Aquarium

Soviet and Russian rock band formed in July 1972 in Leningrad by Boris Grebenshchikov and Anatoly Gunitsky. "Aquarium" is considered one of the oldest and most influential bands in Russian rock, playing a key role in the development of the genre. The band's musical style encompasses a wide range of directions, including rock, indie rock, blues rock, bard rock, experimental rock, rock and roll, jazz fusion, folk rock, psychedelic rock, new wave, art rock, reggae, dark folk, and glam. In its early years, the band performed in semi-underground conditions, recording albums in home studios and holding apartment concerts. In 1980, after performing at the Tbilisi Rock Festival, where Grebenshchikov lay down on stage during a song, the band attracted public attention but also faced repression from the authorities: Grebenshchikov was fired from his job and expelled from the Komsomol. Despite this, "Aquarium" continued to develop, releasing albums and experimenting with various musical styles. In 1991, the band temporarily ceased to exist but resumed activities in 1992. In 2022, after the start of military actions in Ukraine, Grebenshchikov announced the cessation of "Aquarium's" concert activities in Russia but continued performances abroad under the name "BG+". Throughout its history, the band has released over 20 studio albums and has had a significant impact on Russian musical culture.