Thank You Leonid for doing what you do. I was sixteen years old with a new drivers license and an old car with an AM radio when I first heard Chicago. A new kick ass rock band with HORNS! I was hooked, and now at 69 years old, I am reliving my youth through this great music all over again. Many thanks to the whole band from a life long Chicago fan.
I've seen you all three times in Atlanta and will see you again next spring in Florida somewhere. It will be my and my wifes 40th anniversary - so for our anniversary we are going to "go on the road" and see L&F. We hope to hear Mikhail sing "Happy Man" and (if we might be so bold as to recommend another tune - "You've Made Me So Very Happy" by Blood Sweat and Tears. That was our first dance as a wedded couple. Steve Vance
I'm an American living in Finland. I was surprised when I first came here, and saw how much Russians like Americans, chatty at the Russian border. Hostility is completely political, I have no Russian enemies, but we are always friends here! We are very much alike mentally and emotionally! May these walls come down!
@@repentUsinner As an American I can say without hesitation that I admire my Russian brothers and sisters and looking forward to meeting and making friends with as many as I can!
@@repentUsinner The same feeling I got here with me. I thought every Russians were bad the way American films they portrayed them to be. I was wrong.....we are all the same deep inside our skin. Filipino here from California.
That joy is always there. We met him during the spring tour this year, he and my hubby chatted like they were old friends meeting up after so many years.
And it's through a total love and appreciation of music that they do what they do. They are all heart and all talent. Beautiful people. I'm so glad they exist. They seem to be enjoying their deserved success so much
AGREED! I saw and met them, too, and they really are talented and humble, including Ksenia. She was apologizing to me as I was praising her for the two songs she was featured, as she was too emotional about Superstar and was not in control of her vibrato as she normally is. I could tell it was something deeply emotional for her and didn’t ask what. But here I was, speaking face to face with this beautiful, talented woman half my age, and this is how humble she was. Extraordinary!
I drove 525 miles roundtrip to catch Leonid & Friends' first U.S. tour in Dallas, Jan. 2019. I met them afterwards, then drove home right after the show. It was totally worth it. They were incredible and so gracious to their fans! 💜 ⭐
The Russian/Ukrainian cover group is absolutely committed to recreating Chicago, Tower of Power, etc songs as they were originally recorded in the studio back in the 70's. Zelenskyyyy should be proud of Leonid's homage to American music recorded during the golden age of Rock and Soul.
The only Ukrainian musician stopped playing with Leonid when the Russian invasion started. And it’s a delicate topic they addressed with solidarity long ago, but it’s not a topic they would like to discuss for obvious reasons.
Muy buena interpretación o excelente mejor dicho pero ese sonido quedo grabado en nuestras mentes, es irreemplazable, pero igual felicitaciones al grupo ruso ucraniano❤
I was hooked on Chicago music back in the 60s, when they hailed themselves as Chicago Transit Authority. Still have the albums! My girlfriend knows this and told me of this group from Russia and how good they are. I was skeptical, but listened. Now I am hooked on Leonid and Friends, too. I am blown away with each member's ability to form the cohesion to duplicate the original sound. That said, Ksenia leaves me reeling. I bawled when I heard her sing the cover of Superstar. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for putting this interview up. Long live Leonid and Friends!
Leonid and Friends - what an incredible story in so many ways. Music really is an international language that draws people together; showing us that we are not so different from each other. Thanks for covering their story!
One of the best bands, cover or not, of all time! A joy to watch and hear. It also appears that in a lot of their videos, different musicians are recorded at different times and in different places, and mixed together MASTERFULLY. Bravo!
Great interview, John. Leonid & Friends is superb. Their reproductions of Chicago's songs are so exact that they sound far better than the recent incarnations of Chicago. And, when you consider the obstacles they had to overcome as detailed by Roman, their "stardom" is even more impressive. We are going to see them in Kansas City in October.
