Leonid & Friends: Behind The Music

Following on from my film "Leonid & Friends: The Story So Far", this 55 minute documentary looks at the stories behind Leonid Vorobyev's incredible band together with its progress and successes since its conception in 2015.
The film is packed with Leonid & Friends music and contains an insight into the jazz-rock genre of the late sixties and seventies. It offers a fascinating look at just how western music was acquired and enjoyed by young musicians and "stilyagi" in the former USSR - despite repression from the authorities at that time.
As well as including bios of key band members, the film also highlights the underlying ethos behind Leonid & Friends' success - that being that as an international language, the love of music dissolves any perceived hatred, antagonism or cross-border tensions that may exist between everyday folk throughout the world.
Running time: 55mins

[@rayholland3147]

I have been a pro musician in the USA since I was 12 , I am turning 69 this year. I have played with some great people over the years. Your group makes my heart beat better and I get the feelings i had in my younger days playing music, Thanks for all your efforts to do this project. I know how much talent it takes to do what you do .From my heart to yours thanks for all you do.

[@relic69]

Well said!

[@joeyfesta2042]

Beautifully said❤

[@user-gq3ij1ui9u]

Они делают это очень профессионально, легко, свободно, весело и с огромной любовью к музыке !!!❤

[@springertube]

You're just a young pup.... I am 69 about to turn 70! I'm not a pro musician, just amateur, but same sentiments!

[@michaelcoy8698]

Talented band. But this hokey behind the music using interviews from different stories seems like a patch job

[@robertavila8165]

Without a doubt, the best cover band that ever existed. When a band plays Chicago compositions better than Chicago...that is something.

[@erik1836]

Lol

[@triggertimetraining6963]

Agreed

[@eatcat2]

You need to go back and watch Terry Kath there was NOBODY better

[@garyleahy4537]

I don't think they play them "better than Chicago", but they play them pretty darn good.

[@eatcat2]

@@garyleahy4537 correct

[@marktizzard47]

One of the greatest bands anywhere. Thanks

[@R_M.P]

It's like finding a Rembrandt at a yard sale.

[@ponchoenriquez100]

asi es mi amigo

[@paulolson734]

Saw them in Pasadena last August. Hands down the best live show I've ever seen.

[@leonbogdan1686]

Lol if your not from the area, yeah a little bit

[@leonbogdan1686]

Great place when ya find it!!

[@leonbogdan1686]

I was just looking up Chicago tunes an banged into this band... I’m still an awe on how clean they are! Amazing

[@ronaldpriest9301]

It’s late October in 2023 and I just discovered my favorite bunch of artists! What a joy! Each of you make me smile and I get lost in your music. Thank each of you so very much for sharing your talents with the world! Music truly has no borders and I love you all!❤❤❤❤❤😀😀

[@rolandzoske448]

I wouldn't have thought that after Joe Bonamassa and Mylène Farmer there would be another musical discovery as great as Leonid & Friends. Ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass es nach Joe Bonamassa und Mylène Farmer noch einmal eine so großartige musikalische Entdeckung gibt wie Leonid & Friends.

[@kenhanson4015]

I was sixteen years old in 1971, with a new drivers license and an old car with an AM radio when I discovered Chicago, the band, the sound. A rock group with horns! They have been my favorite band for 52 years. I made a comment on a Chicago video, and someone replied and said I should check out Leonid and Friends. Wow...just WOW! I have seen Chicago live twice, and these guys are better. They are note for note PERFECT, the same as the recordings I have been listening to since I was sixteen. I was born July 1st, 1955, about the same age as Leonid, and what a rare treat at 68 years old to discover my favorite music all over again. It gets better. Then I discovered Ksenia singing Superstar by Karen Carpenter, another lifelong favorite artist of mine. I thought I would never again hear such a perfect voice. Then I heard the side by side comparison video They sound like twin sisters! A part of me died with Karen, but Ksenia brings joy back into my soul. I wish music could heal all the problems in the world and let us all get along...Ken

[@rebeltuba9422]

The guitarist does Terry Kath as well as anyone I've every heard. I had tears in my eyes a half-dozen times. Next time they're in the US, I'll be there.

