The situation centers on Alexander Lazorevich, the original frontman and lead singer of the rock outfit Metal Corrosion, who reportedly intends to return a vest once owned by Andrei Knyazev, a member of the band Korol i Shut. The item in question was taken during a public exhibition, and the claim of ownership and intent to rectify the situation has circulated through the Telegram outlet SHOT, which shared details of the episode.
In Lazorevich’s own words, relayed through the channel, the act was not conceived as a calculated theft but rather a misjudged moment. He stated that his purpose in acquiring the vest was purely to participate in photographs and to eventually return the garment to its rightful place. According to his account, he was met with forceful resistance, his hands allegedly twisted, and accusations of stealing leveled against him. This sequence left him feeling cornered and uncertain about the path ahead. He emphasized that he did not intend to keep the vest, and he now faces the challenge of navigating a difficult situation with consequences he did not anticipate.
During the event, Lazorevich also drew attention to the jacket worn by Spider, recognized as the founder of the Metal Corrosion collective, a move that reporters described as a public declaration tied to the ongoing controversy. Media coverage indicates that the musician asserted the show’s security personnel sought to monitor his artistic activities, a claim that added layers of tension to an already charged moment. The reports further note that Lazorevich was accused of theft, and at the time of reporting, he was reportedly under house arrest, while the vest allegedly taken by him was located with law enforcement authorities. The broader narrative suggested by several outlets points to a complicated legal and reputational landscape for the involved artists.
Experts weighing in on the matter have estimated that the value of the vest could reach around a million rubles, a sum that underscores the financial stakes embedded in the dispute as well as the emotional weight carried by the parties involved. The potential penalties for what is characterized as grand theft could extend to several years in prison, reflecting serious charges in connection with the alleged act.
Beyond the immediate incident, the exhibition titled Punk Culture. Korol i Shut opened its doors on March 2, 2023, presenting a broad survey of punk culture as a social and artistic phenomenon. The curatorial concept traces the movement’s history both within Russia and globally, employing a mix of interactive displays, archival materials, and contemporary art installations to illuminate the cultural dynamics at play. This setting provides a backdrop that frames the current dispute as part of a larger conversation about artists, objects, and the spaces where heavy cultural memory is performed and contested.
The theft was first disclosed publicly on April 27, marking a point where public interest intersected with institutional responses, and inviting discussion about provenance, stewardship of cultural artifacts, and the responsibilities of participants within art and music communities. The case prompted reflection on how exhibit environments balance security with openness, and how high-profile personalities navigate situations that blur the lines between permissible influence and potential missteps in public spaces.