I was going to get tickets to see them here in san antonio, but at $45 for standing room only, I had to pass as my wife couldn't stand that long for a concert because of health issues. I think they are an awesome group of musicians, and as a musician myself, I've been absolutely blown away by their dedication to reproducing the songs as faithfully as they do. Just mind blowing!
Besides their great musicianship I really enjoy watching how much fun they’re having playing their music. Even when they have a string section playing with them everyone is playing and smiling - it just shows you how much they love what they’re doing.
I’ve been a huge fan of L&F since they first appeared on YT. As a 65 year old rock musician, I grew up on Chicago in the 70s. L&F’s story is one of passion, dedication and global unity through their music. Huge respect for Leonid and his vision. 👊🇨🇦
I am 74 and was fortunate to have seen Leonid and Friends in concert May 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They were outstanding and brought me back so fondly to "the good old days." ❤
I saw them in Nashville a few months ago. Except for the faces, it was like seeing Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire live. With a little bit of Steely Dan and Chaka Khan thrown in. Fabulous.
Great interview! The headline made me think you were interviewing Chicago members for their reactions - it would be interesting to hear that perspective too, if you can arrange it.
This post is so fabulous, John! Leonid and Roman are masters at promoting THE most unique covers of Chicago's song sets. Chicago! My #1 all-time favorite band. When I first saw them listed in my YT feed, I thought it was a joke, until I donned by Bose headphones and was gobsmacked by Leonid and Friends' EXACT SOUND for every Chicago track. I saved their videos in a special Favorite Folder to watch and listen again and again. I literally have all the original Chicago vinyl library that I carried all over the world. Today, I get to spool up Leonid any time I want to see their magic. I retired to rural Mississippi. Maybe one day Leonid will do a "small city USA" tour and I will get to see them in person. Rock on!
I've loved these guys for a few years and saw them in Cincinnati earlier this year and will see them again in Carmel, Indiana later! Great musicians and so much fun.
I've followed this band since it's inception. They are excellent musicians and have great stage presence. I was fortunate to be able to see them in 2021. They sound better and have much more energy than the current incarnation of Chicago.
Great interview! I've been following Leonid & Friends for years and always wondered if they had heard from Chicago. I personally think they sound as good as the original Chicago and way better than who is out there touring as Chicago now. When I saw Chicago in the mid 80's I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped I'd be. Leonid & Friends give me that old Chicago fix!
Been a big fan of Leonid and friends since discovering their music last year, definitely enjoy the Chicago tunes the most, but everything I have heard from them has been first rate, keep on rocking! Was sorry I was unable to catch them in Northeastern NY when they came through earlier this year, hope to get the opportunity soon however! Thanks for another great interview John!
An outstanding struggle from these guys ! The love for music, supplanted all the difficulties ! Many kudos for all you guys ! Excellent performances and skilled musicians ! All my respect !
Great interview! Massive respect for Leonid for his love and passion for music and for realizing his dreams. I was blown away by him and his bands musicianship covering Chicago and it's fascinating to hear his struggles just to play music.
I have their you tube play list on my favorites list and when I go out in my garage or drive my hot rod it’s always playing. Their tribute is really amazing. I was in high school when Chicago was popular 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I found them in 2018 before they ever came to the USA. I’ve seen them twice and going again in a couple months! They are my favourite band right up there with the Beatles.
Great interview with Leonid and Roman. I was fortunate enough to meet the band on their Fall 2023 tour after their show in Eugene and was first in line to take photos with them. Leonid thought I would want to stand by Ksenia (and I desperately did!), but instead I stood by Leonid. He is the man! This group would not exist without him and we would never have seen Ksenia or the rest of this incredible group. So I got some great photos with Leonid and got to speak with him for a few minutes. And everyone else, too, though Oleg had to interpret for many of them (thanks, Oleg!). Except for Ksenia, she speaks the best English of them all, and she is as sweet and humble as she is beautiful. What a special treat to meet all of them! That was the best evening of 2023 for me. Be sure to get to one of their performances near you, and pay the extra for the meet and greet after the show. It is a great way to support the band and worth every penny!