[@dontaylor8451]

Saw them in Dallas 2019. You will never regret going, Rebel...

[@markdemos75]

Phenomenal guitar player. They ALL are so good!

[@lionheartroar3104]

I saw them live in 2019. They will blow your mind!

[@buddyseifert9507]

It will be the very best you have ever seen.

[@turkfiles]

Amen! Me too!

[@user-in2rh2zm1j]

This Effortless Drummer is blowing my mind.

[@19brandon66]

Igor is an animal...outstanding!

[@terrythompson5575]

The guy is incredible!

[@peterldelong]

And he’s a Buckeyes fan!

[@ryankelly369]

I'm pretty sure Igor has ice water in his veins. ;)

[@pedrodeazevedoconceicaonet2969]

Im a Brazilian 63 years old man, when i started lisening Leonid & Friends i had the impression that my life was starting again, when I was young i had a garage band and we played the Chicagos song Im a man. Leonid & Friends até bringing a litle beat of peace to this weird world.

[@bubblehead78]

I'm 63 years old too, and I agree with you.

[@wheelie63]

yeah.

[@desertdanblacksmith1394]

me too....grew up loving and playing Chicago (Trombone...J Pankow my Idol) my whole life..... you in Brazil...Leonid in Moscow....and all of us around the world relate with the common language! Cheers!

[@peterchristianmanstein1106]

I‘m a man was originally a song from Steve Winwood and the Spencer Davies Group, England.

[@jonkline709]

Pedro De Azevedo Conceição Neto hello 65 hear u summed it up perfectly. Just found these guys about 2 weeks. I’m so thankful.

[@olgacamarillo1917]

I’ve always loved the band Chicago thru the years and can’t thank this group of superb musicians for bringing back such beautiful songs then and now, thank you!!! Keep playing ❤!!

[@lindabergman3127]

Yes indeed ❤❤❤❤ love Chicago and Leonid and friends

[@calkelpdiver]

I saw Chicago in spring of 1985, before Cetera left, and I still consider it one of the best concerts I've been to. They played for almost 3 hours and covered all of their hits. About a year or more ago I was listening to some of the old songs here on KZbin. Saw a cover version of '25 or 6 to 4' by Leonid & Friends and was hooked. Leonid & Friends play Chicago songs like they are the original studio recordings and are so spot on with everything. When I need a Chicago fix I listen to Leonid & Friends along with the originals from the band Chicago. Pure sonic heaven. Glad to see Leonid & Friends get the recognition they deserve.

[@R_M.P]

Great documentary! Leonid and Friends are by far the best Chicago cover band and may very well be the best cover band in the world.

[@bobbaker8263]

Amazing to see the story behind the creation. You guys are amazing. We need music to bring us all together & realize war is not the answer. People across boundaries actually have more in common than we realize. America loves you guys. My favorite song you do, “ I’m a man.”❤❤❤

[@bbaraider]

If it wasn't for the algorithm of KZbin, I would not have discovered Leonid and Friends, and this documentary. The faces of the band has changed since this documentary, but they still sound just as good!

[@Bengadeer]

Great music, Great band, world-class musicians. Now let's give peace a chance so we can all enjoy this glorious friendship - glasnost.

[@DJewel-vy6uo]

Horns, yea! Another awesome group, Tower of Power, 50 years of great high energy music. This brings new life back to us .

[@davidclark1793]

this goes into far more depth than most band documentaries. very intelligent and well-written.

[@ADog-pf1lt]

In every single video on Leonid’s channel Leonid himself seems absolutely joyous and it is the purest happiness ever.

[@rootbox]

I am in awe of this band.

