In Photos: Paying Tribute to Kino Frontman Viktor Tsoi
Viktor Tsoi, the founder and frontman of legendary Soviet rock band Kino, died in a car crash 31 years ago on Aug. 15, 1990.
Today, his legacy lives on across the post-Soviet world. To honor his memory on the anniversary of his death, fans gathered on Old Arbat in central Moscow:
Today, his legacy lives on across the post-Soviet world. To honor his memory on the anniversary of his death, fans gathered on Old Arbat in central Moscow:
Musicians and passersby alike sang some of Kino's most popular songs, from the iconic "Peremen (Changes)" to "Kamchatka," "Vos'miklassnitsa (Eighth Grade Girl)" and "Zvezda Po Imeni Solntse (A Star Called Sun)."
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Tsoi’s car crashed into a tree while he was driving on a highway in Latvia, killing the Russian rock pioneer at age 28.
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Although Tsoi was born and raised in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), his devoted following stretches across the former Soviet Union.
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Kino fell apart after Tsoi’s death. Yet unlike most other perestroika-era bands, the group continues to enjoy popularity among Russia's youth.
In the years since Tsoi’s death, the phrase “Tsoi lives” has become a popular catchphrase throughout the former U.S.S.R. And in Belarus last year, the Kino song "Peremen" became a protest anthem.
In the years since Tsoi’s death, the phrase “Tsoi lives” has become a popular catchphrase throughout the former U.S.S.R. And in Belarus last year, the Kino song "Peremen" became a protest anthem.
Moskva News Agency
“As long as we can listen to your songs – you live in our hearts.”
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