- Rock & roll crazy, Russia style!
When Ilya Lagutenko formed Mumiy Troll in Russia 27 years ago, the Cold War still lingered in the political air. Mumiy Troll (literally translated as “The Mummies’ Troll”) played around for several years until Lagutenko had to serve his time in the Russian Air Navy. After his discharge, the band reformed and released two albums in 1997. When MTV Russia launched a year later, the first video it aired was by Mumiy Troll. Movie geeks may recognize Lagutenko from his role as a vampire in the Russian horror film Night Watch (the band’s music was also featured in the movie). Lagutenko calls his group’s blend of Russian folk roots, hard-rock convention, and curious lyrics “rockapops.” Over the past 15 years, Mumiy Troll have become a hugely influential force in Russian youth culture — from music to fashion to attitude. When the group formed in 1983, it was banned by a local Communist Party leader, who called Mumiy Troll “one of the most socially dangerous bands in the world.” They were recently voted Best Band of the Millennium in their home country. That’s change you can believe in. Muimy Troll, with Run Run Run, play the Beachland Ballroom at 8 p.m. Tickets: $17, $15 in advance. —Brian Baker
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