Vladimir Shakhrin, the frontman of the rock ensemble Chaif, spoke with a calm resolve in the wake of the Crocus City Hall tragedy about the postponement of the Petersburg show. The mood among the group was one of somber reflection, a sense that some events simply demand time before the music can return to the stage.
“I spent the night trying to make sense of the terrible thing that happened yesterday,” Shakhrin shared. “It’s hard to grasp how evil can reach so far, and how it can affect people who were just there to enjoy a performance. As a band, we feel for everyone affected. Obviously, we cannot perform today. I don’t know how I could sing lighthearted songs in the face of such horror.”
The singeravier stressed that absolute goodness must stand against absolute evil and offered heartfelt condolences to all who suffered as a result of the attack. He announced that the concert would be rescheduled for a later date, marking April 6 as the new performance window and signaling the troupe’s commitment to their fans even in times of crisis.
On the evening of March 22, a terrorist assault unfolded at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk. Gunmen opened fire on the audience before the scheduled performance of the local group, followed by multiple explosions and a fire that engulfed parts of the hall. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case on charges of terrorism under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.
Reports from outlets covering the incident described a city-wide shock and a rapid response from emergency services, with investigators collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events and to identify those responsible. The event prompted expressions of solidarity from the music community and fans around the region who flooded social feeds with messages of support and resilience.
In related coverage, the incident drew attention from broadcasters and online platforms reporting on the evolving situation and the broader implications for public safety at large gatherings. The discussion extended beyond the concert hall to questions about security measures, emergency preparedness, and the responsibilities of event organizers in preventing such tragedies in the future.
Earlier concerts associated with the same regional scene had also faced disruptions due to security concerns, and organizers emphasized a careful balance between public safety and artistic engagement. The Crocus City Hall episode stood as a stark reminder of the fragility of live performances and the power of communities to respond with courage and solidarity amid adversity.
As the investigation continued, fans and musicians alike awaited clearer details while choosing to honor those affected and to keep music as a unifying force during difficult times. The collective spirit of the music world in Russia and beyond underscored the belief that shows can—and will—return, even after moments of grave tragedy, when communities stand together to heal and move forward.