Grigory Leps and Dima Bilan will not take part in the memorial concert honoring Yuri Shatunov. This information comes from the AiF portal, which covered the event in detail and confirmed their absence from the lineup.
Sergei Fadeev, who leads ARS-Records and helped organize the commemorative evening, explained that while the idea of featuring Leps and Bilan was explored, objective circumstances prevented their participation. Bilan, in particular, had long been scheduled for a performance in Chelyabinsk on October 17, and those plans could not be altered without significant disruption. The conversations about bringing the two stars to Moscow were heartfelt, but reality and timing ultimately shaped the final guest list.
Fadeev reminded listeners of a memorable moment from the New Wave festival in 2021, when Shatunov performed a duet with Bilan on the song About White Roses. The recollection underscored the special chemistry between Shatunov and Bilan and highlighted why organizing a tribute with a broad roster of artists was so appealing to fans. Yet arranging a constellation of performers for a single evening in Moscow proved exceptionally challenging, given the many schedules, commitments, and logistical needs that a high-profile event entails. The practicalities of mounting a large tribute led to a careful curation of the evening, ensuring an atmosphere worthy of Shatunov’s legacy while respecting the constraints faced by potential participants.
The memorial concert is slated for October 17 at Crocus City Hall, where the program will feature Shatunov’s songs performed by a selection of artists who were closely associated with his career. The plan is to deliver a thoughtful program that captures the essence of his repertoire while allowing the performers to showcase their unique interpretations of his music. The event aims to honor Shatunov’s influence on the genre and to provide fans with a meaningful evening that reflects both his hits and the enduring appeal of his voice. The organizers emphasize that the focus remains firmly on the songs, the memories they evoke, and the connections forged through live performance.
Earlier reports noted that Andrei Razin, the producer behind the Tender May collective, had issued public cautions to some of the participants about the memorial concert. These statements, which drew attention to the responsibilities that come with such a tribute, reflected the seriousness with which the organizers approached this commemorative project. The discussions around the lineup were conducted with care, balancing respect for Yuri Shatunov’s legacy with the practical realities of coordinating a large-scale show. Fans can expect a program that honors Shatunov while offering a varied and engaging experience for attendees.
There have also been broader, unrelated developments reported in connection with the event coverage. One piece of news suggested that Johnny Depp would visit Russia, illustrating the way entertainment news frequently intersects with high-profile concert announcements and public interest in celebrity appearances. While that item is separate from the Shatunov tribute, it demonstrates how audiences follow major artistic moments on a broad scale, from intimate commemorations to international celebrity visits. For the memorial concert, though, the spotlight remains on Yuri Shatunov’s music and the artists who agreed to participate in paying tribute to his enduring influence on fans and the broader music landscape.