Zdob shi Zdub Rock band Country: Moldova

1. Formation and Early Years
2. Early Success and Recognition
3. Breakthrough and International Recognition
4. New Direction and Success
5. Current Lineup

Formation and Early Years

Zdob Si Zdub is a rock band from the Republic of Moldova that was formed in 1994. The band members, vocalist Roman Iagupov, bass guitarist Mihail Gîncu, and drummer Anatol Pugach, all attended the same school in the small town of Strășeni, 30 km away from Chișinău. In 1992, Roman began studying at the Institute of Physical Culture and Sports in Chișinău, where he met guitarist Sergiu Cobzac, and they started rehearsing in the basement of School No. 53. The band's lineup and name changed periodically, with multiple guitarists and vocalists. Eventually, the guitarist became the vocalist, the drummer became the bassist, and the clarinetist became the drummer. Before becoming Zdob Si Zdub, the band went through several name changes, including Santa Maria, The Noise, and Pepeni (Cucumbers).

Early Success and Recognition

In November 1994, the band recorded their first demo at a professional studio, and one of their songs, "Lost World," was selected for the "Learn to Swim-1" festival. Alexander F. Sklyar, who was organizing the first gathering of young extreme bands, was impressed by the powerful sound of their songs. He said, "These Moldovans can outperform any Moscow band! They must be brought to our festival!" and became a mentor to Zdob Si Zdub. At the "Learn to Swim" festival in Moscow, where the band performed under this name for the first time, they caught the attention of the local alternative youth. They developed close friendships with other bands in the movement, especially IFK, who accepted Zdob Si Zdub's invitation and participated in the Chernobyl anniversary event in Chișinău. They also recorded two songs, "In My House" in Russian and "Moldovan Hardcore" in Moldovan, for the compilation album "Learn to Swim-2."

Breakthrough and International Recognition

In August, Zdob Si Zdub performed at the Kazantip festival in front of a large audience. Their song "Hardcore Moldovenesc" became a hit in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, thanks to the "Learn to Swim" program on Maximum Radio. It also became an anthem for the alternative youth in Moldova, topping the charts. The song gained attention in Romania and was included on the compilation album "Rumanien Underground." In late 1996, the band released their debut album, "Hardcore Moldovenesc," with 12 songs, mostly in Russian. They embarked on a promotional tour with Tekiladzazz in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Chișinău. In October 1997, they translated 10 songs into Moldovan for a limited edition release on the Romanian market. Zdob Si Zdub opened for Biohazard and Rollins Band during their Russian concerts at the legendary DK Gorbunova. They also organized the "Learn to Swim" festival in Chișinău, inviting Kirpichi from Saint Petersburg and Neurotica from Timișoara, Romania.

New Direction and Success

In 1998, Zdob Si Zdub had an intense concert schedule and embarked on a two-week tour in Germany. They started incorporating more ethnic music into their repertoire, moving away from American hardcore. The band began writing new songs exclusively in Moldovan. They recorded their second album, "Tabăra Noastră," with the participation of renowned Moldovan musicians Anatol Ștefăneț (viola), Valeriu Cașcaval (cimbalom), and Evgheni Didâc (trumpet). The album featured 12 songs, three of which were in Russian, and included hits like "Draga Otee," "Maria Blues," and "Zdubii Bateti Tare." The music video for "Zdubii Bateti Tare" was filmed as a gift by Atomic TV, a Romanian music channel, after Zdob Si Zdub's successful concert in Bucharest. In 1999, they opened for Max Cavalera's new project, Soulfly, during their Moscow performance. They were also invited to perform at the MTV Party in Moscow, alongside bands like Gorky Park, I.F.K., and Red Hot Chili Peppers, in front of approximately 150,000 people. After their performance on Red Square, DJ Groove, the most popular Russian DJ, approached the band and offered to remix their song "Zdubii Bateti Tare." The remix became a hit on radio stations and reached the charts in 1999.

Current Lineup

- Roman Iagupov: vocals, flute, traditional instruments
- Svyatoslav Staruș: guitar
- Mihail Gîncu: bass
- Andrei Chebotar: drums
- Evgheni Didâc: trumpet