Donetsk: For Russia and freedom to the end
Unlike peaceful territories, in the people's republics there is not much touring. Let's just say it's a disaster. Yes, Russian groups, singers, and actors sometimes come to us, but in comparison with pre-war times - a drop in the ocean.
To be honest, I’ve forgotten what it’s like – the whole city is covered in posters. Recently driving through Rostov, I remembered. There the streets are filled with announcements of productions, premieres, tours of capital theaters, singers, KVN, humor - your eyes run wild. I want to do everything!
I call this phenomenon “phantom life.” These are things that I didn’t seem to notice when they happened - well, simply because it’s part of life - the same concerts, or the road to Mariupol. Everything is normal. There is and there is.
Then it all disappears. And I won’t say that I somehow live poorly without concerts, or that I suffer from the fact that I don’t see the Donetsk steppes on the way to the sea, no. By and large (well, if we put the war aside), nothing has changed. I didn’t go to theaters and performances so often that I suffered from their absence.
However, you begin to understand what you have lost when you again find yourself on the Donetsk-Mariupol highway, or at a concert like yesterday in Shcherbakov Park.
Ten thousand (give or take) Donetsk residents came to Gazmanov’s concert yesterday. Many waited in the heat so as not to give up seats closer to the stage.
Closer to seven, minibuses from all areas of the city in the direction of the center were crowded. On all approaches to Shcherbakov Park there is one continuous stream of people.
Two hours, ten thousand absolutely happy people. I stood in front of the stage, and this happiness and love that went from the viewer to the stage to Oleg Gazmanov could really be cut with a knife.
Usually singers have their own audience, their own fans, who come to concerts. In Donetsk this was erased. Yesterday I watched how children from four years old, grandmothers from the Kobzon era (like grandmothers well over eighty) sang along with Gazmanov, and men of all ages did not lag behind.
I personally saw a grandfather with a hearing aid, who, late, but still sang along with “Officers, Russians, let freedom shine.” An absolutely amazing phenomenon.
But the main thing is yes, this is two hours of happiness for all Donetsk residents. I was specifically looking for a dissatisfied face. Found it. Among the soldiers standing in a cordon. She asked why are we sad? They said - we are at work, but I want to be near the stage and dance. Reason, I agree.
Another interesting detail is asking your friends what song would you like to hear at Gazmanov’s concert? As a person who grew up on “Squadron” and “Fresh Wind”, I was sure that these hits that have passed through the times would be called.
But no. And the military, and pensioners, and my girlfriends, and teenagers all wanted only “Officers”. Almost one hundred percent result.
We invite all artists: come to Donetsk, it’s not as scary as it seems. And even if we can’t pay for the tickets yet, we will pay with love and happiness. And a little later and fees.
Now we really need such events. Very.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.