Wouldn't matter, almost all new members anyway, Leonid and friends are the closest to original Chicago band and play to a tee on their covers, they're quite talented
Have followed Leonid and friends for a couple years on UA-cam. Love their work. Great musicians. Love Chicago. Got s chance to see them in cocert recently without their original lead guitarist. Still a great show. Thank you!
I've listened to these bands these guys are singing about and was blown away by the accuracy of their singing and playing unbelievable i look for thier playing on you tube all the time amazing musicians
You are definitely building a bridge! We just went to see Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire in concert. You cover both with excellence and heart! My whole family enjoys you all. Looking forward to attending one of your concerts in the future. John, thank you for this great interview!
I’ve seen Leonid and Friends twice at the Haute Spot near Austin. I’ve seen Chicago a half dozen times. Very very difficult to tell the difference between the two bands. Love them both.
there is so much to love about Leonid and Friends! Perhaps someone will make a small documentary on their story? I have seen them live in concert two times and loved every moment
Best video interview ever and just what I needed to hear today. First, I absolutely love Leonid and Friends. We have tickets to see them "live" twice in the next month. Saw them last year too. Secondly, I have played in bands for years and just retired from work and have been questioning how much longer I want to keep performing (Classic Rock). Loved hearing Leonid's story about making that transition at age 60. Wow!. Very cool. I'm feeling jazzed and inspired today. Thank you so much for posting this interview!!!
I’ve been following this band for a few years now and being the same age as Leonid, I greatly appreciate the incredible sound they have mastered. It’s about time that someone pay tribute to the great musicians of the 70’s.
"Leonid and Friends" are beyond extraordinarily talented, they are international diplomats for peace, joy, art, and humanity. It is impossible when you listen to their music and watch them play to not feel so appreciative for their commitment, so much respect for their work, and see just how small the world really is.
This is one INCREDIBLE band of world class singers and musicians. Watch them here on UA-cam, and better yet catch them in concert. Hope they record more of their studio work this summer and put it on Spotify for the world to hear!
I found Peonies groups a while back and have not stopped since. They have actually helped me get thru some hard times in my life after my accident I love them All. God Bless❤🙏
Y'al are just incredible and they must be thrilled to have somebody take care of the individual identity of each song and the meticulous attention paid to all of the details in all the instruments and the way you played it Bravo
Building a bridge through music indeed. Their musicianship is phenomenal and Russian/Eastern European musicians playing American music with that level of skill and passion is brilliant. They are our brothers and sisters and it is not for nothing that they have toured the US with great success. As a person who has loved Chicago since the early 70s I have followed everything L & F have done and have been blown away by their performances. Not to mention their renditions of E, W & F and others. They are a such a breath of fresh air. May their success only continue and grow .
John, thank you for this great interview! I LOVE these guys (and gal) for their genuine love of what they do, and the fact that they have successfully reached beyond the tenuous borders between the US and Russia. I've seen them 7 or 8 times, and met them personally - just beautiful people, loving what they do. thanks again! - Jim (now subscribed!)
"Here we are, building a bridge with music!!" Amen, brother, and thank God and thank LeonidVorobyevandfriends for the incredible music they bring us! I speak for MANY Americans when I say Russia and the good Russian people are NOT my enemy! May good will and good music bring peace between our peoples and nations.
Great story and welcome to the US! I’m happy for your well deserved success. From what I’ve heard and seen, you are all world class musicians and your singers all sound amazing! Congratulations!
This group is terrific, in my opinion. Their faithfulness to the studio versions of the songs is highly laudable, they are perfectionists and I like that.
I started following them a few years ago and I had lost touch with them. I'm very happy to see them become what they are and glad to see them start doing original.
Before anybody did Chicago,I was in a Connecticut band ''Tension'' and we had the 45 of ''Does anybody really know what time it is'',a year before CTA released it as a single...In our show, we did the entire first side of the first album..There were no tribute bands at that time....I would say we were the first...It is still on youtube....Love Leonid and friends,,,Great musicians...............Ralph Onofrio
My favorite band and live concert. We attended their 1st show in LA and we’ve seen them in San Diego and Dallas too. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them live. Amazing!
