During a memorial tribute to Yuri Shatunov, the singer Shaman performed and recalled the moment when he asked the late artist for permission to sing his songs. The event drew attention as a poignant nod to Shatunov’s influence on a generation of fans, and the news was covered by a major Russian news outlet.
The musician explained that he had been a devoted admirer of Shatunov since his own childhood and recalled attending several Tender May concerts in his youth. He shared that, at one of those early performances, he approached Shatunov with a handwritten note seeking permission to cover some of the singer’s hits, with a particular fondness for Gray Night. Shatunov, acknowledging the young artist’s dream, smiled and granted the permit for him to perform the songs that had inspired his early ambitions.
“From childhood I dreamed of presenting this song on a big stage, and today I am grateful that it happened,” Shaman commented, adding that he hoped his performance did not spoil the beloved track. The moment was framed by a sense of gratitude and artistic humility, as a new generation of listeners was invited to experience the music that shaped the careers of both men.
In a related turn, on October 3, Andrey Razin, the producer behind Tender May, faced online threats directed at artists scheduled to participate in the memorial concert commemorating Shatunov’s 50th anniversary. The messages, published across social networks, were hostile and accusatory, with Razin labeling the online reactions as satanic and condemning the backlash as an attempt by some celebrities to distance themselves from the event due to contractual obligations with record labels. The situation highlighted the ongoing tension between artistic expression, fan expectations, and the pressures of the music industry when legacy artists are honored in public forums.
Earlier reporting touched on how public figures should respond to heated debates around artistic tributes and relationships within the industry. Observers suggested thoughtful, calm dialogue as a path forward and emphasized that respect for the artist’s legacy remains central to any such commemoration. As the memorial progressed, attendees cited the enduring relevance of Shatunov’s songs and the way they connected fans across generations, a reminder of the power of music to bridge time and memory.
Overall, the memorial event served not only as a homage to Yuri Shatunov but also as a reflection on how upcoming artists navigate tradition and personal aspiration in the modern music landscape. Shaman’s performance stood as a testament to the lasting influence of Shatunov’s repertoire, while the surrounding discussions underscored the delicate balance between homage and the commercial realities that shape contemporary music culture.