Ariel: The tale of the USSR’s coolest funk band

was able to withstand the changing musical landscape in Russia. Despite being overshadowed by the newfound Western influence and the rise of glam-metal bands, Ariel held onto a loyal fan base of Russian music enthusiasts who appreciated their unique blend of funk, disco, and traditional Russian elements.

Led by frontman Valery Yarushin for nearly two decades, Ariel released a series of LPs through the state-owned Melodiya label. Their music incorporated the popular sounds of funk and disco from the West, enhanced with synthesizers and occasional psychedelic guitar solos. What set Ariel apart was their ability to infuse their music with elements of Russian folk and traditional music, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences in Russia.

Throughout their career, Ariel toured and performed at various events, including the 1980 Tbilisi Rock Festival in the Georgian SSR. Despite the limitations imposed by the Soviet government, the band managed to find success and build a dedicated following. However, as the political landscape began to shift with the arrival of Mikhail Gorbachev and the Glasnost era in 1985, Ariel faced new challenges.

With the relaxation of censorship and the opening up of Soviet culture to Western influences, bands like Gorky Park and Billy Joel began to dominate the music scene in Russia. The era of VIA bands like Ariel was drawing to a close as Russian audiences embraced a more globalized music culture. Despite this shift, Ariel remained a beloved figure in Russian pop music, with Valery Yarushin eventually leaving the band in 1990 to pursue other musical endeavors.

After Yarushin’s departure, Ariel continued under the leadership of pianist Rostislav Gepp. While the band experienced changes over the years, their impact on Russian music remained significant. Yarushin went on to form a new band called Ivanych and later relocated to Moscow in the early 2000s. Today, he continues to make music, performing with his daughter Alyona under the name ‘Back from the USSR,’ a playful nod to their shared history and the enduring legacy of Ariel in Russian pop culture.

In conclusion, Ariel’s story is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend cultural and political boundaries. Despite the challenges they faced in the Soviet era, the band’s unique blend of funk, disco, and traditional Russian influences captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on Russian pop music. As the music scene in Russia continues to evolve, Ariel’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the rich and diverse musical heritage of the Soviet Union’s coolest funk band.