These guys...and gal are fantastic. I've been following them for several years and they never cease to amaze. : ). Please please drive the band to the great state of NH......would love to see you guys live. God bless and safe travels.
Leonid & Friends passion for music and their exceptional talent blows me away! Just fantastic! I was enamored with them when I first discovered and heard them on UA-cam.
I stumbled upon Leonid & Friends on youtube maybe 4 years ago. I was so amazed how accurate their music is to the original Chicago music, the singing comes close to sounding like Chicago and their musicianship is impeccable. I had to buy Chicagovich 1, 2 & 3. I listen to them a lot.
Great interview! Revealing thoughts and feelings on the bigger picture of bridging the gap between vastly different cultures, beyond their music. Thank you for sharing, Leonid & Friends!
I think they are better than the original Chicago at this time. Lenoid & friends have the passion and drive of early Chicago. The group touring today as Chicago is just like any other cover band in my opinion. Chicago was THE BEST with Danny, James, Lee, Peter, Robert, Walt, and the incomperable Terry!
Leonid’s Band Sounds more Chicago than Chicago right now. They are wonderful!!
That's the truth!
I will take Leonid & Friends over modern day Chicago anyday. I love the CTA sound, not the improvisation/prostituting the originals.
@@MoisesPalacios-d6n True 👍
Thank you, John, for having us on the interview! We hope to catch you on the road as well! ✨
Thank You Leonid for doing what you do. I was sixteen years old with a new drivers license and an old car with an AM radio when I first heard Chicago. A new kick ass rock band with HORNS! I was hooked, and now at 69 years old, I am reliving my youth through this great music all over again. Many thanks to the whole band from a life long Chicago fan.
Amazing music Mr Leo V .. the Dubai trip is it happening? 🌞😎
@@LeonidVorobyevandfriends we’re so thankful that you persevered in your musical passions. Looking forward to seeing you in Kansas City!
I've seen you all three times in Atlanta and will see you again next spring in Florida somewhere. It will be my and my wifes 40th anniversary - so for our anniversary we are going to "go on the road" and see L&F. We hope to hear Mikhail sing "Happy Man" and (if we might be so bold as to recommend another tune - "You've Made Me So Very Happy" by Blood Sweat and Tears. That was our first dance as a wedded couple. Steve Vance
@@LeonidVorobyevandfriends Thank you very much for your outstanding musicianship and beautiful work. It’s a joy to listen to all of you!
I'm an American living in Finland. I was surprised when I first came here, and saw how much Russians like Americans, chatty at the Russian border. Hostility is completely political, I have no Russian enemies, but we are always friends here! We are very much alike mentally and emotionally! May these walls come down!
@@repentUsinner As an American I can say without hesitation that I admire my Russian brothers and sisters and looking forward to meeting and making friends with as many as I can!
Ordinary people don’t hate each other and don’t want war. It’s always politicians who start them and pull everyone else in emotionally.
@@rfichokeofdestinyyes. Make more music. People can enjoy music together wo speaking a word or knowing each other’s culture.
@@repentUsinner The same feeling I got here with me. I thought every Russians were bad the way American films they portrayed them to be. I was wrong.....we are all the same deep inside our skin. Filipino here from California.
@@rfichokeofdestiny Amen to that !!!!
Leonid and Friends are fantastic! Everyone should give them a listen!
We are driving over 1500 miles at the end of the month to see them.
I love the joy on Leonid’s face. Proves that people everywhere are the same and politics/borders keep people separated.
That joy is always there. We met him during the spring tour this year, he and my hubby chatted like they were old friends meeting up after so many years.
And they exude that joy in concert. I was brought to tears more than once.
My thoughts exactly. People aren't that different wherever you are in the world and music is a common language
Borders are necessary, not everyone is as nice and respectful as these guys. Don’t want borders start by taking your own fence down.
