Little Big: The rave band who fled Russia - BBC Newsnight

Little Big, one of Russia's most popular bands, has chosen to leave the country after condemning the war in Ukraine, and have fled to Los Angeles.
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The band was chosen to represent Russia in the 2020 Eurovision song contest and is famous for satirical songs about Russians. Their song “Ski-bidi" which was released in 2018, was their first to go viral. Their video attracted more than six hundred million views on KZbin and started the Ski-bidi Dance Challenge.
Newsight’s Kirsty Wark spoke to the band from their new home in America.
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#bbcnews #newsnight #littlebig

[@MikeBenko]

Little Big is one of the most creative bands today. Their work over the years has been getting better and better. Calling them a "Rave" band is a bit of a misnomer, they are pop/Punk/alternative musicians.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I think you'd really struggle to put them into a genre these days

[@KingMuttley]

Tbf this is from the organisation that called GeT_RiGhT a Valorant legend. I don't think they care about how they label people outside of the mainstream.

[@linux1307]

😂😂let’s see how far will they go in LA

[@bulletsxdame]

They remind me of like, OK GO or LMFAO. I love them.

[@Jsarson1976]

Yeah that not a rave band more rock pop than anything else.

[@cassbenelliegardens]

I’m so happy to see them safe and talk about their experiences and be able to be free to continue their music 🙏

[@user-co2fw2ut6s]

In 2014, Ukrainian Nazis began killing Russians in the Donbas. Why didn't they care about these deaths then? Then it was normal for these fugitives. And in 2022, on February 24, they saw the light. Hypocrites!

[@BeANicePerson]

They aren’t really against the war. They just don’t want to be stuck in Russia. It’s all disingenuous kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM

[@turbofart101]

They seem safe yess but what about the other two?

[@tonyhekopiano5892]

@Ian Scanlon Why?

[@tATuCentral]

@@turbofart101They left Little Big and stayed in Russia

[@infuseme2]

I love these guys. I was wondering what was going on with them. Thank you for helping to tell their story. They have always been against war. And they must be heart broken, because they have always been great ambassadors for their country men.

[@kizbartlett]

Little big have always seen the beauty in their country which was evident with a lot of the music videos they made, but this war really has tarnished that and you can see it I their emotions. It's like seeing a friend holding on to all hopes that their partner is good and seeing the good things they do, only for said partner to do something so inexcusable that it makes them realise just how crappy of a relationship they were in. I do hope they all find much better happiness since moving away from Russia, and I hope they can return when they can to spread the positivity they once did.

[@BeANicePerson]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM I think it’s disingenuous- they tour Russia in the fall and blame US for war

[@TheDrAstrov]

What?! )))) It's a low-brow, vulgar show that's run out of steam.

[@jessicawade8374]

I am so sad that they had to leave but I am so glad that Little Big made it out.

[@JdZHida]

Stupid / hypocritical liberalism. Why did US soldiers die in Iraq or Afghanistan? when these stupid actors start thinking, then they will stop talking nonsense about the fact that Putin is not supported in Russia. His support is over 75% (most likely 80%). Cause-effect ... in Ukraine, the Bandera Nazi regime is hated by Russians. Bandera from 1944 to 1954 killed more than 30,000 people.

[@teamtryxgg281]

You are stupid by being sad and happy at the same time

[@aleksandarradovanovic8496]

Half of it.

[@pixuarmy4993]

​@@aleksandarradovanovic8496 The others stay because they wanted to cause they are fascists

[@demoonk420]

@@pixuarmy4993 Литл биг поддерживают фашизм, который истреблял 8 лет русское население Украины. Отключал электроэнергию, перекрывал воду в Донецк и Крым. Это был геноцид.

[@GatoGamingSi]

I hope they are able to tour the US, and promote anti war efforts. Would love to know more about their charity event.

