The Samara Incident Involving Roman Bilyk, Known as Roman Zver
The lead singer of the Russian rock group Zveri, Roman Bilyk, better known by his stage name Roman Zver, found himself at the center of a tense moment in Samara. On a May night, the night before a planned performance at the Ice Palace, the artist was allegedly involved in a heated confrontation at a local bar on Molodogvardeyskaya Street. What started as an ordinary evening quickly escalated toward a near altercation.
Eyewitnesses reported to Samara media outlets that after a night of drinking with friends, Bilyk moved to an adjacent venue known as 8 Bit. There, an incident reportedly unfolded with a bar patron. Accounts describe a physical scuffle in which chairs were toppled and a challenge was issued to step outside to “resolve the issue.” The scene reportedly intensified as the musician appeared to provoke or confront a person nearby, prompting the other party to respond with words before the exchange nearly turned physical. Video footage captured by one of the bar’s patrons shows Bilyk in a white T-shirt, attempting to grab a chair and lunge toward another guest during the disturbance.
Representatives for the band provided a statement through social media outlets, noting that Bilyk acted under pressure from persistent attention directed at him by fellow bar-goers. The PR representative explained that after the group had spent some time relaxing at the bar following a boat ride along the Volga, a party of patrons repeatedly approached for photos and extra attention. When those requests were declined, the group felt pressured and observed that the situation had begun to escalate, ultimately leading to the decision for the musicians to leave the venue in a bid to prevent further conflict. The account emphasized that the incident would not impact the upcoming concert and invited Samara residents to attend the performance, while omitting engagement with those who had behaved rudely that evening.
The bar’s manager offered a different take, describing the incident as relatively minor in terms of physical damage. He indicated that the altercation involved Bilyk, with objects knocked over and chairs moved, but insisted the venue’s furniture was sturdy enough to withstand the commotion. According to the manager, security services were called, yet the group’s members departed quickly so as to keep others safe. He framed the artist as a participant in a rebellious, rock-and-roll moment rather than someone with lasting grievance, suggesting that the event reflected a broader image of punk-era bravado.
Later that afternoon, a message appeared on the 8 Bit bar’s social media page, echoing a lyric from a Beasts song—an ironic nod to the night’s energy and its aftereffects. The quotation, which read about stronger drinks and shorter words, appeared to capture the mood of the event and the rapid-fire nature of nightlife headlines that often accompany public figures in similar situations.
Public records indicate that Bilyk has weathered struggles with alcohol and substance use in previous years. In interviews, he acknowledged how his spouse, Marina, helped him confront and manage these challenges, supporting his efforts to avoid slipping into negative patterns and to maintain focus on his career. In 2022, tabloid reporting suggested that episodes of drunken behavior had strained the couple’s relationship, underscoring the personal pressures that can accompany life in the public eye and the role a partner can play in stabilizing such moments.
Looking ahead, observers note that the Samara incident is unlikely to derail the band’s scheduled performances. The event has drawn attention to the band’s persona—a blend of raw, unapologetic performance energy and the complexities that accompany touring life. Fans and organizers alike appear to be taking a pragmatic view, recognizing that the group’s music and onstage charisma remain central to their identity, even when off-stage events become newsworthy.