Billy joel leningrad viktor

1989 single by Billy Joel

"Leningrad" is a 1989 song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel from his album Storm Front (1989), released as a single in Europe only. The song title is derived from the contemporary name of St. Petersburg, Russia. It was included on his Greatest Hits Vol. 3 compilation in 1997.

Synopsis

The song was written by Joel about a Russian clown named Viktor Razinov, whom he met while touring the Soviet Union in 1987. Throughout the song, major items of Viktor's and Billy's lives are compared to show the cultural differences and similarities of the United States and the Soviet Union.

In the song, Joel describes Viktor's life as one of many Soviet children who lost fathers during World War II, specifically during the siege of Leningrad. He enlisted in the Red Army, drank vodka to fight the pain, and then became a circus clown, bringing joy to Russian children.

Joel described his childhood life as be

A story behind Billy Joel’s ‘Leningrad’ - Runnymede Times

Billy Joel: “Leningrad” (1989) - Alpha History

​​ During his concerts and press conferences in Russia, Billy was accompanied by translator Oleg Smirnoff and by Viktor who came to each concert.

Billy Joel's "Leningrad": A Cold War Critique and a Reminder ...

The song was written by Joel about a Russian clown named Viktor Razinov, whom he met while touring the Soviet Union in Throughout the song, major items of Viktor's and Billy's lives are compared to show the cultural differences and similarities of the United States and the Soviet Union.

Billy Joel – Leningrad

The other is Billy Joel, an American kid whose childhood was marked by fear of a Soviet attack but who also found happiness as an entertainer.

Leningrad - Billy Joel Official Site

The song is mostly autobiographical: Joel met Viktor when he toured the Soviet Union in 1987 and, despite being raised to be enemies, they became friends - just.

Billy Joel - Leningrad Lyrics & Meanings | SongMeanings

Named after the Russian city, "Leningrad" follows the lives of two boys who grew up on opposite sides of the Cold War. One of them is Viktor, who had a sad childhood under Soviet rule but found fulfillment entertaining Russian children as a circus clown.

LENINGRAD (EN ESPAÑOL) - Billy Joel -

Viktor is a real circus clown in Leningrad who made his way across Russia to see all six shows of Billy Joel’s tour.

Leningrad by Billy Joel - Songfacts

Viktor is a real circus clown in Leningrad who made his way across Russia to see all six shows of Billy Joel’s tour.

Billy Joel – Leningrad Lyrics - Genius

Viktor was a circus clown who made his way through enormous Russia to see all six shows of Joel’s concerts.