The Influence of Rock Music on Social and Political Changes in Russia, 1980s-Present

“Playing rock music in the USSR was like fighting for freedom. Opposing the hypocrisy and pressure of the Soviet system, musicians tried to build a new Russia without totalitarian ideology, without censorship and the imperialistic pattern of behaviour. Rock was an active cultural and social force. When the USSR collapsed, rock music became part of the mainstream and lost its political influence. But it will surely transform into some new music that has sincere energy in it. And I believe that changes are still possible in Russia, although it will take time.” – Mikhail Borzykin

Mikhail Borzykin – Russian poet, musician, singer and civil activist, the leader of the rock band Televizor. He protested against totalitarianism in the Soviet Union in the mid-eighties, and his concerts were banned because of their anti-Soviet lyrics. Since 1984, he has taken part in numerous protest concerts and festivals as an organizer and performer, including the Dissenters’ March and other opposition actions in Putin’s Russia.