Gogol Bordello

Gogol Bordello Artistfacts

  • 1999-
    Eugene HutzVocals, guitar
    Sergey RyabtsevViolin, vocals2000-
    Yuri LemeshevAccordion, vocals2001-
    Oren KaplanGuitar, vocals2000-
    Elizabeth SunPercussion, vocals2004-
    Thomas GobenaBass, vocals2006-
    Pedro ErazoPercussion, MC2007-
    Oliver CharlesDrums2009-
  • The name Gogol Bordello came about by bringing together two of the band's favorite words. "Gogol" refers to Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, who serves as influence to the band because he "smuggled" Ukrainian culture into Russian society. "Bordello" in Italian refers to a brothel or gentlemen's club.
  • In 2005, Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz appeared in a film called Everything is Illuminated with Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood. The movie is a dramedy/adventure story about the Nazi purges in Ukraine. The band also contributed their breakthrough song "Start Wearing Purple" to the film's score.
  • In 2008, Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz moved from Manhattan to Brazil. The transition is chronicled on the band's 2010 major-label debut album Transcontinental Hustle. The disc was produced by Rick Rubin, who decided to work with Gogol Bordello after a suggestion by Rage Against the Machine guitarist and frequent collaborator Tom Morello. Morello loved Gogol Bordello's live show and knew that Rubin would want to work with them if he saw it too.
  • Gogol Bordello accordion player Yuri Lemeshev immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1989. He soon became very well known in the East Village bistros of New York City for this enthralling performances and crazy hats and wigs. Lemeshev also plays in a duo with Theremin player Pamelia Kurstin.
  • Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz can be seen in the 2008 film Filth and Wisdom, directed by Madonna. Before getting the call from Madonna to be in the movie, Hutz knew that the pop superstar was a fan of his band. Prior to 2008, every time Gogol Bordello played in London there were rumors that Madonna would show up. Hutz loves that he was able to meet her face to face without the involvement of any managers or agents. He says the two had "good vibes right away."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.