The Secret Covered by May: Yuri Shatunov and Tender May Revisited

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The Secret Covered by May documentary revisits Yuri Shatunov and Tender May

On September 7, the Muz-TV channel will screen a two part documentary in which the life of Yuri Shatunov, the iconic voice behind Tender May, is explored in depth. The program is reported by kp.ru and promises fresh perspectives on a well-known musical chapter that touched many fans across Russia and beyond. The film situates Shatunov within a broader story of artistic creation, ownership, and the pressures that accompany a career in a high-profile pop group.

Within the documentary, several longtime collaborators and industry observers offer critiques of producer Andrei Razin, suggesting that the ongoing legal disputes over the Tender May catalog and its rights have affected Shatunov personally. Arkady Kudryashov, who served as the concert director and was a steady advocate for Shatunov in his later years, is among those expressing concern about the toll these conflicts may have taken on the singer. Kudryashov says plainly that Razin bears significant responsibility for the difficult period that followed the disputes. (Source: kp.ru)

Natalya Grozovskaya, a former Tender May vocalist, also signals there may be a single figure at the center of the trouble. While she refrains from naming individuals directly, she notes that the investigation will bring the truth to light. Her cautious stance reflects the sensitive nature of the allegations and the complex history of the group and its management. (Source: kp.ru)

Yuri Shatunov passed away in the summer of 2022. Had he lived, he would have turned 51 on September 6, 2024, a milestone marked by fans and peers who remember his contribution to Russian pop music. The film contextually recounts how his public persona and private struggles intersected with a career that brought Tender May immense popularity in the late 1980s and beyond. A scene at Shatunov’s Moscow residence on Kantemirovskaya Street, where white roses were laid in his memory, underscores the personal losses that often accompany public life. (Source: kp.ru)

Earlier this year, activists from the Veterans of Russia movement addressed major state bodies, including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Investigative Committee, and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. Their appeal called for a formal inquiry into former Tender May producer Andrei Razin, specifically regarding questions about potential funding from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The request reflects broader debates around cultural figures, national history, and the funding networks connected to artistic projects. (Source: kp.ru)

The documentary thus frames a multi-layered portrait: the artist whose voice defined a generation, the individuals who guided his career, and the legal and political currents that intersect with artistic legacy. It presents shrewd observations about where power lies in the music industry, how rights disputes ripple through personal lives, and how memory is preserved in public ceremonies and media retrospectives. Viewers can expect a candid examination of the balance between artistic integrity and commercial control, along with an exploration of the consequences when leadership roles in creative projects become contested. (Source: kp.ru)

As the program airs, audiences will be invited to reflect on the enduring impact of Shatunov and Tender May. The film’s approach emphasizes human stories alongside legal and financial complexities, offering a nuanced look at a chapter that remains influential in Russia’s modern pop history. The broadcast promises to provoke discussion about accountability, gratitude to creators, and the ways in which public memory is shaped by documentary storytelling. (Source: kp.ru)

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