[@dmichaelelkins1]

Glad to see the individual members of this band getting the attention that they so greatly deserve! Thank you for this film!

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Yes. It’s great to know their brief background,,

[@Porscheman1]

Sergey Kashirin has been my fav guitarist since I first saw Leonid on KZbin when they first started out. Leonid is a musical genius!

[@leebrand7504]

I just dont think we know just how good Sergey is. I've played with some good ones but Sergey can do all styles and do it with feeling.

[@jackd.ripper7613]

Igor is what metronomes use to keep time.

[@storybec]

Igor if far from just a time keeper..... he PLAYS the drums. First there was Buddy Rich, then Neal Peart, and now Igor.

[@tjnaples]

Ha!

[@artistaloca4]

@@storybec Danny Seraphine

[@buddyseifert9507]

I have been a drummer for 60 years, since Jr. High. I have seen the best, I have had classes and clinics from them. Igor is precise and extremely musical. Man, can he play!

[@houndofgoshen934]

Rock solid.

[@edgrills6650]

They bring true joy to my heart and for some reason a glimmer of hope in these troubled times. My new favorite band!

[@johnyfavor]

I think you've zeroed in on the true essence of Leonid and Friends. I listen to them almost daily because of the joy and hope their performances engender in me. Whatever may be weighing on my mind, their music is always able to make my day brighter 💖

[@kenlogan1723]

I am a huge fan, I am 65 years old, I was a musician (guitar) I grew up with Chicago (CTA), BS&T, Earth Wind and Fire, all these people are old like me and to suddenly here it's all recreated by a band from Russia????? I have never understood how people from different countries with what I would call strong accents can sing in English and sound like Americans ??? How does that happen? Music transcends nationalities there are things we all identify with with. A good rhythm, bass line, great vocals, lead line. I studied classical guitar Sabicas and fell in love with Jobim at 15 but on my bed room wall was 12 foot poster of Chicago, I was a huge fan of BS&T. It was the power of the horns I love how Leonid & Friends has brought that sound back ... all I have to say is thank you. I saw Chicago live in my hometown twice. You could listen to any British band and they sounded like they were from America? You listen to Leonid they sound American until they stop playing and give an interview and they are clearly Russian or eastern Europe ... how does that happen? I download everything they do ... oh and I pay for it..... They are like the few groups who still do stuff from Glenn Miller or the Andrews sisters of my fathers time. The best thing that we can do is pass it on!

[@stukaman1162]

One of the reasons these Russkies are so popular today is because the music they play is frightfully close to the studio versions that the boys of Chicago cranked out in the studio back in the day. Growing up in the 1960s, first generation Chicago fans played these albums over and over again, forever embedding the tight, original melodies, harmonies and lyrics in their brain stems. That said, music performed by Chicago in concert today, and to a large degree in the '70s as well, rarely is/was as straight-laced as the vinyl originals, with live improvisations and extended riffs filling arenas as the band's collective spirit was moved to perform them, but this put some purists off, then and now. Not because the music stinks - far from it - but because that which they grew up on is, ironically enough, more comfortable, predictable, and desirable. Leonid & Friends have successfully tapped into this yearning to hear Chicago songs as they were originally recorded. It's no wonder that when Chicago added links to Leonid & Friends to their web site, the Moscow crew's popularity saw them garner more hits than the original group.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

I loved this stuff so much in my teens that I slept with headphones on and had Chicago albums blasting through the 8 Track Player filling my mind with Pankow & Lamm. This stuff makes me feel alive again; and this is coming from a 60 year old, semi-retired American musician.

[@allanpolk2681]

SPOT ON !

[@jeanbenoit6480]

Very well said and I believe you've tapped into my need and desires for that amount of precision. I've always loved studio recordings over the live ones (exception of course Prog Rock bands and Jazz ~ Jazz Fusion outfits).

[@jeanbenoit6480]

@@bassmangotdbluz3547 8 Tracks, I love hearing that.