[@shiacritoriya9246]

Sorry to upset you but they support war in Ukraine .. if you didn’t get it from their last video - rewatch again ) And again till you see that in their clip they judged usa and Europe .. and russia is angel in their eyes 🙋‍♀️

[@jasonvinton8257]

@@shiacritoriya9246 I ask seriously, can you confirm this? I see no comments from them for months, while my other favorite Russian group The Hatters has done no condemnation of the war and is touring Russia like crazy right now. I love them too, but disturbed by their seeming acceptance of Putin's agenda...

[@gotem8746]

@@shiacritoriya9246 If that was the case why would they leave russia?

[@Elagin210]

@@jasonvinton8257 What's wrong with wanting to live in Russia and continue to give concerts to your fellow countrymen? If they speak out against the war, they will be imprisoned.

[@kraskaska]

good news: they have announced usa tour

[@zzz181085]

Didn't expect these guys to appear on the BBC newsline. LoL

[@evgeniam685]

they are just like any Hollywood star that comes to Ukraine as if to help. All show business with so called stars and celebrities under one umbrella of globalists and deep state. They say what they are paid to say and do. Last of their video is best example of what is happening

[@badgerhooker8275]

I was so worried about the band members when I saw the “No War” post because people in Russia who speak out against the Russian government get “disappeared” real quick. They all seem like good people and their music and music videos are amazing.

[@OfficialAshArcher]

Glad they’re safe, but hope Anton and Sergey are okay too. Love Little Big

[@KenrickLeiba]

Not only is their music catchy, but I have massive respect for the political messages they put into their music and video clips.

[@fremyjaysri]

One of my favourite bands! These guys are amazing artists with alot of amazing music and music videos. After posting on Instagram "no war" I was worried what would happen to them! Safe wishes guys

[@OMDoran]

I remember the "no war" post and then utter silence for a couple months. Honestly thought they had been apprehended or killed

[@marialoshkova6857]

В России в отличие от Украины и Великобритании за "нет войне" не убивают и не сажают

[@FlexibleToast]

@@marialoshkova6857 you have that reversed. Get out of here Russian troll.

[@BeANicePerson]

Such baloney kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM

[@dashaleon1959]

@@marialoshkova6857 ахахвхвхвхвхаха давно я так не смеялась

[@iftelf]

Never heard of them until I have heard "Generation cancellation". Well, the message in that song was so strong. You can apply it to like any fascist country. I appreciate the bravery and moral values of the Little Big interpreters. Well and after hearing Hypnodancer, I'm even a fan. So beautifully weird that I have to love it.

[@VskutkuTrigen]

The truth about that song is that you can apply that to any country... its not just Russia... not just fascists... you get news they want you to get... internet is helpful but even internet can be censored without you even knowing If u ofc dont look further away with VPN... but what if all countries just decided to work together on something. Us civilians would not even have to know.

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

I have been a Little Big fan for years! So glad to see that they are safe from harm in Russia. I hope they will be able to return home sooner than later. This is such a tragedy and the people who leave suffer a different kind of pain. Love their attitudes about war. We will continue to enjoy their music and wish them well.😃❤️ (fan from Missouri)

[@stephaniegustafson1295]

I love Little Big. Sad that they had to leave their county they way they did though. But now that they are here i will be able to see them in person & support their music.

[@Biempje]

Thanks so much for this interview. I love Little Big and was wondering how Sonya and Ilya were doing. Happy they are safe.

[@jameswyre6480]

Very proud of you guys and I have always loved your excellent creative work. I wish you the best and in the American South you have some big fans.

[@johnsamuels4038]

Don't worry, Boris and Liz will take you guys in their homes.

[@roweproductions9424]

Oh goodness I’ve only seen their videos on YT, didn’t know they had fled! Good to see they’re ok 🙂

[@morho9422]

fled😂😂

[@flipswildworld1954]

I see Sonya blowing up here in the States. She's extremely talented and very, very attractive 😍 I hope the whole band got out. Little Big deserve to be mega stars...They're that good 👍

[@user-co2fw2ut6s]

In 2014, Ukrainian Nazis began killing Russians in the Donbas. Why didn't they care about these deaths then? Then it was normal for these fugitives. And in 2022, on February 24, they saw the light. Hypocrites!

