. He left "Mashina Vremeni" to join the Tula State Philharmonic Orchestra. Around the same time, Evgeny Margulis and violinist Kolya Larin joined the band.

"Tallinn Songs for Youth-76": A Breakthrough Festival

In 1976, "Mashina Vremeni" was invited to the "Tallinn Songs for Youth-76" festival, where they gave a stellar performance. It was there that they crossed paths with Boris Grebenshchikov and his band "Aquarium," then a modest acoustic quartet. Grebenshchikov extended an invitation for them to perform in Leningrad, where their concerts enjoyed immense popularity.

Sergei Ostashev and Yura Ilyichenko: Additions and Departures

Kolya Larin exited the lineup, and Sergei Ostashev filled his role briefly. Yura Ilyichenko, a vocalist from "Mify," also joined the band.

The Introduction of Horns: A New Musical Dimension

In 1977, Ilyichenko returned to Leningrad, leaving "Mashina Vremeni" as a trio. Andrei Makarevich conceived the idea of incorporating horns into the group, leading to the addition of Evgeny Legusov and Sergei Velikiy in the brass section.

The Studio Debut: A Landmark Moment

1978 witnessed the band's first official studio recording. Kutikov, by then playing with "Visokosnoe Leto," used his connections to secure studio time at the GITIS Institute of Cinematography. Andrei Makarevich approached Kutikov, who made all the necessary arrangements. The resulting recording, known as "Eto Bylo Tak Davno..." (It Was So Long Ago...), spanned almost all of "Mashina Vremeni's" repertoire up until that point.

The Departure of Horns and the Arrival of Synths

In the aftermath of the studio recording, "Mashina Vremeni" parted ways with their horn players. They were replaced by Sasha Voronov on synthesizers, albeit for a brief period.

The Internal Turmoil and the Return of Kutikov

1979 saw significant upheaval within the band. Sergei Kavagoe and Evgeny Margulis left to form "Voskresenie." However, Kutikov returned, bringing Efremov with him, followed soon after by Petya Podgorodetsky. The band's repertoire expanded significantly during this period with songs such as "Svecha" ("Candle"), "Kogo Ty Khotel Udivit" ("Whom Did You Want to Surprise"), "Khrustalny Gorod" ("Crystal City"), and "Povorot" ("Turn").

The Moscow State Theater of Comedy: An Unconventional Alliance

"Mashina Vremeni" gained mainstream recognition in 1979 when they became part of the Moscow State Theater of Comedy under Rosconcert. This arrangement led to an unusual situation where theatergoers drawn to "Mashina Vremeni" were greeted with unfamiliar songs performed with questionable sound quality.

The Birth of a Standalone Professional Band

Rosconcert eventually realized the financial potential of "Mashina Vremeni" and recognized the band's value as a full-fledged professional rock group. After a successful audition, the band gained its independence.

The "Spring Rhythms-80" Festival: A Triumph and a Hit Song

In 1980, "Mashina Vremeni" participated in the prestigious "Spring Rhythms-80" festival in Tbilisi, where they shared first place with "Magnetic Bend." The band's song "Povorot" became an instant hit, spending 18 months atop the national charts.

The "Blue Bird Hodgepodge" Controversy

Despite the song's immense popularity, it faced scrutiny from the newspaper "Komsomolskaya Pravda" in an article titled "Blue Bird Hodgepodge." Public outrage ensued, with the newspaper being flooded with letters denouncing the attack. The controversy led to a public debate, with the newspaper ultimately backing down and acknowledging differing opinions.

The Departure of Petya Podgorodetsky and the Arrival of New Members

Amidst the controversy, Petya Podgorodetsky announced his departure. Sergei Ryzhenko and Alexander Zaitsev subsequently joined the band, though Ryzhenko's role was limited, and he eventually left.

A Period of Relative Calm and Professional Growth

The early 1980s marked a period of relative stability for "Mashina Vremeni." The band focused on honing their craft and strengthening their musical identity, gradually establishing themselves as a professional and cohesive unit.

Rock