[@stukaman1162]

@@jeanbenoit6480 Thank you! I'm in the generation where Chicago ruled. If I had a choice to attend a Chicago concert today or sit and watch videos of Leonid and pals, I'd pop some popcorn and chill in my jammies.

[@scottym3]

Absolutely an amazing band, together and separately. Too bad leaders of the world can't come together as Leonid and Friends do, there would be so much less hate in the world. Love the whole band and all of your music. "Keep on keepin on" everyone.

[@keithwilliamson8428]

That was one of the best hours I spent watching a video. What a journey!

[@dicklaing80]

Thanks Keith... Praise indeed! Best Regards, Dick Laing (Producer)

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Thanx, Mr. Laing! ​@@dicklaing80

[@lionheartroar3104]

I'm proud to say I met them all in 2019 and call them my friends....Great people and very humble. See them live! They are touring again in 2020. Thank you for this wonderful footage!

[@chriscooper7642]

How fortunate!

[@chriscooper7642]

I was able to see them last month (June 2022) in Kansas City MO. They were awesome 👌

[@bobdesruisseaux3185]

Yup, Blood Sweat and Tears and Chicago gradually kicked me over to the world of jazz, about 80% of what I listen to. The band member that covers Peter Cetera has absolutely nailed it.

[@gabbyfineglaze6734]

I was happy to see BS&T covered in Leonid & Friends music and also in this documentary. My only quibble with this account is David Clayton Thomas speaking as thougfh h HE invented it all when he wasn't even the founder or original singer In BS&T. That was Al Kooper.

[@bobdesruisseaux3185]

Gabby Fineglaze Agree, I still enjoy Kooper on Super Session with Bloomfield

[@colleenmonfross4283]

FANTASTIC! So happy to know about this wonderful band. It makes me so happy to hear the music of my youth coming back to life today.

[@alaningram515]

I literally grew up with all of this music. This group of musicians are absolutely phenomenal, and one can see in all of their eyes, they totally love and enjoy what they do. Their rendition of Steely Dan- "My Old School" blew me away.

[@lisaalexander7893]

They are phenomenal indeed. I listen to this band every single day.

[@SDsailor7]

@@lisaalexander7893 It would not surprise me if they had classical music training.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

​@@SDsailor7think they do hav classical training

[@anjun2414]

I brought my wife here from Moscow. The scenes at the beginning are familiar. And being a musician myself. Trust me, these musicians know what they are doing. Very impressive. My wife and I love what they do.

[@bubblehead78]

Simply a superb documentary on one of my (now) favorite bands. As a longtime lover of Chicago (especially the Terry Kath era) it tickles me to no end to see this great music brought to life by such talented musicians. Who would have thought? My favorite #1 album of all time is Chicago Transit Authority; from that album comes my #1 song of all time, 'Beginnings'. One of the things that have always bothered me about Chicago is they never captured the studio spirit in their live shows. I've always missed that. If fact, I do not care for Chicago live, then or now. To hear Leonid & Friends play some of my favorite music, and play it live, and true to the albums, amazes me. 'September' is also my favorite Earth, Wind & Fire song, so that's pretty cool too. Thanks, Leonid (and friends) for pursuing your dreams.

[@dicklaing80]

John Mason Cheers John. If only we could entice them down to Australia and New Zealand.

[@bubblehead78]

@@dicklaing80 If only I could afford to come 'Down Under'! Would love to visit Australia and New Zealand. I ALMOST got a chance to make a trip to Tasmania once. That would have been most excellent.

[@toney5043]

@@dicklaing80 Dick who did the scripting for this Doc? I may have some more work for you guys on a number of similar type projects.

[@bradjames264]

HERE'S A STATEMENT.....TELL ME I AM WRONG IF YOU DARE..... ---THIS IS THEE GREATEST BAND ON THE PLANET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beatlessteve1010]

I absolutely 💯 agree, and I am no spring chicken as far as the years of have listened to music very carefully in all genres.

