Things You Didn't Know About New York's Famous „Gogol Bordello“

Seven years of wandering after the Chernobyl disaster
Following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, Eugene Hütz's family was evacuated from their native Ukraine. The future musician spent seven years wandering through Eastern and Central Europe – living in Poland, Hungary, Austria, and Italy before finally reaching the USA.

First jobs in America: from loader to night clubs
Upon arriving in the US, Eugene Hütz initially worked as a loader. Later, after moving to New York, he earned his living as a bartender and started working as a DJ in clubs popular among Eastern Europeans.

Playing for more than 26 years
The band “Gogol Bordello” was formed in 1999 in New York, USA.

“Gogol Bordello” - “Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story”

Founded the record label “Casa Gogol Records”
The band's leader Eugene Hütz founded his own music company, “Casa Gogol Records”. Although friends and other successful record publishers tried to dissuade him by warning about the massive workload, E. Hütz does not regret this step. This record company releases music not only for “Gogol Bordello” but also for other artists and bands.

Support for Ukraine and its soldiers
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, “Gogol Bordello” became one of the loudest cultural voices raising support for their homeland. The musicians held numerous benefit concerts in New York and donated the proceeds to aid. Together with “Primus” leader Les Claypool and Sean Lennon, the band created the song “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls”. They also recorded a cover version of the “Angelic Upstarts” track “Solidarity” with Bernard Sumner (“Joy Division” and “New Order”) – this song is included in their latest album, “We Mean It, Man!”.

“Gogol Bordello” feat. Bernard Sumner (“New Order”) - “Solidarity”

Starred in a movie with Hollywood star Elijah Wood
The band's leader Eugene Hütz successfully tried his hand at an acting career. Alongside Hollywood celebrity Elijah Wood, he played one of the leading roles in the 2005 film “Everything Is Illuminated”. The film's soundtrack featured the track “Start Wearing Purple”, which is considered the biggest hit of “Gogol Bordello's” career.

“Gogol Bordello” - “Start Wearing Purple”

Impressed Madonna
The joyful chaos created by “Gogol Bordello” caught the attention of one of the most prominent music icons, Madonna. In 2007, the Queen of Pop and “Gogol Bordello” performed at the “Live Earth” concert at London's Wembley Stadium, where they performed Madonna's famous song “La Isla Bonita” together. The live TV broadcast of the event, which reached hundreds of millions of viewers, instantly turned the fun punks into global stars.

Madonna & “Gogol Bordello” - “La Isla Bonita” (Live Earth 2007)

Collaborating with top-tier producers
The world's most famous producers collaborate with “Gogol Bordello”. The band's third, breakthrough album “Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike” (2005) was recorded by producer Steve Albini, who had previously worked with Nirvana, PJ Harvey, Pixies, Bush, and Jimmy Page & Robert Plant.
Rick Rubin, who has produced albums for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, System of a Down, Slayer, and Johnny Cash, helped record their fifth studio album, “Trans-Continental Hustle” (2010).
The legendary music producer Nick Launay – a music industry giant who has previously collaborated with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Amyl & The Sniffers, Idles, and Gang of Four – contributed to the sound of the band's latest work, “We Mean It, Man!”.

A fiery show with no equivalents at concerts
On stage, “Gogol Bordello” creates a show full of savage energy and theatrical chaos that instantly tears down the barrier between the musicians and the audience, turning the concert into a shared, boundless ritual. Eugene Hütz often uses a massive metal drum, which he climbs onto to “surf” over the hands of the crowd of fans.

Declared Vilnius an exclusive “Gogol Bordello” republic
The band temporarily declared Vilnius an alternative punk “Gogol Bordello” republic, connecting the capital's creative spaces for a common goal. Fifteen official city venues – cultural spaces, bars, and a skatepark – joined this unique support campaign for Ukraine. Inspired by the band “Gogol Bordello's” spirit of freedom, movement, and community, these places became official embassies of the republic. Operating under the slogan “Music brought us here. Solidarity keep us together”, the campaign invites Vilnius residents and visitors to become part of this community. Visitors will find special offers here, allowing them to contribute to the support for Ukraine and collect an exclusive, limited-edition “Gogol Bordello” republic badge.

As early as next week, the wild New York band “Gogol Bordello” will perform in Lithuania. The temperamental musicians, who perform mind-blowing music, will deliver an unforgettable show at Vilnius' “Vasaros terasa” on July 30th. At the concert, the band will not only perform their biggest hits “Wonderlust King”, “Start Wearing Purple”, “Pala Tute”, “My Companjera”, but will also present their latest album. The vinyl of the band's newest album “We Mean It, Man!”, released this year, can be purchased on the online store “Buymusic.lt”. After their visit to Lithuania, the band will hold concerts in Estonia and Latvia. Tickets for the “Gogol Bordello” concert are distributed by “Shownet.lt”.