A Ukrainian rock star will perform in Helsinki today, who fights against Russia with drones between tours

On Sunday The Ukrainian rock group Boombox, performing in Helsinki, works for their country on two fronts. It collects money for the armed forces of Ukraine on foreign tours, and between tours the band’s singer Andri Hlyvnjuk fights on the frontline against Russia by flying drones.

Boombox has been one of the most successful rock bands in Ukraine. The band was also popular in Russia before 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.

Produced by Swedish Television in the document Hlyvnjuk says he was disappointed with his Russian fans who rejected Boombox. He also justifies his decision to fight at the front as a soldier.

“Unfortunately, you can’t get the enemy out of your country by singing,” says Hlyvnjuk.

He still says that he also does important work by performing on tours, because they raise money for Ukraine. In his tour bulletin Boombox openly hopes that the audience will buy fan products and make donations at the concerts, because the proceeds will be used to purchase drones, generators and electronic warfare equipment.

Boombox performed in Helsinki last time in the summer of 2023.

Boombox has been actively involved in the war against Russia for a long time. It organized a protest concert on the Crimean border near Russian troops already in 2015. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Boombox returned to its homeland in the middle of a US tour.

Hlyvnjuk joined the army and posted a video on Instagram of himself singing alone in the empty square of Saint Sophia Church in central Kyiv. The video became a huge hit.

Ukrainian folk song performed on video by Hlyvnyuk Oi u luzi chervona kalyna (Red berries) also inspired Pink Floyd David Gilmouriaand the band recorded a version of it under their own name Hey Hey, Rise Up. Hlyvnjuk is a guest vocal soloist in the song.

Boombox will perform in Helsinki at Apollo Live Club on Sunday, September 29 at 6 p.m.