[@genevakingston8866]

Wos,I watched the whole video 😊

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

There are more! I've watched all i can find!​@@genevakingston8866

[@mdelaubergine8930]

It's funny...so many stories about how people discovered this band are similar, many in the "just stumbled across them" category. You have to love, especially in the modern world, the undeniable fact that these world-class-plus musicians from the former Soviet Union are playing standout American music to American and international audiences and have become widely appreciated for their excellence--how that just blows away false barriers between countries, peoples, continents and whatever. No-one gives a sh** about any of that. They just love the band, love the music and love the shared experience. I am grateful to them (and to Chicago, B,S &T, and E,W & F) for that great, great gift. They have given the world more than they could possibly know.

[@tab3672]

I was actually looking for Rush music when I found these amazing musicians. Talk about a happy accident

[@damonkinney7081]

I was on my older brother's pc and I, like him check out cover bands. Leonid & Friends were "Recommended." To me the greatest recommend You Tube has ever done.

[@ack1961]

Thank you for putting this together! Leonid & Friends are so talented and the videos are a joy to watch.

[@lindabergman3127]

I love them😁❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@moonbubbles3046]

I enjoyed every moment of this. Getting to know more about these extraordinary musicians was amazing. I was fortunate enough to meet them when they played in Vegas and they are such kind, down to earth, and ridiculously talented individuals. I hope the recognition for them continues to grow. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ParadiseProjectsGroup]

This is so well done and a must see. These guys came to Greensburg PA last summer. I spent the afternoon with them doing their sound check, and then a fabulous show after. What a great bunch of people. They make the world a better place to be.

[@ibgreen1998]

I saw them live twice this week, and here I am just a few days later watching all their videos - again. The songs never seem to get old. If anything, with L&F, they all have new life to them. I beg you, if you’re on the fence about seeing them live, go. You won’t regret it. As amazing as the videos are, they’re fantastic live.

[@lisaalexander7893]

I would love to go see them live. This band is ASTOUNDING with the amount of talent they have.

[@HQBergeron]

I just bought a ticket today, immediately after I found out they would be in my hometown in a month. Yes! Second row!

[@michaelneuman1931]

Over the top....you guys put such joy in my heart...such passion is seen ad felt...thank you!

[@GFHanks]

Would love to see them take their string section, and blast out an ELO song, or two, or three...

[@damonkinney7081]

An amazing story. I listen to tons music new and old. To me this is the best band out there. The music and now the story behind the scene. Thank you for making documentary of "the greatest band in the world doing a tribute of one of the greatest bands ever!"

[@itzlena1666]

Their sound like the original is so soothing to the heart and soul. Thank you Dick Laing for putting this together.

[@taquitopicante5863]

Such an amazing story! Wow. Music truly is a universal language. This is one of the most incredibly talented bands on the planet! I'm happy to hear they will continue playing/touring in 2020. I am a forever fan! Thank you for sharing this video with all of us.

[@sanchoproudfoot2]

This is a fantastic and thorough profile of a great group. Love that the comments by Chicago’s Robert Lamm, Walt Parzaider, Danny Seraphine, Blood Sweat & Tears’ David Clayton Thomas and the late Allen Willis, composer of Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” are included. очень хорошо!

[@patrickborin6141]

Love the passion and authenticity of their musical performances. Inclusion of Tower of Power songs would be spectacular.

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Think they do some Tower Of Power now..

[@kellycreason7286]

I saw them live during their 2019 USA Tour and the commentary in this film is right - they sound PERFECT live. I can't wait to see them again.

[@brianamuro9252]

Leonid and friends are great musicians. I love how they sound. Flawless musicianship.

[@realtruth5967]

My fav band on the planet and this documentary is brilliantly produced, the narrative script is perfect (and wonderful delivery from narrator) and overall just lifts my spirit. As a retired producer/musician this goes in my keeper file.