[@shiacritoriya9246]

So these supporters of war in Ukraine have to become mega stars? Seriously? 😳

[@zachbrooks4944]

​​@@shiacritoriya9246 did you watch the video, you dumb fuck?

[@sarahjohnson4213]

I am so happy you took your safety into your hands and left your homeland. I'm so proud of you for speaking out when the norm is not to! Big fan btw 💖!

[@ajkorras]

It's sad but they're doing the right thing. Not everyone can move away tho and they just have to keep silent.

[@msthecommentator2863]

Please be safe, the world needs to hear your brave voices and we would be devastated to lose such wonderful artists ❤️

[@jamesbeech7877]

love this group.

[@pashnyovv]

the same, but after lastest music video - stopped, because they support war as other, look there video carefully

[@joexavier4070]

I never heard about this band

[@joseluisalvarezmunoz1736]

I do know most of russian people are against war, but they can't tell anything because their own security. It's really sad that this can happen in the 21st century. Thank you for your music, Little Big.

[@Eddy.O]

I am so glad they are safe! I hope the rest of their members you usually see in their videos are also safe and away! I enjoy their music and video creativity! They crack me up and truly entertain me!!! ❤

[@skmo7072]

Love the circa 13th century fringe

[@morho9422]

it's souvenir hair piece from south america.

[@StormyJBlake]

I’m so glad they are safe but sad they had to flee. I hope Ilia’s son also made it out and that he is able to see him regularly.

[@stevereisman6872]

An amazingly talented, unique, dynamic and versatile band. Thank you for standing up for what's right and prayers for your family & friends back home. Some of my family came from Russia, Poland and even Austria. America is far from perfect but we do have our freedom, almost to a fault. Besides living in L.A. myself, I have a ranch/farm about 40 minutes away, should you feel home sick, give me a shout. I don't have vodka but I do make a mean hard apple cider! Just a thought, too bad you can't go back to Russia and try to hypno-dance Putin into being....well, human. Lastly, and this may sound odd, but thanks for learning English!

[@johnwells558]

Love this group, am glad they knew who started the war and got out while they can.

[@oud3]

Thank God that they are safe. Bravo to their bravery!

[@M3ganwillslay]

I love this group .. respect to them . Moustache song ..

[@MichaelMilord]

I'm glad that they were able to get out. There are alot of unfortunate situations that force people to live through it, and I hope everyone is safe. Love this band btw. Amazing content!

[@mavowar72]

They moved from Russia to Los Angeles?? Crazy. LA is one of the crappiest cities in America.

[@Huss-wy8hp]

I miss you guys, I'm so sorry we could'nt see what would of happened to you in the cancelled eurovision song contest, I think you would of done very well, i'm a big fan. all the best. H

[@laurenburghard5507]

Proud of them for standing up. So glad they are safe. Come tour US! We love you!!

[@blondjon]

I really appreciate Little Big. Much Love to you.

[@iered9357]

Hi from France ! Thousand thanks to you Ilya and to you Sonya! Your message is important and if followed by many it can push the things a little bit. Leaving Russia, family and friends must be heartbreaking ! --- machine translation: Привет из Франции! Тысяча благодарностей Вам Илья и Вам Соня! Ваше сообщение важно, и если его последуют многие, оно может немного подтолкнуть ситуацию. Отъезд из России, семья и друзья должны быть душераздирающими!

[@joshuapaul2022]

They are nobody in Russia.

[@rome5628]

Dang 😬

[@Hongie1923]

I was wondering what happened to them...I love little big and I hope they can make more music

[@PIXIENATORY]

Oh here we go... And I hope they mentioned that they have planned autumn tour in russia this year?

[@BeANicePerson]

Exactly. Such Bs kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM

[@danielrosinski4261]

Best ever clip makers.No fantasy limits. Pozdrowienia z Polski.

