The head of the KnyaZz collective, rock artist Andrei Knyaz Knyazev, spoke during a creative briefing at the Izvestia Information Center about why the Korol i Shut project will not see a reunion. This update comes through Channel Five’s artist quotes reporting. In reflecting on the past, Knyazev emphasized that the landscape of the band and his solo path have diverged in meaningful ways since the group’s early days. The dynamic that once bound the team around a shared vision for their biggest work has evolved, and he notes that his current collaborators were chosen precisely because they align with his ongoing artistic direction. The idea of reviving the old lineup to celebrate anniversaries simply does not fit the current creative reality, he explained, underscoring a broader shift in both personal and professional priorities since those years. The interview offers a window into how deeply the group’s identity is tied to its era, yet it also signals a conscious decision to honor those roots by continuing along a new, independently driven course. The message to fans and critics alike is clear: the past remains cherished, but the present demands fresh momentum and new collaborations that reflect where Knyazev and his circle want to go next, even if that means leaving behind the reunion talk altogether.
According to Knyazev, a major reason behind the decision is the fundamental difference between the two halves of the original project. He notes that the core sense of community that once defined The King and the Jester was anchored in the collaboration between himself and Miha. When he eventually left the group, he assembled a new set of musicians who were comfortable with his personal creative voice and the path he wished to pursue. That pivot was not just about personnel changes; it was about reshaping the very fabric of the work to fit a broader, more individualized artistic arc. The guitarist appears confident that continuing under the old banner would risk stalling the evolution of the music, whereas moving forward with new collaborators promises the vitality and experimentation that mark his current output. In this view, the legacy remains intact through the songs and stories created together, even as the ensemble itself has transformed beyond its original lineup. This perspective helps explain why a reunion would feel out of step with the present creative ecosystem for the artist and for those who follow his career.
Tragically, the project also faces a poignant moment in its history with the passing of Mikhail Gorshenev, the second soloist associated with The King and the Jester, in 2013. Knyazev touched on how Gorshenev’s absence has shaped the group’s trajectory since that loss. He described the dissolution of the initial formation as a response to the evolving musical landscape and the personal experiences that accompanied Gorshenev’s departure. The dissolution was not merely the expiration of a contractual agreement; it was a turning point that reflected the need to grieve a piece of the band’s identity while simultaneously reimagining what the project could become without that member. In the interview, Knyazev frames the decision to part ways as a natural consequence of change rather than a betrayal of the past. The sense of responsibility to honor both the memory of the era and the promise of the future informs his current approach to composition, performance, and collaboration. The narrative suggests that honoring history does not require repeating it, and that the most respectful tribute to Gorshenev is to pursue new creative horizons while keeping the essence of the music alive in a form that resonates with today’s audiences.
On March 2, a series titled The King and the Jester, devoted to the work of the group and the fairy-tale world it wove, became available online. This release adds a contemporary dimension to a legacy that continues to fascinate fans and new listeners alike, offering a deeper dive into the themes, motifs, and characters that defined the project. The online series serves as a retrospective that can be accessed by audiences across Canada and the United States, where streaming platforms have broadened the reach of classic and alternative theatrical-rock storytelling. For viewers, the episodes provide an accessible bridge between the historical material and modern interpretations, inviting reflection on how old visions can be reinterpreted through current sensibilities without compromising their original spirit. In the broader context of a North American audience, this release highlights the international appeal of the band’s mythic world and underscores how artists today often diversify their catalogs to engage broader demographics while staying true to their core identities. The timing of the release invites discussions about the role of anniversaries and retrospectives in contemporary music culture, and how such projects can coexist with ongoing creative endeavors that push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Users in Canada and the United States can expect a rich, cinematic experience that blends music, narrative, and visual storytelling into a cohesive, immersive exploration of a storied chapter in rock history, anchored by the enduring presence of Knyazev and his collaborators, and guided by the memories of Gorshenev and the influence of the original partnership.