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."

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