Victor Tsoi: Image Vs. Identity

I still listen to Kino after all these years. Even though I was about 11 at the time of Viktor's death and the whole post-punk era kind of swept by me, I remember that time very well. I still can smell the Soviet air and see the desperation yet signs of hope on people's faces in my mind's eye. He was not only somewhat of a hero, he was (in my humble opinion) a wonderful poet and a talented musician. Viktor was, I guess, the first one from the underground who democratized music in Russia. He brought it to the masses with catchy melodies and powerful lyrics. Nobody could relate to teenagers before him. Yes, there was DDT, Aquarium, Mashina Vremeni, but that was for older folks who "understood" music (i.e. were music buffs), and yes, there was Vladimir Vysotsky, Bulat Okudjava, Yuri Vizbor etc. but their time has just passed and they were somewhat outdated. Viktor brought a new wave with his singing and scenic image. He was, so to speak, a product of his time and he wanted to make sure his message got across. And boy, did it ever! He could feed the audience from his hands at his concerts! Also from what I remember he was a great person, not a typical "rock star", a gentle, conscientious citizen with a lot of right stuff to say. Even though I was very young when the "accident" happened, I was still very sad to lose a great person like him. As far as his image is concerned, had he not died tragically at 28 his legend would not be what it is, or he would be considered "god" like Grebenschikov. But he is being canonized by his fans perhaps for just that one reason.
Today his music rings with me, because of a very similar conditions that we have to go through in the US. The war, the unlivable situations for some etc, etc. It reminds me a lot of the Soviet sadness and emptiness of the 80s. Of course, the tables have turned now...

I grew up with KINO, and now my kids, ages 14, 10 and 5, love it, too. It's a combination of rhythm, music, a very distinguishable voice, and lyrics, too.

Looking at the history of pop music, Victor Tsoy reminds me alot of Curt Cobain. At least in the steps he took in his career. Like Cobain, he was the x to the z of glossy and over-produced pop of the Soviet Union at the time (with Cobain coming in at the peak of "Hair Metal" fiasco with their over-produced ballads, respectively). Like Cobain, he delivered rebellious angst-driven, message-filled lyrics. Like Cobain, he died tragically. All these ingredients are there. But, in all honesty, Tsoy, in my eyes, is more like Chuck D from public enemy, as far as his music goes. His messages were meant to stir people up and revolt against the flaws of the "system". He did it very well, thanks to his band and his ability to communicate his poetry in a form of popular music. My favorite lyrics from him are in the song "Zvezda po imeni Solntze" (A star called Sun)