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ZHestokij FevralRock band
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Birth and Early Years
- First Album and Hit
- Second and Third Albums
- Festival Appearance and Concert Highlights
- Hiatus and Renewal
- Fourth Album and Electronic Experimentation
- "2 Christmases and 1 Rebirth" and Moscow Concert
- Fifth and Sixth Albums
- Anniversary Showcase and Special Performances
Birth and Early Years
In the unassuming town of Sarapul, Udmurtia, amidst the confines of a food technical college dormitory toilet, the legendary rock band Radio Raduga was born. Their inaugural song, "Be Hungry!" (a tribute to Arnold Schwarzenegger), marked the band's genesis on March 12, 1990.
First Album and Hit
By 1990, Radio Raduga had birthed their first album, "Hamlet...and Angina." Recorded in the mechanical technical college of Sarapul, the project was guided by the " акушер"/sound engineer Alexander Sполохов. Nikolai "Kolyas" Lelyanov joined the band as a permanent member, contributing his prowess on keyboards.
The band's breakthrough came with the hit single "Peripheria," which spawned a music video shot in St. Petersburg and showcased on the popular "Program A."
Second and Third Albums
In Moscow in 1992, Radio Raduga recorded their second album, "Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Myself." With invited rhythm section musicians, the album was distributed by "Studio Soyuz." A substantial TV program on Udmurtian TV followed, along with three video clips.
In 1993, the band reunited at "PetroStudio" with members of the iconic groups "Alliance" and "A-Studio." Under the watchful eye of Alexander Kutikov (bassist of "Time Machine"), Radio Raduga released their third album, "I'm an Idiot!" Once again, "Soyuz" handled its distribution.
Festival Appearance and Concert Highlights
1993 marked a milestone for Radio Raduga. They shared the stage with renowned artists such as Presnyakov, Combinacia, Nikolaev, Karaleva, and even Samantha Fox (who performed a rock program!) at a grand festival held at Dynamo Stadium. Their concert video clip "I'm an Idiot!" was broadcast four times on RTR's "Musical Volley" program.
Radio Raduga graced the central square of Izhevsk for a prestigious event, showcasing their stature within the music scene.
Hiatus and Renewal
A period of hiatus ensued due to various circumstances. However, songwriting continued through internet and fax communication.
In 1998, an attempt was made to record a "radio single/demo" with sound engineer and producer Alexander "Mr. Yu" Yuminov.
Fourth Album and Electronic Experimentation
In 1999, without Sur G'K and Kolyas, Radio Raduga collaborated with Dmitry "TAR" Tarakovkov (of the band EXE) to create their innovative and electronica-infused fourth album, "Bespredel," featuring 10 tracks. In 2001/2002, they recorded the single "Ironizer" at FM-Division Studio with a guest rhythm section for the compilation album "The Last Hero" (ORT). Though rejected for ideological reasons, the song revitalized the band's name in internet listener circles. Kolyas returned as a saxophonist.
"2 Christmases and 1 Rebirth" and Moscow Concert
The VHS cassette "2 Christmases and 1 Rebirth" captured the band's two TV concerts, "Adult Songs" on MuzTV and "Night Vj" on Daryal-TV, which coincided with both Catholic and Orthodox Christmas.
In March 2002, Radio Raduga performed a major concert at the legendary B2 rock club in Moscow. The event, dubbed "Monday - a... CRUEL Day," commemorated both the band members' 30th birthdays and the group's 13th anniversary. A recording was made and may be released under the title "13:30."
Fifth and Sixth Albums
In summer 2002, work commenced on a new album, "Ironizer," with guest rhythm sectionists. Financial constraints emerged, and by winter, St. Petersburg producer Andrey Tropillo (the legendary Antrop) released the single "~1/4 Ironizer." The title reflected the fact that it included only 4 songs from the planned 13, along with 1 of 4 bonuses. The single and the entire album were dedicated to the 40th anniversary of Tsoy's birth, featuring early bonus tracks dedicated to the legendary singer.
On June 21, 2002, Radio Raduga performed at the iconic St. Petersburg club MOLOKO, showcasing their complete cycle of "Inconclusive Conversations with Tsoy."
In March 2003, while preparing an audio greeting card for a former friend's birthday, the band recorded "Gorod Solntsa" without Kolyas. The song resonated deeply with listeners, despite its simplicity. It was added as a bonus track to the CD reissue of "I'm an Idiot!" (commemorating its 10th anniversary). Despite being unmentioned on the cover or tracklist, "Gorod Solntsa" appeared as a hidden bonus after a minute's pause following the album's final song.
Anniversary Showcase and Special Performances
The presentation of the reissued album took place in Izhevsk, where the band had been based during its initial recording. Organized by Alexander "Mr. Yu" Yuminov, the event drew a crowd to the "Babylon" club. Two programs were performed: the classic "I'm an Idiot!" with playback and the contemporary "Ironizer" lineup of voice, guitar, saxophone, and drums. A video version of the concert was recorded and is set for release under the "RE-export" label.
On January 24, 2004, a rare concert was held at the SEXXTEN байк-клубе, owned by the "Night Wolves." The audience featured diverse fan groups, including KINO enthusiasts, Jackie Chan fans, and biker comrades. The concert was a heartfelt affair, consisting of two programs.
On March 15, Radio Raduga presented their first best-of compilation album, released on MasterSound. The 15 tracks spanned 15 years and showcased the band's diverse repertoire, leading to the title "Different/Not Ugly for 15 Years."
