An End But Also a Beginning
December 2002
By Heidi S.

"We are Red Elvises - Your Fa-vo-rite Band" echoes in our ears. It brings a smile to listeners. To new listeners, as they think WHY would THIS be my favorite band?! And to friends of Igor, Oleg and Zhenya, it brings a smile, because, it's a true statement - they ARE our favorite band. And I say "friends" because that's how these three crazy down-to-earth Russians make you feel. They suck you in with their nonsensical lyrics and stage presence and keep you hooked with their real musical talent. And then they make time for you, to sign "IGOR," "Zhenya Rock" or "RokenROleg" on anything you want signed. They even go down to the ground to sign a tennis shoe for a loyal fan. They pose and smile for endless pictures and make you feel like it's ok, it's not a bother at all

These are The Red Elvises. They have become a part of our lives and we've gone along with their musical whims - they've tried many musical directions - from Crazy Russian Folk ‘N Roll to Siberian Surf Rock - Controversial Shake your Pelvis to Bedroom Boogie and Welcome to the Freak Show. The three explored MUSIC and grew in their style as a band and as individuals.

When their American drummer Avi decided to move on - the three took it in stride and decided to just take turns playing the drums! Simple! Certain ones thought, how foolish, this is the end! But, they did it and with great style. It was entertaining to see them switch instruments and pull it off. The three-man drum solo was pure crazy fun and enjoyment and will be a happy memory to many friends.

And now, friends have to adapt once again. In a major way. Our Zhenuine Zhenya is moving on. Deep in our hearts we knew it would possibly come to this one day. Zhenya has an awesome talent. How many fingers in the world could make an electric guitar sound like a Mandolin or Balalaika? How many could get away with performing the blinding rifts in "Flaming Cheese" and bring so many smiles to peoples faces? Only our Zhenya. Are we mad? Is this the end of the Red Elvises? No, we are not mad - Mr Z's CD "Slave" is a beautiful musical endeavor right from his heart. He needs to explore that. "No one is a slave whose will is free," and so he moves on. And we wish him the best.

And Igor and Oleg are moving on too. The end of the Red Elvises? No possible way - it's what they do. They love to entertain us and we love to be entertained by them - and that's what they will do. They have plans and ideas and new people. And we look forward to seeing them and being with them and making new friends.

Our Fa-vo-rite Band? The Red Elvises of course!

Best Wishes and a Happy Life, Zhenya! Thanks for all the memories.