@@theragingdolphinsmaniac4696 People, the same? Own? All about gaining $. And how it's gained. Capitalism vs socialism.
I saw them live on one of their US tours. They're amazing live, passionate, humble, and very appreciative of the fans.
And it's through a total love and appreciation of music that they do what they do. They are all heart and all talent. Beautiful people. I'm so glad they exist. They seem to be enjoying their deserved success so much
AGREED! I saw and met them, too, and they really are talented and humble, including Ksenia. She was apologizing to me as I was praising her for the two songs she was featured, as she was too emotional about Superstar and was not in control of her vibrato as she normally is. I could tell it was something deeply emotional for her and didn’t ask what. But here I was, speaking face to face with this beautiful, talented woman half my age, and this is how humble she was. Extraordinary!
I drove 525 miles roundtrip to catch Leonid & Friends' first U.S. tour in Dallas, Jan. 2019. I met them afterwards, then drove home right after the show. It was totally worth it. They were incredible and so gracious to their fans! 💜 ⭐
❤
First time I checked them out, they blew me away.
The Russian/Ukrainian cover group is absolutely committed to recreating Chicago, Tower of Power, etc songs as they were originally recorded in the studio back in the 70's. Zelenskyyyy should be proud of Leonid's homage to American music recorded during the golden age of Rock and Soul.
@@kseel6453 and dang, we miss Serge T.. he did Peter Cetera so well.
@@kseel6453 AFAIK Serge Tiagnyriadno, the only Ukrainian in the band, left them when the full-size war started. :‘(
I would not give Z any credit for that, but Leonid, his son and all crew I will! Спасибо, ребята!)❤
The only Ukrainian musician stopped playing with Leonid when the Russian invasion started. And it’s a delicate topic they addressed with solidarity long ago, but it’s not a topic they would like to discuss for obvious reasons.
Muy buena interpretación o excelente mejor dicho pero ese sonido quedo grabado en nuestras mentes, es irreemplazable, pero igual felicitaciones al grupo ruso ucraniano❤
I was hooked on Chicago music back in the 60s, when they hailed themselves as Chicago Transit Authority. Still have the albums! My girlfriend knows this and told me of this group from Russia and how good they are. I was skeptical, but listened. Now I am hooked on Leonid and Friends, too. I am blown away with each member's ability to form the cohesion to duplicate the original sound. That said, Ksenia leaves me reeling. I bawled when I heard her sing the cover of Superstar. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for putting this interview up. Long live Leonid and Friends!
Leonid and Friends - what an incredible story in so many ways. Music really is an international language that draws people together; showing us that we are not so different from each other. Thanks for covering their story!
@@fredjeannieschultz1251 not just international but a universal language
One of the best bands, cover or not, of all time! A joy to watch and hear. It also appears that in a lot of their videos, different musicians are recorded at different times and in different places, and mixed together MASTERFULLY. Bravo!
These guys are GREAT! A lot of the songs they play sound just as good if not better nowadays!👍👏
Great interview, John. Leonid & Friends is superb. Their reproductions of Chicago's songs are so exact that they sound far better than the recent incarnations of Chicago. And, when you consider the obstacles they had to overcome as detailed by Roman, their "stardom" is even more impressive. We are going to see them in Kansas City in October.
Leonid's smile makes me smile!
I've been watching their UA-cam videos for a couple of year now, and someday I'll catch a concert. They're amazing!!!
I love Leonid and Friends. I have seen them 3 times and have enjoyed every show. Great musicians.
I was going to get tickets to see them here in san antonio, but at $45 for standing room only, I had to pass as my wife couldn't stand that long for a concert because of health issues. I think they are an awesome group of musicians, and as a musician myself, I've been absolutely blown away by their dedication to reproducing the songs as faithfully as they do. Just mind blowing!
Besides their great musicianship I really enjoy watching how much fun they’re having playing their music. Even when they have a string section playing with them everyone is playing and smiling - it just shows you how much they love what they’re doing.
