Gogol Bordello: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert From The Archives

We've been filming Tiny Desk concerts for more than 10 years. While revisiting our archives, we discovered that some of our earliest concerts never made it to KZbin!
Watch Gogol Bordello’s Tiny Desk concert from 2010: www.npr.org/20...
Stephen Thompson | June 28, 2010
If you watch this video and don't get to the part where Eugene Hutz is dancing on the desks, then you've missed the most rollicking and insane Tiny Desk Concert of all time.
I've seen Gogol Bordello at a nightclub, and its live show is a gypsy punk circus, complete with a high-wire act. So when the band arrived at the modest NPR Music offices, I wanted to make sure we were covered technically; I figured they'd move around and wind up singing far away from our microphones. I asked Sergey Ryabtsev - Gogol Bordello's Russian-born violinist - if he thought bandleader Eugene Hutz might wind up dancing on my desk. With a huge smile and a large shot glass of vodka in hand, he said, "Don't worry about it!"
By the third song, Hutz was sitting with the NPR crew in an office chair, singing his ode to alcohol. By the fourth, he was jumping from desktop to desktop, singing and dancing.
Gogol Bordello is based in New York City, and has been performing its theatrical concoction of accordion, violin and guitar since the late '90s. The band writes songs about immigration and the celebration of cultural differences. Now, for 2010, Gogol Bordello has its fifth album out - its first on a major label. Producer Rick Rubin, known for his Johnny Cash production and for co-founding Def Jam Records, helped make Trans-Continental Hustle. It's an album with more range than sheer thrust, and though the band played a few songs from that album at the desk, when Gogol Bordello is in front of a crowd, it's in full-throttle mode. No complaints there.
Set List:
"Immigraniada (We're Comin' Rougher)"
"My Compenjara"
"Alcohol"
"Pala Tute"
"Start Wearing Purple"

[@Cupofgo]

You could run an entire city with the energy this band puts out on stage.

[@megtanz2992]

Cupofgo having seen them twice nearly 10 years apart, I wholeheartedly agree

[@willkellner5310]

Yes sir!

[@Skamanda]

First time I saw them was a tour they were opening for Flogging Molly. I was so hooked, I've seen both about a dozen times since. To of the best pits I've ever been in! Plus, how many bands can say they have multiple people crowd surfing on top of a giant bass drum, while playing it?

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

Cupofgo: ...only one?

[@anthoni426]

If you put the video at double speed, you can power a small country.

[@f2f923]

I've been to over a 100 concerts including Muse, Linkin park, Bruno Marz, Maroon 5 and more, but the energy from gogol bordello is beyond insane. I've seen them 7 times and I'll go see them many more if I can.

[@benluke7697]

I watched them support greenday at Hyde Park and personally they stole the day for me absolutely fell in love with them

[@Elratonn]

Saw them in chico, CA. Incredible

[@tazmon122]

i've worked in about every club in Boston you can name...and attend shows on nights off. i've lost track of how many shows i've been to. from DIY basements to ampetheters and everything in the between. i've seen thousands of artists come and go. i've seen Gogol on multiple nights both on and off the clock. i wouldn't say they put on the most spectacular show i've ever seen ever...but they still stand out.

[@suicidesamuraiz]

I've seen them 4 times, and fully agree.

[@kellysmith8565]

I'm excited to see them in September!

[@metalbudsgaming8371]

saw them live years ago. such an infectious energy and charisma. the crowd was such a mixed bag of people from all different ages and walks of life but everyone was just partying together. I wish the world was a gogol bordello concert.

[@khrhib1111]

Sentiment echoed

[@PentameronSV]

0:26 - *Immigraniada (We're Comin' Rougher)* (3:31 / 3:46) 4:26 - *My Companjera* (7:34 / 7:45) 8:11 - *Alcohol* (13:03 / 13:21) 13:44 - *Pala Tute* (18:00) 16:32 - _Hutz goes on the office table_ [18:21 / 18:26] - *Start Wearing Purple* (22:05)

[@orangepuffs6796]

This is not... Wait wrong place

[@LicenciadoNexus]

The title of compenjara must say My compañera.

