Musician Sergei Shnurov consents to prohibit the tunes of band "Leningrad"
Article Title: Sergei Shnurov and the Controversy Surrounding "Leningrad"'s Banned Songs
In the vibrant world of Russian music, few figures have made as significant an impact as Sergei Shnurov, the charismatic frontman of the iconic band "Leningrad" (Gruppirovka Leningrad). Born on August 21, Shnurov, also known by his pseudonym Shnur, has been a driving force in the Russian music scene for years, earning a reputation for his bold, provocative lyrics and energetic performances[1][2].
Leningrad's Influential Music
Founded by Shnurov, "Leningrad" has undergone various lineup changes, including a temporary disbandment in 2002, after which the band was reformed with a new set of musicians[1]. The band is renowned for its unique blend of rock, ska, and punk, with sharp, often satirical lyrics addressing social and political themes in Russia[1][2]. Over the years, they have released multiple influential albums, some developed during a hiatus when Shnurov focused on writing new songs[1].
The Court's Decision
Recently, five songs by "Leningrad," including "Kandidat," "Net h...ne," "Ch.P.H.," "Ospa," and "Russkie," have been banned by a court in St. Petersburg. An expert opinion from the St. Petersburg Academy of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education found that these works contain signs of inciting minors to violent actions, alcohol consumption, and drug use[3].
Shnurov's Response
Shnurov, who has long been known for causing stirs with songs containing profanity, supports the court's decision to limit access to the songs for minors. He believes in the Russian language in its entirety, including all words, such as the word for male genitalia, and states that the songs are not intended for minors under 18[3].
The expert opinion also found hidden methods of influencing children's psyche in the songs. However, Shnurov argues that these elements are not intended to harm but rather to shock, a characteristic that has become synonymous with his artistic style[3].
Shnurov's Multifaceted Career
Beyond his music, Shnurov is a multifaceted personality. He has composed music for films, painted, and acted in movies. Shnurov has had several exhibitions of his paintings, showcasing his artistic versatility[1].
In 2025, Shnurov and "Leningrad" remain active performers, participating in high-profile music events like MUZ-TV's "Battle of the Generations" and concerts internationally, showcasing their enduring popularity and influence[4][5]. Despite the controversy surrounding the band, Shnurov's contributions to Russian music culture are undeniable, making him a key figure in the industry.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leningrad_(band) [2] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/25/leningrad-russia-rock-sergei-shnurov-interview [3] https://www.bbc.com/russian/russia/2021/05/210527_leningrad_songs_banned_in_russia [4] https://www.muz-tv.ru/battle-generations/ [5] https://www.leningrad-band.ru/en/tour/
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