[@privateaccount5400]

little big are amazing bless them for their morals

[@morho9422]

morals?? 😁😁😂😂

[@hollyandrews1516]

I'm so happy they're safe

[@chomnolcambo5552]

I already subscribed 🙏🙏🙏

[@jiameiqi4208]

One of my favourite bands! Sorry for them have to leave their country but glad they are safe and get to continue their works. Hope everything could get better sooner.

[@lokiiago_x0x]

Love them so much

[@public.public]

For or against war... Ukraine will never surrender and will never forget.

[@rodroller6634]

Can’t believe how innovative and diverse this band is. Just completely in awe of this band. And their political stance. Complete respect for them.

[@rodroller6634]

@@joaocsiszer3275 what about the genocide in Rwanda?

[@chillywilly541]

Clear marketing stunt, fled to LA of all places

[@JB-ci4fh]

Can't wait to see you in concert! Stay in the US and do concerts here. You're already becoming huge in the states. I live near L.A. Work with musicians in the area as a session drummer.

[@chrishateley5582]

As a metalhead, Little Big are legit the only pop group I like. I've wondered a few times over the past year how they're getting on in the current climate. Glad they've got out and are still able to go on performing.

[@Iamusertoo]

Love them so much! For me this is Russia, people like them not Putin and oligarhs.

[@annsanla4605]

They simply chased the trends and supported Nazi Ukraine, just like everyone else who is currently flying its flags, not knowing the entire history of the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.

[@Iamusertoo]

@@annsanla4605 Seems to me you are the one who doesnt know. It is beyond ugly to talk about history when in this moment Russian and Ukrainian people are dying.

[@annsanla4605]

@@Iamusertoo We are speaking directly, if people had listened during the war - maybe it would have been possible to avoid unnecessary casualties.

[@msangthrope5396]

I was wondering what happened to them. So glad they're safe

[@DEATH14269]

Glad they are safe here in cali. I think I remember that guy with the beard seen him before. I’m not skinny anymore tho but little big looks like he could be related lmao Hollywood could be a good change.

[@turbojojol]

So did they cancel their russian tour scheduled for the Fall season?

[@rome5628]

Yes

[@kimr3815]

So glad you are safe! ❤

[@spikebite785]

So sad. Great group and I'm glad they're safe. Hang in there

[@lunarvania8073]

I searched to see if you two had a view on this....Welcome to America WE LOVE YOU! Be safe you two please!

[@CsyeCokTheSolly]

Fled? FLED? TORONTO TELEVISION LITERALLY POINTED OUT THEY'RE PLANNING CONCERTS IN RUSSIA

[@vividvulpe9842]

"Oh, my!"

[@dobryczowiek9673]

Brawo Brawo miliardy ludzi Wam biją Brawo Uwielbiam Was

[@chrisfritsch7934]

I love Little Big! We support you!

[@joseluisalvarezmunoz1736]

You are more BIG than LITTLE 😜

[@ChristinaLeeBreu]

So sad. I just wish there was no such thing as war.

[@edvanesch178]

Little Big is one of the best rave bands. Glad that they are save. I hope that the other members are save too. The other members that are maybe still in Russia like: Olympia Ivleva, Anton ''Boo'' Lissov, and Sergey ''Gokk'' Makarov.

[@StratussphereXbox]

Amazing decision, keep doing you and make music hits. Awesome talent ! Come to Boston for a Concert, You're welcome in America's Hometown.

[@covidvirus2810]

Little big Love them.. stay strong

[@tamolamo4698]

"You did not bear the shame. You resisted. by sacrificing your impassioned lives for freedom, justice and honour"

[@jessesmyser5931]

I love Little Big, I am glad they are safe in the states. You are welcome here.

[@burtonmoore996]

Good to see they got out safely.

[@karielefler1012]

I literally share their music with everyone always. I love these guys so f ing much!

[@Rozumarix]

Well, with that hairstyle, I would have fled too... that kind of bang is a threat for society..

[@vocaloidingviva3640]

Come tour USA and please ask Oliver to join (even though he is on tour at the moment 😅)

[@WebsterA]

Little Big is amazing. They some hiw Bridge the gap between literal pop and metal. I get a great vibe from them. I hope their stay in NA is super welcoming. Come to Canada!

