Boris Grebenshchikov

Russia, 1972–now

Russian singer-songwriter (b. 1953) and leader of Aquarium, a formative figure in Russian-language rock. Drawing on Dylan, the Beatles and Bowie, he also recorded the 1989 English-language album Radio Silence with producer Dave Stewart, the first Western-label release by a Soviet rock musician.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Boris Grebenshchikov and 1 artist Boris Grebenshchikov influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Boris Grebenshchikov?

• Bob Dylan — Bob Dylan was a formative idol for Grebenshchikov — inspired by Dylan he spent the summer of 1978 writing songs, and 'Dylanisms' run through Aquarium.
• The Beatles — The Beatles — George Harrison most of all — were a primary influence on Grebenshchikov's songwriting.
• David Bowie — David Bowie's art-rock reinvention is among the Western influences Grebenshchikov absorbed into Aquarium.
• George Harrison — Of the Beatles it was Harrison above all for Grebenshchikov's songwriting.

Which artists did Boris Grebenshchikov influence?

• Aquarium — Aquarium is Boris Grebenshchikov's band: he founded it in 1972, leads it and writes its songs, so the group's whole sensibility flows from him.