[@donryan838]

I am so glad I discovered this group on you tube. I grew up with all this music and cannot get enough of their incredible talent and enthusiasm creating and playing these songs for all of us. Keep it up Leonid and Friends and I will look forward for you to tour my area of Southern California soon. Thank you. 😊

[@pitpride1220]

It's amazing to hear the story behind your love for the music. Incredible story. I had no idea that western music was banned in the recent past. You guys are incredible!

[@brettmeares9716]

My wife and I have just become acquainted with your group... Let me say, as a composer, there is no mystery as to how you appeal to people around the world... You are all very talented and can reproduce a remarkable, original sound like the Groups you are singing covers to... thank you so much ( Leonid especially) 🎸🎹🎺🎻

[@paulkube3901]

Oh my! The BEST, playing the best! Bringing back Brass (section) Rock to face off against, and demolish digital drivel and crap-rap.... Outstanding! Reviving BS&T, CTA, Ides, et al..... brilliant. Doing it with such style and verve....priceless! Matters not where you come from; great music by tremendous musicians is timeless and universal. Thank you so much .

[@jim2lane]

Just to put an asterisk on how talented a singer Serge is - during his rendition of George Michael's One More Try, you hear him hit the note naturally on the line "Touch You" that George Michael had to hit in falsetto 😊

[@johncarey4186]

Right On!

[@davidclark1793]

i noticed that too. in fact, he punched it pretty hard. "in your face, George." 😀

[@oldwest517]

I still remember where I was. I was living high in the Sierras in 2015 and we had a massive snowstorm and I was up on my rooftop deck shoveling feet of snow while listening to KZbin on autoplay. There comes "Brand New Love Affair" -- so perfect, and yet I knew it wasn't Terry Kath singing. I remember ripping off my gloves off in the freezing cold and digging for my phone to see who had recorded this. It wasn't just that it was done so perfectly-- it was also the question, "who on earth has the sophistication to know and care about a deep track like "Brand New Love Affair?" I have been hooked ever since...

[@mikeilkenhons8896]

To find this group by accident three years ago at a Thanksgiving get together was only the start... What was more amazing was their approachability through social media. We Americans love our music and admire the musicians who do it exceptionally... Leonid answered all my questions about who they were and what he envisioned for the future of his dream. I mentioned that I wished he could bring the band here. He replied that it is “every Russian musicians dream to play to an American audience”... Two years later he announced a US tour. My chance to see them was realized in Clearwater Beach last year and again here in Orlando. Through the social media I have gotten to know them more as friends and even a few of their family members. What awesome people, and to see how similar they are to us in their love and appreciation of music. Andrei, Oleg, Maxim, Ksenia, Serge and Sergey all have said how much they loved the people here and the desire to return... Amen...

[@av8torboy]

This band bio is perfect and long overdue. They are truly a phenomenon!

[@scottrogers2831]

Having attended the 2019 tour, I must say the live show was a dream come true!

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

I was hoping to see them on a Thursday then the Kansas City symphony perform Beethoven's 9th on a Saturday back in June but Covid has a different plan.

[@scottrogers2831]

Alfonso Munoz they are doing their first concert in many months today Sat. Sept 5 in Moscow. Serge cannot be there because he is locked down in Kiev. They have someone standing in for him.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

@@scottrogers2831 how awesome would it be to be in Moscow today?!

[@bradlyscotunes9156]

Ksenia, lov your voice, & your smile!

[@shariboyle1166]

Saw them recently in Idaho, just WOW!!! Such talented musicians! So glad I found them on my Utube feed! Please come back again! Can't wait!!! Until then, keep playing, and singing! The world needs you!!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@arturocuevas4306]

the best band of 2020, they are not Humans, can't be... they are incredible good....

[@tpatrick44]

Exceptional!!! Simply Amazing Musicianship, Arrangements, and Vocals. Proving once again Music is a Universal Language! Thank you!!! 👏👏👏 Bravo! ❤

[@DavidGillSott]

Regardless of what an amazing band L&F is, Dick, what a production you made,,,, Excelent!! Congrats!!.

