They’re the same, yet different.
Igor and the Red Elvises bring their unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll, surfer rock and more to the stage, but as the band members keep changing, so do the subtleties of the sound.
“Sometimes I have horn players, sometimes I have extra guitarists, sometimes I have keyboards,” said Igor Yuzov, founder and lead singer/guitarist for the band. “The instruments keep changing so the music keeps changing.”
The band playing with Yuzov at the Diners Rendezvous March 21 is one he’s performed with in the past. He said the players were excited about getting back on the road.
“It’s pretty much the same guys that toured with me five to six years ago,” Yuzov said.
Born in Germany, Yuzov grew up in Ukraine during the Soviet era. Rock ‘n’ roll records were almost impossible to come by – young people traded records like illicit drugs.
“Any Western culture wasn’t appreciated,” Yuzov said.
His first record, acquired at age 10, was of the Bee Gees, before the disco era.
“It’s not my favourite, favourite band but it’s the sound of my childhood,” he said.
Yuzov left the Soviet Union and defected to the U.S. in the early 1990s while touring with his band Limpopo. From there, the band ended up on Star Search and Yuzov found himself in California, where the music of Elvis Presley and the surfers shaped who he is today.
The band tours relentlessly all over the world, including months at a time in the new Russia, which is vastly different than the country Yuzov grew up in.
“It was so separated,” he said. “It’s pretty much part of the world community now.”
Touring is like a constant party for Yuzov and the band.
“When I stay at home more than two weeks I start freaking out,” Yuzov said.
The show at the Diners Rendezvous also features Cera Rivers in a Cher tribute act. People are encouraged to dress up in the 1970s theme. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $25. Please call the restaurant at 250-740-1133 for tickets and reservations.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com