Grigory Leps

Grigory Leps was born in Sochi, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, into an ethnically Georgian family. He completed his music education specializing in percussion instruments and began his career by performing in various rock bands and restaurants after serving in the military.

Leps faced challenges with alcoholism and drug addiction, prompting his move to Moscow, where he continued to perform in restaurants until securing a record deal. His debut album, May God Keep You (Khrani vas Bog), was released in 1995, featuring the hit song 'Natali'.

Leps's musical style transitioned from Russian chanson to rock music over the years. His second album, A Whole Life (Tselaya zhizn), released in 1997, included popular tracks such as 'Chizhik' and 'Gololed'.

In 2000, he released Thank You People, marking a significant shift in his style, followed by On Strings of Rain (Na strunakh dozhdya) in 2002. His cover album of Vladimir Vysotsky's songs, Parus, was released in 2004 and achieved commercial success.

Leps has been involved in several politically charged events, notably performing at a rally in Moscow on 18 March 2022, which celebrated the annexation of Crimea by Russia from Ukraine. This performance was part of a broader context of support for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On 22 February 2023, he participated in another rally in Moscow led by Vladimir Putin. His support for the Russian government has led to backlash, including the cancellation of his concert in Kazakhstan in June 2023 due to public pressure regarding his stance on the invasion of Ukraine.

In October 2013, Grigory Leps was blacklisted by the US Department of the Treasury for alleged connections with an international criminal organization known as the Brothers' Circle. This organization is described as a Eurasian criminal group primarily operating in former Soviet states.

In December 2022, the European Union imposed sanctions on Leps in response to his involvement in events related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Leps was honored as the People's Artist of Russia in 2022, reflecting his influence and contributions to the music industry in Russia. Despite his controversies, he remains a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.