[@dicklaing80]

Thank you so much!!

[@michellerjackson5776]

@@dicklaing80 I was treated to seeing them at 4Winds in New Buffalo, MI last summer. Really was in AWE!@

[@pflynhi]

Just amazing, thank you for a much needed behind the scenes, get to know the band video. A great compliment to "the story so far" with more depth.

[@paulpasillas]

You Guys Are AWESOME, I grew up 70s 80s listening to Chicago , They are my greatest band and I thank you for making their music not only sound better but try hard to fill their shoes and you do Much Success to all of you, Live the DREAM

[@alexsteel4537]

I’m blown away by this “Ferrari” of talents! Excellent documentary.

[@rainbow4]

I'd love to know their reactions to the first time they all met together and rehearsed, and when they went on stage for their first number.

[@chriscooper7642]

Funny true stories: The first song I heard by these guys was After the Love is gone by EW&F. I thought they were lip syncing! Also, I never owned one Chicago album before and never realized how many good songs they actually recorded until I listened to this band perform them.

[@radicalveg00]

I think of the thousands of hours of practice each one of them has invested, over many years, perfecting their craft, while also living their everyday lives, and it fills me with admiration and respect.

[@vanbaker8749]

I find myself here often getting lost in this beautiful music I just hope I have the chance to see these guys LIVE,I'm 72 so I've got to do it sooner than later,but until then,I have my headphones and you tube

[@scottbarnhart6562]

Fantastic insight into a group of very talented musicians and just good all around people. I saw Leonid and Friends in concert in Chicago about 3 months ago. I was blown away at the show as was the rest of the sellout crowd. Can't wait to see them again here in Chicago in June! Congrats to the band, and thank you!

[@LuisGLenero1369]

Making history like those musical groups that are kept in our memory for many years to come. Good Job Leonid & Friends, every one of you deserve this honor.

[@askauntb]

I find myself, after hearing Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire as well as B,S,T's, my entire life, I appreciate the integrity and effort to play the Music as it was recorded. Most of us don't want too much artistic license with a song we know, just give it to us *Straight-Up!* Love it, the Soundtrack to My Life!

[@dlg521]

A-MA-ZING!! I saw them Sunday night in Portland. I knew a little about the history but had NO idea the depth of their talent before Leonid and Friends. More impressed than ever and will remember my fortunate front row experience forever. :)

[@thewey]

I can’t wait to see them. Hopefully in Durham, NC in May 2022. Praying it happens. Awesome video to introduce my 22 year old son to the music that spoke to me when I was a kid

[@patriciabuck835]

A simply fabulous presentation!

[@triggertimetraining6963]

I just found this band on You Tube a few months ago. Totally love listening to them. Next time there in Texas I plan to see them live.

[@jaimeogas]

I like that Igor was wearing a Summerfest T-shirt when he was with Danny Seraphine.

[@bethmessner4453]

Jaime Ogas I live in Milwaukee & I noticed that right away! 👍🏻

[@tedd8055]

One word.....AWESOME!

[@billr.1230]

I just discovered this band from a comment on a Hindley Street Country Club video. Your musicianship is impeccable and you have found a new fan!

[@eddietheTruth911]

At about 44:30 a songwriter said the greatest lesson to be learned is never the lyrics get in the way of the GROOVE, a great song’s GROOVE, the music and melody line and rhythm. Sometimes nonsense words are BEST. Just keep the rhythm going, what ever you do, what ever it takes!

[@luispaulovi]

Un verdadero placer ver y escuchar trabajar juntos a este grupo de excelentes músicos con tanta sinergia. El ingeniero de sonido merece también un gran aplauso.

