Nogu Svelo!, the legendary punk rock band originated in Russia and is now based in the United States. Known for their energetic sound and fearless political stance, the band continues to use music as a force for change, raising awareness about the ongoing war in Ukraine and standing against oppression.
Fresh off the sixth leg of their world tour, which spanned 65 gigs across 64 cities in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Nogu Svelo! has not only brought their music to a global audience but also raised $100,000 for Ukraine through their performances.
A Legacy of Resistance and Musical Innovation
With a career spanning 35 years, Nogu Svelo! has built a cult following since their beginnings in 1988 as part of the famous Moscow Rock Laboratory. The band has released 16 full-length albums, 71 official music videos, and has won multiple awards across Russia and Europe, including MTV Russia’s Best Soundtrack Award.
While Nogu Svelo! originally gained recognition in Russia, the band is now fully based in the U.S., delivering English-language versions of their biggest hits alongside brand-new material recorded with their American lineup.
Frontman Max Pokrovskiy—the band’s lead singer, bassist, and principal songwriter—has been an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime for years. Due to his support for Alexei Navalny and his unwavering anti-war stance, he has been banned from performing in Russia. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pokrovskiy has released ten powerful anti-war anthems (“We Don’t Need War,” “Russia, Go Home!”, “Ukraine”...) were included in the album “Amputation”.
Art as Activism: Global Recognition for Nogu Svelo!
Beyond their musical success, Nogu Svelo! has been recognized for their politically charged music videos, which have won multiple international awards. Their recent works, “Prison Romance” and “Happy New Year, My Son,” have been celebrated at film festivals such as:
DOC LA: Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival
Los Angeles Cinematography Awards (LACA)
Cinema World Fest Awards
New York State International Film Festival
Music with a Mission: Humanitarian Efforts
In addition to their musical activism, Nogu Svelo! has actively fundraised for Ukraine through various efforts, including:
Raising funds for World Unite for Ukraine via an online concert.
Supporting a refugee shelter in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Participating in the GCI Planet Charity Event: Peace, Music, and Art Soiree.
Raising funds for two ambulances for Ukraine during their European tour via the charity Zeilen van Vrijheid.
Contributing to the purchase of a mobile hospital for Ukraine through a charity talk show in Cyprus.
Supporting a children’s hospice in Ukraine during a performance in Amsterdam.
In August 2023, Nogu Svelo! performed at the first independent anti-war film festival, AWIIFF, playing a powerful open-air concert for over 1,000 people in Estonia.
A Call to Action Through Music
Nogu Svelo! continues to stand against war, censorship, and tyranny, using their music as a rallying cry for freedom. As the world watches the ongoing conflict, the band remains dedicated to spreading their message of resistance and unity through the most powerful medium they know—music.
