Viktor Tsoi

Leningrad, 1988, May.

You were a fan of the group "KINO" you listened to their music on tapes and DVDs, and your dream was to meet Viktor Tsoi, you were not like those Tsoi fans who immediately threw themselves on Vita's neck when they saw him. And you wanted to get to a concert of the group "KINO" you had a feat and she, too, loved this group.

Viktor Tsoi gave the impression of being a calm and even somewhat reserved person, but behind this external restraint hid a very lively, attentive and strong character. He wasn't the type to be the center of a noisy group or constantly trying to prove something. Rather, Tsoi observed people, listened to conversations, and noticed small details. Many said they felt calm around him—he rarely fussed and disliked unnecessary drama. At the same time, he had an inner strength. Once Tsoi had made up his mind, it was difficult to change his mind. He didn't argue loudly or try to pressure others, but he still did things his own way. This manifested itself both in his music and in his life. He refused to become "like everyone else" and maintained his own style even when it was inconvenient or risky. He had an interesting blend of modesty and confidence. On the one hand, he didn't act like an unattainable star—he interacted calmly with people and could appear very down-to-earth and ordinary. On the other hand, he clearly had an inner understanding of what he wanted and what his path should be. Tsoi disliked ostentatious emotionality. He rarely displayed his feelings, so many found him mysterious or cold. However, friends and acquaintances often recalled him as a kind, caring, and rather gentle person in his inner circle. He simply wasn't used to expressing emotions too openly. Another important trait was independence. He didn't want to live by other people's rules and valued freedom: freedom of thought, creativity, and choice. That's why many found his songs sincere—they conveyed that he was writing about things he truly experienced and understood. In everyday life, Tsoi wasn't always serious. He had a sense of humor, sometimes quite ironic. He could joke, tease his friends, and laugh at everyday situations. But even in such moments, he retained a certain calm reserve. If we put it all together, Tsoi's image can be described as follows: calm and silent; observant; independent; internally very strong; stubborn