[@PentameronSV]

@@LicenciadoNexus Nope. *_My Compenjara_* is in the title of its official video and acoustic version, so I assume that's what the song is intended to be.

[@BerSeben0502]

Thank you Pentameron for posting this :D About the other subject though, the song is really called My Companjera. At least this is the way it's spelled according to most sources

[@PentameronSV]

@@BerSeben0502 Alright, corrected.

[@PachetePockets]

I think Eugene Hutz is the only person alive who's accent is STRONGER when he's singing vs. when he's talking.

[@slabaugh5]

for a second there I thought he had an american accent.

[@VikaBazilevych]

Coz it’s intentional) he knows his thing and how to attract attention

[@raydric1111]

i have no idea how people find his singing good. he have horrible voice

[@PachetePockets]

@Leofrank Killedmaryphegan What? He's from Ukraine, how is he a fraud? His mother was Roma-Ukrainian. He moved to America when he was 20 as a political refugee. You don't lose your accent after living in another country unless you were brought up there as a child. Take it from me, my dad is English and has lived in America for 40 years and still has an English accent.

[@stephenspinato]

​@@PachetePocketsno one said he was a fake .... hes a ham, he plays with what works and his fans who know hes haming it up are prob less of a problem then those thst think hes a cartoon

[@Spetsnaz121]

Sergey (older guy on violin) carries every song he's in

[@KaaproTV]

Their energy literally can't be contained by such a tiny desk

[@TheCrazyyashley]

I 100% recommend to anyone interested in this music/group to check out the movie that Eugene was part of, ‘Everything is Illuminated’ which includes Elijah Wood as well. Loved this group for like 15 years

[@mrpengoat]

Dont forget Wristcutters

[@narakassinoff]

This movie is one of my favourites! I strongly reccomend "Everything is Illuminated" too! In 2006 I spent the summer on Ucraine with my family, we are brazilians visiting our russian grandparent hometown, it was quite almost like the movie, a beautiful trip, beautiful country!

[@venti20secondi]

Maybe someone else already recommended it, but my fave is the one directed by Madonna, "filth and wisdom", soundtrack by gogol bordello and starring Eugene!

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

I'm also hooked on the group for around 15 years haha movie is great !! Had the chance to meet them last year, they are just a blast live and always surprising !

[@anniebell6846]

That movie is beautiful! Also wristcutters a love story has their music.

[@joflint4572]

This is the first Tiny Desk performance I’ve seen go outside the Tiny Desk.

[@ANdiLoveCat]

They cannot be contained! LOL

[@MaxUgly]

They respectfully kept it is tiny as they could and still perform

[@AmbraRamirez]

Watch the Idles performance, same energy!

[@tiffanyhilgendorf2847]

I absolutely adore these guys. I’ve seen them live three times, they do not disappoint. If you get a chance, see them live, worth it.

[@michaelmunoz2456]

That’s a little hard right now, AAAAWW

[@purple-flowers]

I couldn't agree more, they are a band that are the best on stage.

[@loveandlight4440]

Going tomorrow in St. Paul MN

[@sampiper9043]

Such an underappreciated band. Start wearing purple is impossible not to dance too.

[@bibs7855]

The fact NPR hosted them makes me smile about this song even more.

[@Romalvx]

Gogol Bordello, their constellation of tunes blending the East with the West. Music makes the world turn round.

[@duncanrobertson9219]

This is my favorite version of "Alcohol". It's slower and so much more emotional in my opinion.

[@torontotonto6189]

it was awkward that they took it as a joke cos it pretty serious song

[@ANdiLoveCat]

Agreed.

[@brokemyleg666]

So I originally found these guys from a movie called "Wristcutters: A Love Story"; a dark humor story that to this day is easily one of my favorites. The premise of the movie is so interesting and fleshed out pretty well, I highly recommend it to anyone who likes dark humor, and loves gogol bordello. Im very happy to have found them from the movie, but it would have been even more amazing to already know and love them, and then to see that movie where Eugene is a lead character in the story. Thats why I hope that even one person finds this, looks it up, and watches the movie and thoroughly enjoys it. Here's to hoping!

