Oleg Garkusha

Oleg Alekseevich Garkusha, born on February 23, 1961, in Leningrad, is a distinguished Soviet and Russian musician, singer, television host, and actor, best known for his contributions to the band "Auktsion". He completed his education at the Leningrad Film College in 1980, subsequently working as a projectionist in local cinemas before serendipitously stepping into the world of performance in 1985. His unique vocal style and engaging presence quickly made him a standout member of "Auktsion", transforming the band’s performances into vibrant spectacles filled with eccentricity and theatrical flair.

Garkusha's creativity significantly shaped the band's artistic direction. As a lyricist, he collaborated closely with poet Dmitry Ozersky, and his words brought life to some of "Auktsion's" most memorable tracks, including "Money is Paper", "Wolf", "Airplane", "Pioneer", and "Bird", the latter written during the tumultuous days of the August putsch in 1991. The 1990 album "Ass" features numerous songs based on Garkusha’s poetry.

In addition to his musical career, Garkusha has appeared in several films such as "The Burglar" (1987) and "Khrustalev, the Car!" (1998). He also engaged in public life, leading initiatives like the "Youth-Public Committee for the preparation of the 300th anniversary of the city". A regular on Petersburg television, Garkusha hosted a weekly show and was involved in organizing the "Windows Open!" festival. He has published poetry collections, including "The Boy as a Boy" in 2001 and "The Crow", further showcasing his artistic talents beyond music.