SHAMAN Explores a Tender May Classic in a New Cover and Delivers a Kremlin Palace Set
The performer known as SHAMAN, born Yaroslav Dronov, revealed plans to record a cover of the Tender May tune titled Grey Night. The announcement surfaced in media coverage and has sparked curiosity about how the veteran artist will reinterpret a song that holds strong nostalgic weight for many listeners.
The responsibility of reimagining Grey Night is clear to the artist. He stressed that preserving the essence of the original while delivering his own touch is essential. The aim, he indicated, is not to betray what fans expect, preserving the familiar mood and recognizable tonality of the classic version. His approach signals a careful balance between tribute and personal interpretation.
In discussing the arrangement of the new recording, Dronov noted that he intends to maintain the same tonal color and tempo that defined the track, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to the widely celebrated version. This cautious stance suggests the artist values continuity and respect for the song’s enduring popularity, while still allowing space for his distinctive vocal character to shine.
Earlier this mid-October, SHAMAN took the stage at a major Moscow venue, performing a concert in the State Kremlin Palace that began later than scheduled. The set featured selections from his catalog, including the songs We and Confession, as well as a performance of Yes performed with dancers dressed in khaki. Audience members who witnessed the show noted the unexpectedly late start, although specific reasons were not disclosed by the organizers.
On arrival, the artist appeared in a gleaming silver jacket adorned with a national flag patch on the sleeve, a garment that resonated with fans familiar with his evolving stage persona. The attire underscored a connection to broader national and cultural themes that have often accompanied the performer’s public appearances, reinforcing his image as a charismatic and visually expressive artist on a prominent national stage.
Between songs, SHAMAN took a moment to engage with the crowd. He asked if anyone in the hall was celebrating a birthday and invited everyone present to join in the chorus and loudly celebrate the birthdays of fellow concertgoers. The moment highlighted a connection with the audience that is a hallmark of live performances, turning the event into a shared experience rather than a simple recital.
There has been recent attention in the music community regarding a different artist, Laima Vaikule, who publicly criticized a peer’s title for a major role. This ongoing dialogue within the contemporary music scene adds to the broader conversation about artistic recognition, branding, and the expectations placed on solo performers who navigate long careers and evolving audiences.
Overall, the Kremlin Palace appearance positioned SHAMAN as a performer who values tradition while seeking to broaden his repertoire with careful, respectful updates to beloved songs. His planned Grey Night cover will likely be watched closely by fans and industry observers who are keen to see how he reconciles reverence for the original with his own distinctive artistic voice.