I’ve been a huge fan of L&F since they first appeared on YT. As a 65 year old rock musician, I grew up on Chicago in the 70s. L&F’s story is one of passion, dedication and global unity through their music. Huge respect for Leonid and his vision. 👊🇨🇦
I am 74 and was fortunate to have seen Leonid and Friends in concert May 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They were outstanding and brought me back so fondly to "the good old days." ❤
I saw them in Nashville a few months ago. Except for the faces, it was like seeing Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire live. With a little bit of Steely Dan and Chaka Khan thrown in. Fabulous.
Great interview! Thank you John!!!
I have seen them three times met them all twice, absolutely incredible live and great people
Leonid's jolliness is truly captivating and contagious.
I have seen Leonid in Chicago. Two shows, completely sold out and they killed it. Very talented musicians
Great interview! The headline made me think you were interviewing Chicago members for their reactions - it would be interesting to hear that perspective too, if you can arrange it.
This post is so fabulous, John! Leonid and Roman are masters at promoting THE most unique covers of Chicago's song sets. Chicago! My #1 all-time favorite band. When I first saw them listed in my YT feed, I thought it was a joke, until I donned by Bose headphones and was gobsmacked by Leonid and Friends' EXACT SOUND for every Chicago track. I saved their videos in a special Favorite Folder to watch and listen again and again. I literally have all the original Chicago vinyl library that I carried all over the world. Today, I get to spool up Leonid any time I want to see their magic. I retired to rural Mississippi. Maybe one day Leonid will do a "small city USA" tour and I will get to see them in person. Rock on!
Fantastic! I was at their first ever concert in the USA at the Village Studios in Los Angeles.
Leonid and friends are tremendously talented musicians! I love watching and listening to their videos for years.
I've loved these guys for a few years and saw them in Cincinnati earlier this year and will see them again in Carmel, Indiana later! Great musicians and so much fun.
Very impressed with their music. Closest to the original band that I have heard. Keep it up gents!!!!!
I have seen them live three times now. They put on a great show with a joy and passion that is contagious.
I agree 100%.
They exude joy.
I've followed this band since it's inception. They are excellent musicians and have great stage presence. I was fortunate to be able to see them in 2021. They sound better and have much more energy than the current incarnation of Chicago.
Great interview! I've been following Leonid & Friends for years and always wondered if they had heard from Chicago. I personally think they sound as good as the original Chicago and way better than who is out there touring as Chicago now. When I saw Chicago in the mid 80's I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped I'd be. Leonid & Friends give me that old Chicago fix!
Been a big fan of Leonid and friends since discovering their music last year, definitely enjoy the Chicago tunes the most, but everything I have heard from them has been first rate, keep on rocking!
Was sorry I was unable to catch them in Northeastern NY when they came through earlier this year, hope to get the opportunity soon however!
Thanks for another great interview John!
Cool interview,hopefully Leonid and Friends will come to Hawaii one day soon😃Aloha from Makawao,Maui🤙🏽
An outstanding struggle from these guys ! The love for music, supplanted all the difficulties ! Many kudos for all you guys ! Excellent performances and skilled musicians ! All my respect !
Great interview! Massive respect for Leonid for his love and passion for music and for realizing his dreams. I was blown away by him and his bands musicianship covering Chicago and it's fascinating to hear his struggles just to play music.
I have their you tube play list on my favorites list and when I go out in my garage or drive my hot rod it’s always playing. Their tribute is really amazing. I was in high school when Chicago was popular 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
They are wonderful people full of love and love of music
I found them in 2018 before they ever came to the USA. I’ve seen them twice and going again in a couple months! They are my favourite band right up there with the Beatles.
Great interview with Leonid and Roman. I was fortunate enough to meet the band on their Fall 2023 tour after their show in Eugene and was first in line to take photos with them. Leonid thought I would want to stand by Ksenia (and I desperately did!), but instead I stood by Leonid. He is the man! This group would not exist without him and we would never have seen Ksenia or the rest of this incredible group. So I got some great photos with Leonid and got to speak with him for a few minutes. And everyone else, too, though Oleg had to interpret for many of them (thanks, Oleg!). Except for Ksenia, she speaks the best English of them all, and she is as sweet and humble as she is beautiful. What a special treat to meet all of them! That was the best evening of 2023 for me. Be sure to get to one of their performances near you, and pay the extra for the meet and greet after the show. It is a great way to support the band and worth every penny!