[@enmenergy]

That movie cuts the vein of my soul

[@GooseOfDojima]

Dude, same here! I was on a indie movie binge on Netflix back when they had obscure stuff. Stumbled upon that movie and it recommended the doc about Gogol Bordello and I've been hooked ever since.

[@dustyowl2448]

Everything is Illuminated is something you may like as well

[@pstathopulos]

Saw these guys open for QOTSA. The lead singer broke 3 guitars in one set. Sums up the energy they came out with.

[@enmenergy]

U mean svedka ?

[@mateomadera9922]

Where and when, is there video??

[@pstathopulos]

@@mateomadera9922 I want to say around 2014 in Red Rocks Colorado.

[@scottkennethjones]

I just saw them last night and oh my god!!! Don’t miss a chance to see Gogol Bordello live!!

[@ToddNorthcutt]

My absolutely favorite concert moment in 20 years of attending concerts is seeing Gogol Bordello at Emo's in Austin, TX during a business trip in 2005. I was deaf for days afterwards but I've been constantly chasing after this experience ever since.

[@seanmatthewking]

I saw them in Colorado in 2012!

[@NateCConcerts]

My first experience with Gogol Bordello was in highschool, on their coheadlining tour with Flogging Molly, with Mariachi el Bronx opening. I was at the middle barricade spot in the front and was blown away by the energy rolling off the stage. Had no idea who they were going in but within a song they had won me over. The moment that fully made me a fan was a mysterious cover of Another Brick in the Wall into Start Wearing Purple. Happy to see this Tiny Desk get re-uploaded, more people need to see this!

[@alindsey1013]

Possibly my most favorite band of all time. A dream came true when I got to see them live. True angels 🖤

[@usagimarshall9091]

This is a unique kind of soul which I'm glad to see is being preserved

[@notgoingdownwithoutafight1606]

The way you controlled the sound was incredible. This group was all over the place and you still found a way to capture it. Kudos Tiny Desk!

[@chrissandoval7675]

thank you, sir. i'm always grateful when engineers are recognized. i was not a part of this production, but engineering is always a fail only job. as in, people only notice you when you fail. when we're doing right, people don't notice us doing anything at all because they take for granted that things are just supposed to work, be perfect and right there at their finger tips. thank you from audio engineers everywhere.

[@seanmatthewking]

Chris Sandoval You must like Tiny Desk videos because the sound engineers get recognized literally every videos by the comments.

[@chrissandoval7675]

@@seanmatthewking well, i am a tiny desk fan though not because of the engineering, though as an engineer, i greatly admire the set up and mixing. mostly, i enjoy the diversity of the music and bands i wouldn't have heard without them.

[@zenatman]

Really. Love tiny desk but thought the sound mixing was bad on here

[@maskcollector6949]

Well it took them a decade to put up, so it better be, lol.

[@jessemedina3826]

The guy using the accordion is truly amazed of people clapping. National hero.

[@lizamasalimova6734]

Start wearing purple!! Was so lucky to see them perform at the Newport folk festival. They were amazing!! I don’t know how this tape didn’t dance itself out of the vault sooner! 😉 but better late than never!

[@skywalktriceiam]

🙌💜

[@5k33k]

Since I couldn't find the names anywhere else, the people playing in the video are Eugene Hütz - Lead Vocals and Guitar Sergey Ryabtsev - Violin Pamela Racine - Backing Vocals and percussion Pedro Erazo - Cajon and other percussion Yuri Lemeshev - Accordion

[@ANdiLoveCat]

It's Elizabeth Sun, not Pamela Racine. But otherwise that's the right line up for this one. Thanks for the info :) x

[@donniev8181]

Just search Gogol Bordello

[@tokiburoak7457]

Saw these guys in London, Ontario and had no clue who they were. For some strange reason the entire crowd including myself moshed the whole show which went on for hours. I have never been to a show including all the punk and metal show I've been to where the entire crowd moshed for the entire set.