[@maverickcommunication]

Magnifique ! Thanks for that video which is phenomenal. Kisses from Paris, France

[@jesusmaciast1212]

EXCELENTES MÚSICOS Y MUY BUENAS VOCES.UNA HISTORIA DE LA MEJOR MÚSICA. SALUDOS DESDE SAN LUIS POTOSÍ MÉXICO.🐓👌👍👌👍👌👍👌

[@peaslet]

Thank you once again Dick Laing for putting together another first-class documentary. It's easy to see that they provide amazing energy in every show and they raise the bar with new surprises on every tour. Looking forward to hearing them in concert again soon.

[@sindbad8411]

There is a saying in German: Wo man singt, da lasse dich nieder, denn böse Menschen haben keine Lieder. Where there is singing, let thyself lie down, for evil men have no songs. Despite whatever is going on currently my sincerest greeting to our brothers and sister in Russia. And, a comment I copied from the early videos The US Federal Drug Administration needs to put a warning label on your videos: Warning, extremely addicting. No known cure, antidote or treatment. I know because I can’t stop watching your fabulous work. I’m addicted. Love the band.

[@ZiggysDad]

I found these folks a couple of months ago. They are truly amazing musicians and singers.

[@cuptainmarr-ell4569]

Their September is beautiful....again and again I say, they are so crystal clear with their harmony....

[@robertkroberjr.157]

Can't wait to see them live someday! 😎✌️❤️

[@lapdog4135]

I found this band on KZbin about 3 years ago and finally saw them in Ft. Myers Florida this last April and they blew me away. They’re just as good live as they are in the studio and literally play Chicago, EWF and Blood Sweat & Tears verbatim. It brought back so many great feelings listen to the music I grew up on and they’re just so talented. Thank you for this documentary and letting me know more about the artist and their backgrounds. I want to see them again. 😄👍🏻

[@timothywachowicz8308]

Thanks so much for doing this Dick! Really Top Drawer! It makes experiencing this electric group of souls that much sweeter! So much more than an amazing band! Ambassadors for humanity bringing us together to share, & create Joy & Happiness! Together :). Good vibrations to You & everyone here who has been touched by this band!

[@escapelevel1]

Thanks for this! Their sound takes you to another place where nothing matters but the music.

[@ptyptypty3]

in a word ..................... WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you

[@isaacshainblum1030]

So nice to hear!!! ...Moscow's answer to "The Wreaking Crew" ?? These folks are fantastic and obviously having fun!!!

[@MP3Rider]

Great documentary, beautifully edited.

[@dicklaing80]

MP3 Rider thank you!

[@fredschroyer584]

I love this wonderful band! Real musicians, and what a backstory they have. This documentary is a joy. And I wonder who the voiceover gal is? A real pro with a gorgeous voice.

[@dicklaing80]

Fred Schroyer ... as per the credits, the narrator is the lovely Kristina Schlegel from Austin, TX.

[@Clancys]

Brilliant. Thank you so much for such a deep dive, plus the video and audio were top notch.

[@garryjha1]

When I first heard them playing music from Chicago I was away from my laptop,I had to run to see them and they sounded better than the band Chicago, I love them,they are so awesome,so amazing, I hope that someday I will get to see them live, So amazing performers, truly blessed with so much talent. Thank You Leonid & Friends!

[@scottrowe533]

This is a very thoughtfully conceived and meticulously assembled documentary of a band that deserves all of the Internet acclaim and media kudos it has received over the past few years. The film is just a bit long and a tad redundant in places, and I could have lived without the silly film frame graphic overlay, but no work of this complexity and scope is ever flawless. Thank you, Dick Laing, for undertaking this Sisyphean project, and for the countless hours of hard work and imagination necessary to make the final product as excellent as it is. It is a remarkable tribute to what may be our time's most talented tribute band, and your efforts are appreciated by the Leonid & Friends army of fans. Be well and take care.

[@Eloso3135]

This was so much fun. Love Leonid and friends and enjoyed getting to know all the members in more detail. I really hope to see them when they tour the U.S.