Wouldn't matter, almost all new members anyway, Leonid and friends are the closest to original Chicago band and play to a tee on their covers, they're quite talented
Have followed Leonid and friends for a couple years on UA-cam. Love their work. Great musicians. Love Chicago. Got s chance to see them in cocert recently without their original lead guitarist. Still a great show. Thank you!
I've listened to these bands these guys are singing about and was blown away by the accuracy of their singing and playing unbelievable i look for thier playing on you tube all the time amazing musicians
Fantastic players fantastic people!
Real people!
The best band out there now 👍🏻
You are definitely building a bridge! We just went to see Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire in concert. You cover both with excellence and heart! My whole family enjoys you all. Looking forward to attending one of your concerts in the future.
John, thank you for this great interview!
Glad to know how this wonderful Russian group of musicians doing CHICAGO music ..... Both are phenomenal music makers and I LOVE BOTH !!!
I’ve seen Leonid and Friends twice at the Haute Spot near Austin. I’ve seen Chicago a half dozen times. Very very difficult to tell the difference between the two bands. Love them both.
Fantastic group....lovin it from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦
Appreciate this interview. Love the work that Leonid and Friends has been doing for several years now!
there is so much to love about Leonid and Friends! Perhaps someone will make a small documentary on their story? I have seen them live in concert two times and loved every moment
My respects and admiration for Leonid and friends!
👍🤝
Best video interview ever and just what I needed to hear today. First, I absolutely love Leonid and Friends. We have tickets to see them "live" twice in the next month. Saw them last year too. Secondly, I have played in bands for years and just retired from work and have been questioning how much longer I want to keep performing (Classic Rock). Loved hearing Leonid's story about making that transition at age 60. Wow!. Very cool. I'm feeling jazzed and inspired today. Thank you so much for posting this interview!!!
Tremendous interview. L&F is one of my all-time favourite bands! I usually see them multiple times each year.
I saw them back in April in Montgomery, AL. They do a great show! Leonid looked like he was having so much fun the whole concert!
They are so great! I have followed them for years!
I’ve been following this band for a few years now and being the same age as Leonid, I greatly appreciate the incredible sound they have mastered. It’s about time that someone pay tribute to the great musicians of the 70’s.
"Leonid and Friends" are beyond extraordinarily talented, they are international diplomats for peace, joy, art, and humanity.
It is impossible when you listen to their music and watch them play to not feel so appreciative for their commitment, so much respect for their work, and see just how small the world really is.
“Unity through music.”
- Leonid and Friends
This is one INCREDIBLE band of world class singers and musicians. Watch them here on UA-cam, and better yet catch them in concert. Hope they record more of their studio work this summer and put it on Spotify for the world to hear!
Saw Leonid and Friends in Kalamazoo, MI two days ago... they were FANTASTIC!
Very cool. Saw them live. Great show.
I was wondering about their live performances. How much of the horn and string section is there? It's so much a part of what you hear on UA-cam.
Great interview. Well done by all involved.
I've seen them a few times in the US and they are fantastic. Super musicians. Great performers. And the have fun.
I found Peonies groups a while back and have not stopped since. They have actually helped me get thru some hard times in my life after my accident I love them All. God Bless❤🙏
Leonid and Friends are just wonderful. I respect the fact that so much effort is put in to keep the arrangements faithful to the originals.
Most amazing covers I’ve heard in my 65 years of life !!!!!!!!
Leonid& Friends: YOU GUYS ROCK!
I found them on you tube when covid hit. My spouse said oh you're listening to Chicago. Excited to see them in Cedar Rapids next month.
