Oleh Skrypka is 60: how the leader of VV became a Ukrainian in France and why yesterday's "odd sheep" is criticized because of mobilization and women

The Ukrainian rock musician, lead singer of the band Vopli Vidopliassova, is celebrating his anniversary. On May 24, Oleh Skrypka turns 60.

The lead singer of VV, founder of the Krayina Mriy international ethno festival and the Rock Sich festival of modern Ukrainian rock music, former coach of the Voice of the Country vocal show, father of 4 children, winemaker: this is all about Oleh Skrypka. Is there anything you might not know about one of the most famous Ukrainian rock musicians? Today, on the occasion of his birthday, OBOZ.UA has collected the most interesting facts from the artist's life.

An odd sheep

At school, the future singer had practically no friends and was an odd sheep. The boy was not accepted in children's groups because, on the one hand, he studied well, but on the other hand, he had a temper and often got into fights. The singer himself recalls that he felt most comfortable at music school, where he was surrounded by like-minded people.

He could have been an actor

Instead of a rocker, Skrypka could have become an actor. As a student, Oleh actively attended theater classes. In addition, he and his three friends composed poetry that made the quartet popular throughout the KPI University. "At KPI, we had a student theater that we called 'Udder' because we had 4 members and we were like 4 milking cows in an udder, cultural milk flowed through us, that was the concept. We were very popular at the KPI," the artist shared his memories.

The creation of VV and the first award

The band Vopli Vidopliassova was founded by Oleh in 1987 right after he graduated from the Polytechnic University. However, Skrypka began his career as an engineer at the Kvant plant.

After VV was founded, he joined a Kyiv rock club. He won the first prize at the Rock Parade festival. That same year, he released one of his most popular singles, "Tantsi" (Dances).

Becoming a Ukrainian in France

In 1990, the members of the band VV went on tour to France and Switzerland. They were so well received and loved by the local audience that they decided to stay. They stayed in France until 1996. Skrypka says that it was in France that he became a Ukrainian and started speaking Ukrainian only. After returning to Ukraine, VV began releasing songs and touring. The band became so well known that they are the first to be mentioned when Ukrainian rock is mentioned.

The country of dreams

In 2004, Oleh Skrypka founded the international ethnic festival Krayina Mriy (Land of Dreams), which takes place in Kyiv every year. This year will be the 20th anniversary of the festival.

Author's wine

In 2018, together with the Chizay brand of Ukrainian wines, Oleh Skrypka created a signature wine with a special character and energy called Krayina Mriy (Land of Dreams).

"My Motherland is Ukraine"

Oleh Skrypka has repeatedly emphasized this, and after February 2022, he did not change his mind. He and his family remained in Kyiv. His sons are currently studying in Ukraine. However, the singer does not believe that every Ukrainian should go to the army to defend their homeland. In his opinion, he is doing "what he can" by being on the "cultural front." For this opinion, Skrypka has been repeatedly criticized by both his stage colleagues (many Ukrainian artists have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces to defend Ukraine) and fans.

Selfies are the greatest evil in the world

This is the opinion expressed by Oleh Skrypka in one of his interviews. "I take pictures with people, but in reality I have to either sing on stage or write music. However, it turns out that I am a photo model too. But it's not right. I still want to make music, not dedicate my life to photography," the singer explained his view on this.

Sexist scandals

The musician has repeatedly gotten into scandals with his statements about women. First he believes that feminism is about women's selfishness, then he complains about the "insecurity" and "harassment" of men. He also said that he does not consider it necessary to get to know his sons' chosen ones. The singer suggested that his son arrange a "test drive" for his girlfriend rather than bring her home to meet his parents. Because of these views, Skrypka is criticized a lot on social media, but it seems that the musician is in no hurry to change his mind, "Women are irrational. You can explain something to men, but there is no point in explaining something to women."

Loyalty in marriage

However, the singer loves his wife and claims that he has never cheated on her because he values her. However, he still expressed his opinion on infidelity and fidelity in marriage, "The guidelines on fidelity were invented in the USSR, and before that, people did what they wanted," the musician is sure. He believes that everyone decides for themselves whether to be faithful or cheat.

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