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

Your taste in music is woeful if you think they have any discernible musical talent .

[@matt.willoughby]

The lady is totally gorgeous. She could be a supermodel quite easilly

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

@@matt.willoughby she'll be a fat russian babushka by xmas ....

[@jamespaveit]

Stay safe "little big", sad they had to leave Russia. A shame lives are being lost .

[@DadsCigaretteRun]

I didn’t even know they were Russian. Their music is so strange I love it

[@KerrBox92]

Illich seems like such a cool, fun guy

[@misslaciface89]

im glad that they are safe and sound.

[@ingenerchik]

Ой, какой зачетный немецкий у них!

[@Mindwerkz]

If I buy Little Big merch right now, does that help Little Big or just feed the Russian economy?

[@oporayamzzz]

I watched a few of their videos around the time Uno came out. So what happened to the band? The Anton and Sergey stayed in Russia because of political views? I've also read somewhere that the dancer from Uno died recently. RIP.

[@sharnaeltro8019]

I'm so glade they are ok

[@c_lo01]

I like little big but the conflict started in 2014, why didnt they leave then?

[@surge1229]

because back then it was a lot more hushed and the people in Crimea had let the Russians in now Russia has moved beyond the Donbas and the local population is fighting the Russian army now so it is a actual war

[@kaj979]

I'm so glad they fled, now I get to see them live at one point of my life!

[@buduvoodu]

after leaving russia you’ll be ordinary as shit

[@michelleisaacson6069]

I say all the time like the guy said "it's impossible" 😔

[@karlkaminsky8271]

Prusihin extremely talented artist and i wish big luck 🙏 to Little Big, so far 🤞 all good

[@Alexgoozy]

Yay, they spoke English. Little Big rules! I'm sorry this is happening to you with the war

[@joshcope9485]

Just some words of support from an Army veteran here, the American people love Little Big! We know the people of Russia are in an untenable position under the current administration and leadership. The people of Ukraine and Russia deserve peace and prosperity. Wishing you the best and looking forward to seeing Little Big in concert 😊

[@anastasiyashchalkunova4274]

The best. Even now

[@seanwallace396]

I am Pro Ukraine, anti-war here. I always liked you guys but what you did takes bravery and I respect you even more now. You are the best of Russia and you represent all of the good people still there fighting the good fight. I hope you tour the USA and Canada etc. I will be there supporting you!!

[@legionar1000]

so if you are not from Ukraine but you are PRO UKRAINE you are not anti war, dont lie yourself dont lie others. plus you will not be there to support them, bcs you work for few dollats under Baiden and you dont even have money for gas, USA is 3rd world country now.

[@imgonnatouchyouniceandslow]

@@legionar1000 3rd world country 💀 ain’t no way boy

[@legionar1000]

@@imgonnatouchyouniceandslow ofc it is, only in USA there is mass school shootings and ppl got killed for nothing, worst country then Afganistan.

[@surge1229]

Pro Ukarine and anti war yeah you can only choose one because if you support one side you are not anti war

[@AndieMueller22]

Welcome to 🇺🇸 you have fans here!

[@BeANicePerson]

They just blamed the Us in their last video. They aren’t really against the war, they just don’t want to be stuck in Russia and have to use rubles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM

[@SOWICKEDIMWUZIE]

I love you guys and just know not everyone blames Russians for putins actions.. we are all people being controlled.. my generation cancelation

[@parvuspeach]

rock on !

[@joemccormick9348]

Love you guys

[@CrippleX89]

Really glad to see that they're against all this!

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Looks like the skibidi’d out the country.

[@ghostship7823]

On what type visa are they living in the US?

[@pashnyovv]

😀

[@joexavier4070]

Floor cleaner

[@anguschoi9122]

I hope they can save

[@jackwhat5969]

I hope everything gets better soon, for both Ukrainian people, Russian people, Little Big and all their loved ones.