On March 28, the premiere of a new tribute show will take place in Daugavpils Yury Shatunova from a famous artist Iona Ionita (Romania), who, according to critics, is not only strikingly similar in appearance to Yuri Shatunov, but also has the voice, unique manner and charisma that were inherent in the legendary singer.
Yuri Shatunov is a man who became a symbol of the 80s and 90s. His songs were the “highlight” of every disco, hits were heard from every tape recorder, which instantly won the hearts of millions of fans. Shatunov, the former lead singer of the group “Tender May,” became one of the brightest stars of his time, and his songs still resonate in the hearts of his fans.
Yura Shatunov was born in the small village of Kumertal in the Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and grew up in difficult conditions, brought up in an orphanage. It was there that he met composer Sergei Kuznetsov, who saw potential in the young man. Their creative work began with recording amateur compositions that became mega-popular. Thus the legendary group “Tender May” was born, and 15-year-old Yura Shatunov became the face of the new era.
The first wave of popularity hit the group with the release of the hit “White Roses,” which instantly took first place in all possible charts. The song became a symbol of the 80s and made Shatunov a real idol. His gentle, slightly sad voice and images of sincere, romantic boys delighted his millions of fans. The compositions of “Tender May” combined simplicity of melodies and touching lyrics about youth, love and loneliness, which resonated in the hearts of millions of listeners.
Yura Shatunov’s songs have become a symbol of romance and nostalgia for youth. The compositions “White Roses”, “Gray Night”, “Melting Snow” and “Pink Evening” still remain favorite hits for both the generation of the 80s and younger listeners. These songs still evoke emotions as they are filled with sincerity and simplicity.
Yura Shatunov personified the image of an eternal romantic, a boy with an open soul, and this was reflected in his lyrics. Despite the simplicity of the melodies and words, everyone could recognize themselves in them – teenagers associated the songs with first loves and broken hearts. Shatunov sang about the most personal things, about what was close to everyone.
After leaving the group in 1991, Yuri Shatunov began a solo career. His first solo album, “Do You Remember,” was released in 1993 and received recognition from the audience. During this period, the singer actively toured and delighted his fans with new songs. Although times have changed and popularity has become more moderate, Shatunov continued to gather his fans at concerts, maintaining a living connection with those who grew up listening to his songs.
In subsequent years, Shatunov released several albums, including “You Know” and “Don’t Be Silent.” These works became a continuation of his musical path and proved that his creativity is not limited only to the popularity of “Tender May”. He managed to maintain his audience, as well as attract new listeners who valued him for his sincerity and sincerity. On the night of June 23, 2022, Yuri Shatunov died of acute heart failure (major heart attack). He was 48 years old
Today, the name of Yura Shatunov is inextricably linked with those times when love, friendship and youth were key themes. He left a lasting mark on pop culture, and his work lives on.
Ion Ionita is a young but already popular performer with a strong and emotional voice that allows him to convey the spirit and mood of Shatunov’s songs. His work is marked not only by a professional attitude towards the repertoire, but also by deep respect for the creative path of Yura Shatunov. The striking similarity, as well as his voice and manner of performance, attracted the attention of the first producer of Tender May, Andrei Razin, who took over Ion’s patronage. In addition, Ion Ionita, thanks to his external similarity, played a number of roles in feature films and documentaries dedicated to the work of Shatunov.
The tribute show, in which Ion Ionita will perform, is not just a concert – it is an opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of “Tender May” and feel the spirit of that time. The basis of the program will be Shatunov’s most famous and beloved hits, including songs such as “White Roses”, “Gray Night”, “Pink Evening” and many others, which have long become symbols of the 80s and symbolize an entire era in pop music.
Spectators of the tribute show will be able to enjoy not only the magnificent performance of hits, but also the special atmosphere that will reign in the hall. Powerful energy, touching memories and live performances of your favorite songs will help everyone feel the warm nostalgia and uniqueness of the moment.
Yura Shatunov’s tribute show will take place 28 March 2025 at the Daugavpils Palace of Culture.
Tickets available at bilesureviss.lv.
Source: www.gorod.lv
