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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[@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 🙏

[@АлександрПримак-л3ш]

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.

[@OfficialAshArcher]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@leon15192]

@@marialoshkova6857 ахахвхвхвхвхаха давно я так не смеялась

[@TheDoomParadise]

​@@marialoshkova6857спасибо поржал, ага ага

[@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

[@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.

[@KenrickLeiba]

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

[@Biempje]

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

[@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)

[@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

[@msthecommentator2863]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@АлександрПримак-л3ш]

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?

[@johnk7267]

@@shiacritoriya9246 How are they supporters of the war?

[@shiacritoriya9246]

@@johnk7267 for starters they pay taxes to russia. Every time you listen to their song on any streaming platform they got paid - about 25% percent of these money goes directly to russia as taxes :)

[@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.

[@oud3]

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

[@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.

[@Iyiouseismouse]

Seeing them without putting on those crazy over exaggerated stares and seeing sorrow in their eyes made me tear up. 😢 ❤❤❤❤❤ STAY SAFE.

[@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!!! ❤

[@johnwells558]

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

[@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 😊

[@skmo7072]

Love the circa 13th century fringe

[@morho9422]

it's souvenir hair piece from south america.

[@laurenburghard5507]

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

[@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

[@privateaccount5400]

little big are amazing bless them for their morals

[@morho9422]

morals?? 😁😁😂😂

[@JojoAnnashua]

I'm going to say it again you guys are absolutely phenomenal as people, musicians, artists! I really really really really really really hope that I get to meet you guys someday!

[@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.

[@imjorkingmypeanits]

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

[@legionar1000]

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

[@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 💖!

[@marywhite2041]

Not only talented, but brave as well! ❤

[@Truzyxx]

Saw them in concert in Dallas last night. Awesome show, I hate they had to leave their homeland but I hope they continue to perform for many years to come.

[@lunarvania8073]

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

[@M3ganwillslay]

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

[@mavowar72]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@chomnolcambo5552]

I already subscribed 🙏🙏🙏

[@hollyandrews1516]

I'm so happy they're safe

[@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

[@CsyeCokTheSolly]

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

[@vividvulpe9842]

"Oh, my!"

[@danielrosinski4261]

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

[@johnsamuels4038]

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

[@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.

[@tamolamo4698]

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

[@kimr3815]

So glad you are safe! ❤

[@blondjon]

I really appreciate Little Big. Much Love to you.

[@msangthrope5396]

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

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Looks like the skibidi’d out the country.

[@covidvirus2810]

Little big Love them.. stay strong

[@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!

[@hayleystrzelecka9707]

Very large BIG UP to Little Big. If you don't know, get to know. They're creative, funny & you can sing along! Pleased you're all safe 😀

[@13feralcats]

Having to leave must have been so hard. I'm just glad they're safe.

[@burtonmoore996]

Good to see they got out safely.

[@KerrBox92]

Illich seems like such a cool, fun guy

[@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!

[@SOWICKEDIMWUZIE]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@chrisfritsch7934]

I love Little Big! We support you!

[@spikebite785]

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

[@sasha3073]

I am glad people like that leave Russia

[@kaj979]

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

[@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.

[@karielefler1012]

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

[@johnk7267]

Does anyone know why the other two guys in the group didn't leave Russia with them?

[@Hongie1923]

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

[@metalchik1976]

Damn, I'm sorry you had to leave your home country. I I understand why you did. I would have done the same. I'm against the war also. I'm happy you all are safe now and wish you all the best. I love your music.❤ 🎶 So entertaining and creative.

[@jessesmyser5931]

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

[@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 .

[@TheKnockoutNerd]

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

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

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

[@turbojojol]

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

[@rome5628]

Yes

[@jamespaveit]

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

[@alekseyzaremskiy7736]

When is the concert in Mariupol? What about Bucha? Hypocrites and liars

[@public.public]

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

[@oskardumanski8538]

My questions to them: 1.) Should Crimea be returned to Ukraine? 2.) Should nations in Russian Federation have the right to independence?

[@alexdolzenko]

Lol. How stupid are you?)

[@BeANicePerson]

They aren’t genuine kzbin.info/www/bejne/m57dn3yha6efhbM

[@lovelovelovelovelov]

No, buddy. Go vote for Trump.

[@oskardumanski8538]

​@@lovelovelovelovelovWhat does dirty Trump have with that issue? Thank you for the answer. Whatever you got by force you will be able to keep it only by force. There is a recent example for that, so good luck.

[@dariafaucett3524]

Crimea should most certainly be returned to Ukraine

[@joseluisalvarezmunoz1736]

You are more BIG than LITTLE 😜

[@dobryczowiek9673]

Brawo Brawo miliardy ludzi Wam biją Brawo Uwielbiam Was

[@Alexgoozy]

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

[@vocaloidingviva3640]

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

[@anastasiyashchalkunova4274]

The best. Even now

[@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.

[@MattTheLizard]

I loved them before this....now I see what great people they are!

[@michelleisaacson6069]

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

[@sharnaeltro8019]

I'm so glade they are ok

[@nikolatesla7977]

Little Big against wars in principle? And if so, they were opposed to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and Yugoslavia by the U.S. military

[@keithpanton7486]

I think almost everyone who doesn't own a weapons company is against war, honestly. Except the politicians that use war to gain and keep power. You can move to America and still be against America barging into wars.

[@mariarucci78]

Stay strong guys, you amazed us 💪💪💪💪🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ingenerchik]

Ой, какой зачетный немецкий у них!

[@bigdada018]

Go go Little Big!! 👏❤❤

[@VPPAF]

but what about that girl group with the cats name 🤣

[@cuterblueloveuwulilathepig3556]

I still love russian but not Putin 🥺👍🏻✨🇷🇺 I love you, little big

[@veevintage2619]

It’s a shame that they had to leave their own country, only for voicing their opinions. Honestly Russia never really stopped being Soviet, where people are still black listed for wanting to voice their thoughts and support the opposition.

[@Mindwerkz]

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

[@renaminginprogress6903]

She's looking way better these days