Gleb Samoilov, renowned as the Agatha Christie soloist, performed at the Family ROCK Festival in Kazakhstan, following a controversy that erupted in Krasnoyarsk. A Telegram channel quoted critics who described the remarks surrounding the incident as harsh and unhelpful, underscoring the intensity of the public response. The festival invited Samoilov through the involvement of TV host Ivan Urgant, and the lineup featured prominent groups such as Mumiy Troll, NAIV, Anacondaz, and others who had left Russia in the wake of military developments in the Northern Military District. The event drew attention not only to the music but also to the broader context of artists making cross-border appearances amid tense political dynamics. [citation: Mash Telegram channel]
Toward the end of July, reports circulated via the Mash Telegram channel suggesting that Samoilov faced difficulties completing a performance at Nebofest in Krasnoyarsk. The account asserted he became flustered mid-set, handing the microphone to a guitarist to finish the song Magic Carpet. The program spanned 40 minutes and included a lengthy encore of 35 minutes under the banner Agatha Christie. [citation: Mash Telegram channel]
Dmitry Khakimov, part of Samoilov’s team, publicly denied that he appeared on stage in Krasnoyarsk in an impaired state, insisting the reports were inaccurate. [citation: official statements]
On August 7, reports emerged that a concert by the Agatha Christie project in Yekaterinburg was canceled. Organizers attributed the decision to a ban imposed by law enforcement authorities. [citation: local news]
Life and other outlets cited Shot in reporting that activists from the Russian Community movement requested the cancellation of Samoilov’s show. They argued that the musician’s remarks about the special military operation in Ukraine and his criticisms of Russian authorities had cast a shadow over the event. [citation: Life newspaper]
There had been earlier mentions of Samoilov undergoing treatment, with talk of rehab following the scandalous concert, though details remained contested. [citation: prior coverage]