[@ANdiLoveCat]

You... don't spend much time in London, do you? *grins*

[@skywalktriceiam]

I love Gogol Bordello, a fantastic way to begin a Sunday.🎈 Immigraniada is especially timely right now, and the whole show, timeless. Thanks for retrieving it from that vault.🙌💜

[@livingminimumwage6359]

Found this band back in middle school... fell in love. Can't believe it's been over a decade already. Much older. Still love them! One day I'll see them live I hope.

[@breaunnag5470]

I listen to them while I work to keep my spirits up, but man-the vibe/energy/everything live -just so awesome!!!

[@lissyemmy]

At their most energetic in this video, they are still only operating at

[@jpmrblood]

This is like high school camping, open a bottle or two and we all start singing together for the sake of fun. Awesome.

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

Gogol Bordello is by far the most fun band I've ever seen live. And I have seen hundreds of bands live. The energy of that bad is palpable.

[@thebmxreviewer]

Just saw them last night at Meow Wolf, Santa Fe. The venue is awesome and Gogol Bordello had so much energy to match. Great show.

[@orangepuffs6796]

The instrumentation of this band is super interesting, but it's the kind of combination that makes you wonder why it's not more popular. You know what else makes you wonder? Why hasn't Vulfpeck been on Tiny Desk yet? It's a true enigma.

[@analogdivision2413]

there are literally millions of bands that haven't been on Tiny Desk yet

[@fdavidevans]

@@analogdivision2413 No you don't understand, Vulfpeck is the best band in the world right now! check out the MSG show.

[@ToinoeCompanhia]

You do understand some bands might not want to be on tiny desk right? It's not like they probably didn't ask a lot of these "must have" artists Im' sure...

[@PentameronSV]

Oh look, your efforts have finally been noticed by more than 33 people.

[@jessevandendoren]

This band was very big in the festival scene in europe about 10 years ago, all sorts of 'balkan beats' music were very popular. But after a while it faded because, well, it's kind of a one trick pony. It's interesting and refreshing music at first but after 2 albums it gets repetitive.

[@sciffycirco]

Seeing them tonight at Genesee Theater in Waukegan, a week after my birthday, walking distance from where me & the fiancé live. What a gift! Been doing their songs at open mike for quite some time.

[@analogdivision2413]

This band suits Tiny Desk perfectly. Saw them live once, the energy was awesome

[@dancingCactus]

They are my favorite band! I would do anything to hear them play in person

[@Ataraxia_Atom]

The live shows are an amazing time. Hopfully you have your opportunity.

[@justinofboulder]

Had the opportunity to see them play in a smaller bar in Denver back 11 or 12 years ago.... super fun show! I had never heard of them, fortunately a friend twisted my arm in to getting out to see them....

[@Yougaljuboja]

saw them in Luxembourg 7 years ago... Eugene entered the scene while hitting the bass drum with a bottle of red wine... it was marvellous !!! One of my best concert !

[@nandafprado]

I didnt heard of them until in a festival I was introduced to them in a front row full of energy show, ever since I've became the biggest fan. Needless to say being in a show of theirs is a bucket list thing, your life will never be the same.

[@storm1024]

My husband & I heard one song & decided to fly from NorCal to Seattle to see them. BEST.SHOW.EVER! Never sweat like that before 😁😁

[@daniladanila]

Ох, как же душевно! счастья, здоровья!

[@tatltael_art]

Such an amazing group. If you ever have the opportunity to see them live, go. Their energy in their performances is truly special.

[@onecedric]

Ultra love 🤣 What a great vibe they bring...I’ve seen them live seven times, never gets old 🎉Love these guys 🙏

[@markfarleyauthor]

Reminds me of when they came to Brighton, England a few years back and just immersed the whole venue in their performance. And had themselves a little walk about too. Brilliant live! This was a treat, thank you!!

[@ddiirrkkiiee]

This is one of those bands I'd recommend everyone to go and see live. Even if you (somehow) can't stand the music they make, you'll still fall in the love with the whole atmosphere that comes with their performances.

