From Kyiv to The Conti – Ukrainian folk-punk pioneers to play gig in Preston

Folk-punk pioneers The Ukrainians are coming to Preston.

Originally from Leeds, the band has brought Ukrainian music and culture to the fore since the 1980s.

Members Peter Solowka and Len Liggins have been fusing Ukrainian roots with western rock and taking their unique style of music all over the globe and even beyond, having been played on the International Space Station.

The Ukrainians’ gig at The Continental in Broadgate will celebrate the band’s 35-year career.

The event will see Peter and Len bring to life their book From Kyiv to the Kosmos via a mix of tales, acoustic songs and images.

Starting in a Leeds bedsit, their journey includes The Wedding Present, John Peel, RCA Records, the Russian mafia, the International Space Station, and sadly, lots of recent charity benefit concerts for the victims of war.

David Gedge from The Wedding Present says of The Ukrainians: “Even if you know nothing about them – and they’re not even singing in English – it still works because it’s such a great sound.”

From Kyiv to the Kosmos: The Story of The Ukrainians will take place at the Conti on Friday 17 January from 8pm.

Priced at £12 plus booking fee, tickets are available from The Continental website.

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