# Kino

> Soviet rock band

**Wikidata**: [Q650555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q650555)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kino_(band))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kino

## Summary
Kino was a Soviet rock band formed in 1981, best known for its influential role in the Soviet rock scene and its cultural impact on Russian music. Led by Viktor Tsoi, the band blended punk rock, post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock, becoming a defining force in Russian rock history.

## Key Facts
- **Formation**: Founded in 1981 in Saint Petersburg, Soviet Union.
- **Disbandment**: Dissolved in 1990 following the death of Viktor Tsoi.
- **Genre**: Punk rock, post-punk, new wave, gothic rock, and Russian rock.
- **Lead Vocalist**: Viktor Tsoi (1962–1990), a pivotal figure in Soviet rock music.
- **Members**: Included Yuri Kasparyan (guitarist), Igor Tikhomirov (bassist), Georgy Guryanov (drummer), Aleksei Rybin (musician), and Alexander Titov (bassist).
- **Record Label**: Associated with Melodiya, a major Soviet and Russian record label.
- **Location**: Based in Saint Petersburg, a cultural hub of Russia.
- **Website**: [kino.band](https://kino.band/)
- **Wikidata Description**: Soviet rock band.
- **Sitelink Count**: 59 Wikipedia entries across multiple languages.

## FAQs
**What was Kino’s musical style?**
Kino’s music blended punk rock, post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock, contributing to the broader Soviet and Russian rock genres. Their sound was characterized by raw energy, poetic lyrics, and a rebellious spirit.

**Who were the key members of Kino?**
The band was led by Viktor Tsoi (vocals, lyrics), with notable members including Yuri Kasparyan (guitar), Igor Tikhomirov (bass), Georgy Guryanov (drums), Aleksei Rybin (musician), and Alexander Titov (bass).

**When was Kino active?**
Kino was active from 1981 to 1990, disbanding after Viktor Tsoi’s death in 1990.

**What record label was Kino associated with?**
Kino was affiliated with Melodiya, a prominent Soviet and Russian record label known for distributing a wide range of music genres, including classical, pop, jazz, and folklore.

**Where was Kino based?**
The band was based in Saint Petersburg, a city with a rich cultural and musical history in Russia.

**What is Kino’s legacy?**
Kino is remembered as one of the most influential bands in Soviet rock history, with Viktor Tsoi becoming an iconic figure. Their music continues to inspire Russian rock and alternative music scenes.

## Why It Matters
Kino played a crucial role in shaping the Soviet rock movement, providing a voice for a generation during a politically restrictive era. Their music, led by Viktor Tsoi’s poetic lyrics and rebellious themes, resonated deeply with audiences, influencing not only music but also broader cultural and social expressions in Russia. The band’s legacy endures through their recordings, the continued reverence for Tsoi, and their impact on subsequent generations of Russian musicians.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Icon**: Viktor Tsoi remains a symbol of Soviet rock and youth rebellion.
- **Genre Fusion**: Blended punk rock, post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock into a distinctive sound.
- **Influential Discography**: Produced music that defined the Soviet rock scene of the 1980s.
- **Melodiya Affiliation**: Associated with one of the most significant record labels in Soviet and Russian history.
- **Saint Petersburg Roots**: Emerged from a city known for its artistic and musical innovation.
- **Enduring Legacy**: Continues to inspire Russian rock and alternative music long after disbandment.

## Body
### History and Formation
Kino was formed in 1981 in Saint Petersburg, then known as Leningrad, during a period of cultural ferment in the Soviet Union. The band was co-founded by Viktor Tsoi, who became its lead vocalist and primary lyricist. Tsoi’s vision for Kino was rooted in the punk and post-punk movements, which were gaining traction globally but faced significant restrictions in the Soviet Union.

### Musical Style and Influence
Kino’s music was a fusion of punk rock, post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock, contributing to the broader genre of Russian rock. Their sound was characterized by raw, energetic performances and introspective, often rebellious lyrics. This style resonated with Soviet youth, who found in Kino a voice for their frustrations and aspirations. The band’s influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion, art, and youth culture in the Soviet Union.

### Key Members
- **Viktor Tsoi** (1962–1990): The band’s frontman, Tsoi was a Soviet rock musician whose lyrics and charisma made him an iconic figure. His untimely death in 1990 led to the disbandment of Kino.
- **Yuri Kasparyan**: A guitarist who contributed to Kino’s distinctive sound.
- **Igor Tikhomirov**: Bassist who played a key role in the band’s musical arrangements.
- **Georgy Guryanov** (1961–2013): Drummer and painter, known for his artistic contributions both within and outside the band.
- **Aleksei Rybin**: A musician and writer who added depth to Kino’s compositions.
- **Alexander Titov**: Bassist who further enriched the band’s musical texture.

### Record Label and Distribution
Kino was associated with **Melodiya**, a major Soviet and Russian record label founded in 1964. Melodiya played a pivotal role in the production and distribution of Kino’s music, ensuring their reach across the Soviet Union and beyond. The label’s association with diverse genres, including classical, pop, jazz, and folklore, underscored Kino’s place within a broader musical landscape.

### Location and Cultural Context
Based in **Saint Petersburg**, Kino emerged from a city with a rich history of artistic and musical innovation. Saint Petersburg’s cultural environment, combined with the political climate of the Soviet Union, provided a unique backdrop for the band’s development. The city’s influence is evident in Kino’s music, which reflects both the urban energy and the underlying tensions of Soviet society.

### Dissolution and Legacy
Kino disbanded in 1990 following Viktor Tsoi’s death. Despite their relatively short active period, the band’s impact on Soviet and Russian rock music has been profound. Tsoi’s legacy, in particular, endures through tributes such as the **Tsoi Wall** in Moscow and the asteroid **2740 Tsoj**, named in his honor. Kino’s music continues to be celebrated, influencing new generations of musicians and fans.

### Related Entities
- **Melodiya**: The record label that distributed Kino’s music, known for its role in the Soviet and Russian music industry.
- **Saint Petersburg**: The city where Kino was formed, a cultural hub with deep musical roots.
- **Soviet Union**: The political and cultural context in which Kino operated, shaping their music and message.
- **Viktor Tsoi**: The band’s leader, whose legacy extends beyond music into broader cultural and social spheres.

### Digital Presence and Documentation
Kino’s official website, [kino.band](https://kino.band/), serves as a central hub for information about the band. Their Wikipedia entries, available in 59 languages, reflect their global cultural significance. The band’s data is also documented in Wikidata, with connections to related entities such as Melodiya, Saint Petersburg, and the Soviet Union.

### Impact on Russian Rock
Kino’s influence on Russian rock cannot be overstated. They were part of a wave of bands that challenged the status quo, using music as a form of expression in a restrictive environment. Their blend of genres and poetic lyrics set a new standard for Soviet rock, inspiring countless bands and artists in the decades that followed. The band’s legacy is a testament to the power of music as a tool for cultural and social change.

## References

1. [Source](http://radiospy.net/artists/39403-kino/)
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. YouTube API