[@olivedotcomm]

Are you a fellow anarchist?

[@ddiirrkkiiee]

@@olivedotcomm I would call myself that, yes;)

[@olivedotcomm]

@@ddiirrkkiiee good on ya comrade

[@veganalkogolik]

*Трижды был на их концертах и берегу эти воспоминания с большим теплом, чем когда родился мой сын)*

[@cloudy7235]

Только супруге об этом 🤫💀

[@GreenDotComics]

the accordion player is the cutest

[@RaineJT]

To this day still one of my favorite bands.

[@wycliffemontgomery6381]

They were wild in Tampa! One of the best live groups ever. Their performance of wanderlust king had outrageous energy. What fun

[@redheadedkent]

I was there!

[@vuktasic3141]

Beautiful, raw, uncut. Just like it supposed to be.

[@Joshzilla6667]

Loved them for a long time! Long live gypsy punk! Long love Gypsy music!

[@iangoodisDMX]

Awesome stuff

[@bskramy9224]

one of the best desks around. great energy to start the day

[@gantzlord]

Fell in love with them back when wristcutters came out

[@EverythingWentSideways]

yeah wristcutters was my introduction point as well, love that film!

[@bluehawk0201]

Gogol Bordello is a gem! Thank you NPR for posting this!

[@cozymonk]

One of my favorite groups of all time. They're so good. They successfully blended so many music backgrounds.

[@saltyshrimpy76]

I think I just fell head over heels madly in love ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SiSi-xg1hk]

Welcome to the club ☺️ *PARTY*

[@Usualeclectic]

This has to be the most epic outro in Tiny Desk history

[@apancher]

I've seen Gogol 3 times now, and am hoping for many more shows. The live show has this amazing ability to make everyone there feel like family.

[@katescavanger7548]

I can't believe you didn't posted Gogol Bordello that time!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are the best live band i've ever been to see, the energy is through the roof!

[@wycliffemontgomery6381]

Saw them in Florida and fully agree with you they were crazy and so much fun, live they are unmatched.😀

[@Kendojin]

And underground!

[@chewydisco520]

@@Kendojin I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING

[@ClaudioYanes84]

He literally had to go play among them to inject some life into this audience's dead veins

[@TommyEfreeti]

Well, it 𝘪𝘴 NPR staff...

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

They are used to people wanting quiet and respect for their performance. This band wants to pull everyone into their special world and share it with love and enthusiasm. They are absolutely contagious!

[@sammcrawford1]

Saw these guys in Denver last night. UNBELIEVABLE show with ALL the energy. Recommend 10 out of 10.

[@anaise4388]

They cant handle how real my man Eugene is 🙌

[@barostakuk1058]

word! the audience is so stiff it pisses me off lol

[@alejandropalacios4362]

Percussionist Pedro Erazo is from Ecuador, cheers from Quito-Ecuador!

[@christianmorisse2922]

Imagine a concert with Gogol Bordello and Mano Chao...⚡

[@Lueppens]

never heard of this band before watching this video, I was absolutely blown away, this was really fun! great energy, great tiny desk concert!

[@justin-qf4zj]

happy theyre still around, saw them years back at lollapalooza in chicago, didnt know who they were then but i loved it

[@Jaybers100]

Keep coming back to this, it's so much fun. Seen GB 3 times I think & met all of these guys after at least once each. Eugene is an absolute treat of a guy, always happy to see fans & by the end of a show, THE SWEATIEST man you've ever seen. Definitely doesn't hold back at all. HOPTZA!

[@stardestroyr2661]

I saw them in Vancouver 9 years ago. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. So much energy and they played 4 sets. It was amazing!!

[@user-zk7os5tp4u]

When Eugene kills my companjer and looks around like" you guys are inpossiable" cause they're just sitting/standing there. Then goes into alcohol and people laugh, like really....they just don't get it. Oh yeah and Sergey takes a huge draw before alcohol starts. Seen them so many times back in the day...the best live show always 🫠

[@robinjonk]

Last time I saw these guys the singer was crowd surfing on top of a kick drum. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do not hesitate to go!

