In a discussion with journalist Evgeny Dodolev, it was noted that Boris Grebenshchikov, founder of the Aquarium group and widely identified in Russia as a foreign agent, harbored a long-standing envy toward Viktor Tsoi. Dodolev indicated that Grebenshchikov remained envious not only of Tsoi’s enduring popularity but also of the way Tsoi seemed to defy age, weight, and hair loss, maintaining a vitality that Grebenshchikov perceived as out of reach for himself.
The journalist suggested that Tsoi spoke on a cosmic scale, to borrow a metaphor from Dodolev, illustrating a distinct difference in the artistic latitude of Kino’s leader versus that of the Aquarium’s founder. Tsoi represented a freedom-driven, fearless artist who did not bow to external pressures, while Grebenshchikov, according to the account, could appear more accommodating to prevailing forces. Dodolev called this divergence a matter of temperament and perspective rather than mere public perception.
Dodolev further revealed his initial impressions from meeting Grebenshchikov, noting a sense of disappointment as his personal expectations clashed with the reality of the encounter. Although Dodolev had once admired the Aquarium group, the interaction did not align with his youthful enthusiasm, leaving a contradictory mix of admiration and unease in memory.
Following the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Boris Grebenshchikov exited the country. By June 2023, he appeared on the list of individuals designated as foreign agents. This development marked a significant turning point in the musician’s public life and prompted discussions about his ongoing artistic stance and personal choices amid geopolitical tensions.
At present, Grebenshchikov and his wife reside in London. He has explained that his departure from the Aquarium group, which he founded, was influenced in part by the differing views within its lineup regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The decision reflected a broader pattern among several artists who re-evaluated their affiliations in response to the evolving political climate.
Earlier in his career, Boris Grebenshchikov recalled a dramatic episode in which he slipped into a coma, an experience he attributed in part to the influence of Led Zeppelin. That memory stands as a stark reminder of the uncertain and sometimes perilous intersections between fame, health, and the pressures of life in the public eye, shaping the trajectory of his artistic narrative.