Zoopark is a cult rock band that was created back in 1980 in Leningrad. The group lasted only 10 years, but this time was enough to create a “shell” of a rock culture idol around Mike Naumenko.
The history of the creation and composition of the Zoo group
The official year of birth of the Zoo team was 1980. But, as often happens, it all started long before the official date of birth. At the origins of the group is Mikhail Naumenko.
As a teenager, the young man first picked up a guitar and a tape recorder to record several compositions of his own composition.
The formation of Mike's musical taste was influenced by the work of the Rolling Stones, Doors, Bob Dylan, David Bowie. Young Naumenko taught himself to play the guitar. Mike recorded his first compositions in English.
It is interesting that Naumenko attended a school with an emphasis on learning foreign languages, so it is not surprising that the young man recorded the first tracks in English. In the future, the love of learning a foreign language led the musician to take on the creative pseudonym Mike.
Before the Zoo group was created, Naumenko managed to visit the Aquarium and Capital Repair groups. Moreover, he even released a solo album "Sweet N and others." Mike was categorically against "sailing" alone, and therefore he began to gather musicians under his wing.
Soon Mike gathered the "living" heavy music and united the collective under the common name "Zoo". Then the first tour of the group took place, which took place in the following line-up: Mike Naumenko (vocals and bass guitar), Alexander Khrabunov (guitar), Andrey Danilov (drums), Ilya Kulikov (bass).
Changes in the composition of the Zoo group
Four years after the creation of the Zoo group, the first changes took place in the composition. Danilov, after graduating from the university, wanted to work by profession, and therefore did not want to remain part of the team. Kulikov began to have problems with drugs, and the musician could not give himself to the cause.
Naumenko and Khrabunov are soloists who were part of the group: from beginning to end. The rest of the musicians were in constant "flight" - they either left or asked to return to their old place.
In 1987, the Zoo group announced its breakup. But already this year, Naumenko announced that the musicians would join forces to go on tour. They continued their activities until 1991. The team could continue to live if the founder of the group, Mike Naumenko, had not passed away.
Music of the group "Zoo"
The beginning of the 1980s was the time of the development of rock culture in the USSR. The streets were filled with the music of the bands "Aquarium", "Time Machine", "Autograph". Despite significant competition, the Zoopark group stood out from the rest.
What made the guys different? A mix of good old rock and roll with rhythm and blues motifs superimposed on a clean, understandable text devoid of metaphors and allegories.
The group "Zoo" came out to the general public in early 1981. The musicians presented a summer concert program to fans of heavy music. The compositions of the new band resonated with music lovers. The group actively toured Russia, most often the guys performed in Moscow.
In the same 1981, the band's discography was replenished with a debut album. We are talking about the album Blues de Moscou. Music lovers, of course, wanted to "look" into the album and listen to the tracks faster. But what a bright cover was created for the first album by Mike's friend Igor Petrovsky. This was also highly appreciated by the fans.
Mike Naumenko and Viktor Tsoi
In the same year, Mike Naumenko and Viktor Tsoi (the founder of the legendary Kino group) met. At the same time, Victor invited the Zoo group to perform with his team as an opening act. The groups "Kino" and "Zoo" worked closely together and often performed together until 1985.
A year later, the band's discography was replenished with a second studio album. We are talking about the LV disc. Translated from Latin, "55" is the year of birth of Mike Naumenko. The album turned out to be very cohesive. It is interesting that the disc included several songs that Mike dedicated to his stage friends - Viktor Tsoi, Andrey Panov, Boris Grebenshchikov.
The release of the third collection was not long in coming. Soon, fans could enjoy the songs of the collection "County Town N". Music critics singled out this disc with the mark "The Best Album of the Zoo's Discography". The songs that were obligatory for listening were: “Rubbish”, “Suburban Blues”, “If You Want”, “Major Rock and Roll”.
At that time, the work of the Zoopark group became the flagship for many young rock bands. At the second Leningrad Rock Festival, the musical composition "Major Rock and Roll" was performed by the "Secret" band.
By the way, despite the fact that the track did not belong to the group, the musicians managed to take the main prize at the festival. And those musicians who owned the song took with them only the Audience Choice Award.
USSR against amateur rock
This is not just a coincidence. The fact is that in the early 1980s, the Ministry of Culture announced a campaign against amateur rock.
Especially got in this "ideological" struggle group "Zoo". The musicians were forced to go underground for a while, but before they "flee off the face of the earth", the musicians presented the White Stripe album.
Temporary departure from the stage in a sense benefited the team. The group solved the issue with the composition. Someone decided to leave forever. For Naumenko, it was a time of experimentation.
Together with one soloist in 1986, the Zoo group was joined by: Alexander Donskikh, Natalya Shishkina, Galina Skigina. As part of the group appeared at the fourth rock festival. And, what is most surprising, the guys took the main prize. The band spent 1987 on tour.
The activity of the group has led to a significant increase in fans. A biopic called Boogie Woogie Every Day (1990) was even made about the rock band. For this movie, the musicians recorded several new tracks. New compositions were included in the new album "Music for the Film", which was released in 1991.
Group "Zoo" today
In 1991, rock legend and founder of the musical group Mike Naumenko died. The musician died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Despite this, the music and creativity of the Zoopark group were relevant for modern youth.
After 1991, the musicians had several attempts to revive the band. Unfortunately, without Mike, the Zoo group could not live a day. Despite this, the group continued to live. In this she was helped by Russian performers who recorded cover versions of the tracks of the cult rock band.
A major project for the “reincarnation” of the Zoopark group belongs to Andrei Tropillo, the owner of the AnTrop studio, where the group recorded studio albums.
In 2015, Tropillo assembled the New Zoopark, inviting guitarist Alexander Khrabunov and bassist Nail Kadyrov. For the 60th anniversary of Naumenko, the musicians recorded an album in honor of the memory of the musician, which included the top songs of the Zoo.