[@bloodynik_art]

I feel like stealing a horse.

[@bunyoldekuaresma9975]

I dont know if u are a racist or you only make really bad jokes...

[@seanmatthewking]

Do it

[@SubPablum]

Steal a car, they used to hang horse thieves, car thieves might be printed before release or less.

[@SloshedTrack]

😂😂😂 go wild!!!

[@corr1756]

Woah, Gogol! One of the best live bands I've ever seen!

[@ANdiLoveCat]

I miss Elizabeth so much. I think Gogol lost something irreplaceable when she left the band. She's one of my heroes!

[@howardzochlinski43]

Why did she leave?

[@cdsaylor2]

Didn't know how much I missed all the angles and zooms from before

[@thefelicits]

I saw them live in Prague, what amazing energy ❤️ I love how they just forgot they were filming an internet video and played to the tiny crowd here. Just wonderful. Check out their old album Gypsy Punks, anyone not familiar with this group

[@stevennixon3461]

Just got tickets to see them in charleston SC and it'd a childhood dream come true!

[@giacomodusinrebus]

when goran bregovic meets manu chao

[@leonardopinzon1320]

So much truth in your words

[@motitabochinche4677]

Manu chao deberia tener ya un concierto aqui en tiny desk

[@olorin4317]

I will need to see them live again after covid tout suite to re-energize.

[@sarahlujan]

So, basically a set of all my favorite songs. Dope.

[@JottaFernandes]

Saw them at Rock in Rio '13. I didn't know them until the moment the show started. What a great surprise and an amazing experience it was.

[@obsidian98]

I love “Start Wearing Purple” so much. I played a pep band arrangement version of it all throughout college at James Madison University, it is one of our unofficial fight songs! 💜

[@jakobangelstrand4763]

Back when the audience were actually sitting at their desks!

[@MsAlien911]

Oh thank u so much. I love these tiny desks, but this one is the treat for me.

[@tannerkelting-massaro4669]

Everyone in this band looks like they game straight from the sea of theives pirate generator

[@brennaalexis8342]

Best live show every time!!! If you can see them, do it. I never miss them.

[@LeeAllanSpades]

This ranks as my second favorite Tiny Desk Concert of all time just because of the sheer energy (and I'm sorry, but nothing can compete with Sesame Street). I'm SO EXCITED they're coming to my area in December!

[@llov2361]

I've always loved them💜!! They put on amazing live shows🌟💃

[@pedromalheiros8444]

Gogol Bordello always the best performance!!! ALWAYS!

[@augiemares3830]

These people ,in what they do,,,,,are unmatched .have seen them twice live is unmatched

[@kombu212]

I saw them at 2008's Fujirock festival and absolutely loved them! This tiny desk's live is really exciting, full of energy! Really want to go their gig again!!

[@lordjunky]

Čovječe, ovo je energija balkana u americi! Eugen legenda! Samo rokajte i dalje! Pozdrav iz Rijeke! Balkan rulz!

[@sklegg]

They look so cool.

[@therookienomore88]

Still my favorite Tiny Desk. It will be hard for any band to match their energy and presence. So intense.

[@PedroNacht]

There is no better Tiny Desk image than a guy singing an ode to alcohol while sitting down on someone else's desk so we can all read their emails (11:30).

[@timhoppie1]

I saw them on Lowlands Festival, it was a mad house......what a vibe! Loved it!

[@maryu8328]

Hands down the best show energy and crowds I’ve ever been to

[@jjf46n2]

I love Gogol. Thank you so much for getting a good copy on the channel finally 😊

[@freddyerazo2264]

Love them! you must see them on a LIVE concert! crazy fun, crazy awesome! Thank you NPR Music.

[@flyingworldtour]

NPR i love you !!! you are the Best !!!

[@BeagleEyeVisions]

These guys are LEGENDS!!!

[@ciberdewill]

they´re great greetings from México good memories when i was in Williamsburg.

[@pmzerbe]

The desk isn't THAT tiny! Love this!

[@mikalkyton846]

This makes my heart so happy!!!