"There was no panic — people just started singing our songs"
The concert of the band "Kipelov" in Belgorod has become a symbol of courage, perseverance and unity. After the shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, part of the city was left without electricity. At that moment, a concert by Russian rock legend Valery Kipelov and his team was in full swing at one of the venues. A short pause was interrupted by dozens of voices in the audience — fans lit flashlights in the dark and began to sing their favorite hits, and the musicians picked up, getting a simple guitar and tambourine. Despite the turbulent situation, the band went on with a concert in Kursk. Between performances, Valery Kipelov gave an exclusive interview to Izvestia and spoke about the heroism of the inhabitants of the border region, meetings with fighters and their wives, as well as what keeps him on stage.
"We are our own, we are one with you"
— When the lights went out in the hall and it became clear that the performances would not work as usual, what made you continue the concert?
— We thought: what should we do? And then one of the local guys says, "We have a guitar." It sounded strange at first. We're used to something else — when there's a microphone, monitors, and everything else. It was especially disappointing that the first part went so well! And then, when we heard people in the audience singing our old songs, hits from the Aria era, we picked up on this idea. They took the guitar. It was pretty fucked up, but our guitarist Slavik managed to tune it up. Then everyone else joined in, set up chairs, and the drummer picked up a tambourine. People sang the song "Carefree Angel", we immediately picked it up, then we played "Paradise Lost", "I'm free", the folk "Oh, it's not evening".
We couldn't hear each other very well. Our drummer was also ringing in his ears with this tambourine (laughs). But I was so surprised when they showed us the recording — you could hear us singing there. It's an indescribable feeling! There was such a unity! We couldn't have done anything else. I think we did the right thing, that we realized and found the desire to continue this concert. Many thanks to our fans — they are real heroes. I do not know what was going to happen that could somehow knock them out of the saddle. Many even came from Moscow. I know them: there are fans who follow us all over the cities.
The concert of the band "Kipelov" before the blackout
— Brave!
— Well, yes, I tried to dissuade someone. He said, "Guys, maybe closer somewhere? It's a difficult situation there." And they answered: "No, people live. Are we worse?" The most interesting thing was when the local audience thanked us. They said, "Guys, thank you for coming." I replied, "We are our own, we are one with you." It's not pathos, it's true when you feel it with all your heart and realize that you're not just a musician, but a citizen of your country. And thank God we're on the same page.
I admire Belgorod residents. The lights went out, but there was no panic, commotion, or shouting—people just started singing our old, time-tested songs. That was very important! It is their calmness and attitude. They are great fellows, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
— After the incident, with what thoughts and feelings did you come to the concert in Kursk?
— We drove calmly. The weather is wonderful — frost, beauty! We're more concerned about what the sound will be, how we'll sound. As for the atmosphere and the setting, I think everything will be fine. We will do everything to cheer up the kuryans. To make everything wonderful!
The concert of the band "Kipelov" after the blackout
— You correctly said —kuryans"! It's obvious that this isn't your first time here! The locals will appreciate it.
— Of course! (Laughs). We often check the history of cities when they are founded. So Kursk is earlier than Moscow. A rich story, a huge one! Kursk is one of our shrines. The Kursk Bulge alone is worth it! He has always been at the forefront of defending our Homeland along with Smolensk.
I was born on July 12th. And on this day there was just a battle near Prokhorovka. And they gave me a wonderful icon of Peter and Paul from there — I also have such a connection with Kursk. I think everything will be fine. We're in a fighting mood. All the guys are great! And once again I realized that we are not just musicians, but a band. We are a team.
"Wives are great! I am shocked that they are so supportive of their men."
— You often perform in hospitals. Are our fighters and their families contacting you? Do they tell you how your music helps in this difficult time?
- yes. Especially women, when they come to visit their wounded husbands and sons. And women among the medical staff, whose husbands perform their tasks, often ask to support the guys, and we are happy to do this.
Wives are great! I am shocked that they are so supportive of their men — truly, sincerely! Sometimes they tell their own stories. And when the concert ends, we have a big photo shoot. It takes even longer than the performance itself. We never refuse fighters. It would be a sin to refuse! You try: "Guys, we'll be there until the end! As far as we and you are enough. We will do our job to the end."
— What does it mean for you personally to continue making music at a time like this?
— You know, everyone has their own purpose. It's clear that I have a lot of experience — I've been on stage for more than 45 years. Sometimes, it happens, you get tired both mentally and physically. Especially when you travel all over the country. Wherever we've been! What our far corners have not been swept away!
But when you sit for a week or two, you realize that the gypsy soul is eager to get on the road (laughs). Especially after such concerts, where you are expected. After them, you go out tired, and when a group of people is waiting in the cold, you can't refuse. We can hop on the bus and leave, but we stop and have an impromptu photo shoot. And at that moment you realize that people need your music. This is the most important thing — that it resonates in hearts and souls. So you're not eating your bread in vain.
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