Autograph (Russian band)
Автограф Autograph | |
---|---|
Origin | Moscow, Soviet Union |
Genres | Art rock, progressive rock |
Years active | 1979–1990 (reunions in 2005 and 2012) |
Labels | Melodiya |
Autograph (Russian: Автограф, or Avtograf) was a Soviet Russian art rock/AOR band, considered a pioneer of progressive rock music in Russia.
History
The group was founded in
- Arthur Berkut – lead vocal
- Alexander Sitkovetsky – guitar, vocals
- Leonid Makarevich – keyboards
- Leonid Goutkin – bass
- Victor Mikhalin – drums, vocals
Autograph was atypical for a
After a triumphal success and exhaustive touring throughout the USSR, Autograph became the first Soviet rock-group to achieve commercial success in the West, having toured more than 30 countries. On July 13, 1985, the band - the only one to represent the entire Eastern Europe - took part in Bob Geldof's Live Aid concert, performing before more than 2.5 billion people worldwide (transmitted live from Moscow). The signature song they performed was "Нам нужен мир" (or "Nam Nuzhen Mir - We Need Peace").
In 1987 the band represented the USSR in the Soviet-American concert Our Move organized by
After two years working successfully with an American manager Mary Becker, in 1989 the band signed a contract with Herb Cohen (Frank Zappa's management) in Los Angeles, California. Their debut album Tear Down the Borders on Rhino Records was released in 1991 and one of the most popular songs "I Need You" from that album was recorded by Rick Springfield for the blockbuster movie Iron Eagle II (1988).
Disbanded in 1990, Autograph reunited in summer of 2005 for a major re-union tour and a final grand anniversary concert at Moscow
In 2012 the band played in a unique 'Legends of Russian Rock' concert at Moscow's Green Theater, broadcast on the national and international TV.
Discography
Studio albums
- Rok-Gruppa "Avtograf" (1984)
- Avtograf (1986)
- Kamenniy Kray (1989)[1]
- Tear Down the Border (1991)
- Avtograf-1 (1996)
Notes
- ^ "Stone Land on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
External links
- [1] Official home page
- Band story Archived 2009-03-07 at the Wayback Machine (in Russian)
- Band story (in Russian)
- Autograph discography at Discogs