Y'al are just incredible and they must be thrilled to have somebody take care of the individual identity of each song and the meticulous attention paid to all of the details in all the instruments and the way you played it Bravo
Following them since the beginning through YT one of a kind. Love to see them live
Dude is seriously talented! As are ALL of the people that he surrounds himself with! Just kind of wish Serge was still able to sing with them...
Building a bridge through music indeed. Their musicianship is phenomenal and Russian/Eastern European musicians playing American music with that level of skill and passion is brilliant. They are our brothers and sisters and it is not for nothing that they have toured the US with great success. As a person who has loved Chicago since the early 70s I have followed everything L & F have done and have been blown away by their performances. Not to mention their renditions of E, W & F and others. They are a such a breath of fresh air. May their success only continue and grow .
John, thank you for this great interview! I LOVE these guys (and gal) for their genuine love of what they do, and the fact that they have successfully reached beyond the tenuous borders between the US and Russia. I've seen them 7 or 8 times, and met them personally - just beautiful people, loving what they do. thanks again! - Jim (now subscribed!)
I've always wondered about this. I'm an L&F fan. Thank you
Leonid and musicians, simply incredible!
Great video...seen them vids right here...great band...keeping Chicago alive
"Here we are, building a bridge with music!!" Amen, brother, and thank God and thank LeonidVorobyevandfriends for the incredible music they bring us! I speak for MANY Americans when I say Russia and the good Russian people are NOT my enemy! May good will and good music bring peace between our peoples and nations.
Great story and welcome to the US! I’m happy for your well deserved success. From what I’ve heard and seen, you are all world class musicians and your singers all sound amazing! Congratulations!
I LOVE THIS INTERVIEW......AMAZING!
This group is terrific, in my opinion. Their faithfulness to the studio versions of the songs is highly laudable, they are perfectionists and I like that.
I started following them a few years ago and I had lost touch with them. I'm very happy to see them become what they are and glad to see them start doing original.
I've been a fan of L&F for years, excellent musicians!
Excellent insight. What a gracious man.
Before anybody did Chicago,I was in a Connecticut band ''Tension'' and we had the 45 of ''Does anybody really know what time it is'',a year before CTA released it as a single...In our show, we did the entire first side of the first album..There were no tribute bands at that time....I would say we were the first...It is still on youtube....Love Leonid and friends,,,Great musicians...............Ralph Onofrio
Can you tell us how you got a 45 a year before CTA released it? That would be a great story!
My favorite band and live concert. We attended their 1st show in LA and we’ve seen them in San Diego and Dallas too. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them live. Amazing!
These guys...and gal are fantastic. I've been following them for several years and they never cease to amaze. : ). Please please drive the band to the great state of NH......would love to see you guys live. God bless and safe travels.
Leonid & Friends passion for music and their exceptional talent blows me away! Just fantastic! I was enamored with them when I first discovered and heard them on UA-cam.
Thank you so much for the excellent contribution, Monsieur Beaudin !
Leonid & Friends are fabulous. So happy for their success.
Saw them live in New Orleans. Best cover band I've ever seen! All singers and musicians are masters at their crafts.
i will be attending their show for the third time this October down here in Texas. Very gregarious group of artists! Lot's of fun!
Excellent band, excellent musicians!! Thank you for such great music!!
This is wonderful. I’ve long wondered about these guys.
Fantastic.
Great interview, I love these guys, very talented!
I stumbled upon Leonid & Friends on youtube maybe 4 years ago. I was so amazed how accurate their music is to the original Chicago music, the singing comes close to sounding like Chicago and their musicianship is impeccable. I had to buy Chicagovich 1, 2 & 3. I listen to them a lot.
Great interview! Revealing thoughts and feelings on the bigger picture of bridging the gap between vastly different cultures, beyond their music. Thank you for sharing, Leonid & Friends!
Such of humble man 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I think they are better than the original Chicago at this time. Lenoid & friends have the passion and drive of early Chicago. The group touring today as Chicago is just like any other cover band in my opinion. Chicago was THE BEST with Danny, James, Lee, Peter, Robert, Walt, and the incomperable Terry!