The flamboyant singer, frontman and leader of the Leningrad group Sergei Shnurov recently announced that he was going on a farewell tour of Russian cities, after which the musician intends to stop creative activities as part of his team. This statement aroused interest not only in the artist’s long career, but also in his personal life. We invite you to learn more about this man and his work.
Height, weight, age. How old is Sergei Shnurov
Of course, fans of the singer will be interested to know his height, weight, and age. It is not difficult to calculate how old Sergei Shnurov is, knowing that he was born on April 13, 1973.
At the moment, he is forty-five years old and with a height of 180 cm, Sergei Shnurov weighs 93 kg. Photos from his youth and now are constantly compared by the musician’s fans, and even though his face is no longer so young, a fine network of wrinkles has scattered across his face, and gray hair has covered his temples, this does not in any way affect his style and image. The singer still looks shocking, defiant and shocking.
Musician's childhood
Sergei was born in Leningrad on April 13, 1973.
His father and mother, Vladimir Pavlovich and Nadezhda Evdokimovna, had nothing to do with music, especially rock. They worked as engineers. My father worked at a military factory, so he held the rank of captain.
Sergei studied at secondary school No. 286 in Leningrad. For his cheerful disposition and amazing luck, his classmates gave him the nickname “Shurik”, by analogy with the main character of Leonid Gaidai’s comedies. In the lower grades, the boy showed success in his studies. In the future, he dreamed of becoming a diplomat. Seryozha, like all Soviet children of the 1970s, loved chewing gum and believed that people working in the diplomatic sphere must have pockets full of chewing gum.
As a teenager, his academic performance declined, and Sergei’s father and mother often had to blush at parent-teacher meetings for their behavior and hooligan antics. The musician says that rebellion is in his blood from his great-grandfather Daniil Pavlov, a revolutionary and participant in the Kronstadt uprising.
In high school, he learned obscene language, which he used in his vocabulary, skipped school classes, and clashed with teachers. The only thing I never did was write swear words in doorways and on fences, because I love my hometown Leningrad very much.
On April thirteen, 1973, Sergei Shnurov was born in the city of Leningrad. The biography and personal life of the musician have never been made public. For example, Sergei introduced his parents to the general public only on his fortieth birthday, posting a photo with them on social networks.
The parents of the future celebrity were simple Soviet engineers and expected their son to follow in their footsteps. However, if in the elementary grades Seryozha was an obedient boy and did not give his parents any trouble, then in adolescence the boy’s behavior changed. Problems began with teachers and peers. For the first time, the parents heard obscene language from their son, which would later become his “calling card.”
Biography and personal life of Sergei Shnurov
The biography and personal life of Sergei Shnurov began in Leningrad in a family of ordinary people who had nothing to do with music. Father - Shnurov Vladimir Pavlovich and mother - Shnurova Nadezhda Evdokimovna worked as ordinary engineers. Since his school years, Sergei has been a fan of rock bands, which influenced his choice in the future. Without graduating from the Civil Engineering Institute, he entered the theological seminary.
In 1991, Shnurov created the group “Alkorepitsa”, but a few years later the group broke up, and already in 1997, with his comrades, the singer began singing in the legendary group “Leningrad”, where obscene language was present in the songs and ordinary people really liked it. Nine years later, Sergei left the group and devoted himself to a project called “Ruble”. However, a little later, Shnurov pleased fans with the news that the Leningrad group would be revived again.
Sergey Shnurov, interview (1999)
Shnurov also acts in films, works as a TV presenter and paints pictures that go under the hammer for fabulous money.
Sergey Shnurov refers his paintings to the genre of “brand realism”
Sergei Shnurov was officially married three times, and from his first two marriages he has a daughter and a son. However, in addition to the singer’s wives, he was often noticed surrounded by many women with whom he had affairs. Shnurov’s most sensational romance was with actress Oksana Akinshina, who was only fifteen when she met the musician. The couple lived together for ten years.
For a long time, Sergei Shnurov was married to ballerina and businesswoman Elena Mozgova (also known as Matilda). The couple got married in 2010. Matilda was not at all embarrassed by her husband’s media image; on the contrary, she supported his endeavors in every possible way. In July 2021, the two streamed online from a hotel getaway in California, showcasing a carefree relationship and genuinely enjoying each other's company.
In May 2018, the couple filed for divorce.
"Leningrad". Renaissance
In the fall of 2010, Shnurov, unexpectedly for the already hopeless fans of the group, announced the reunion of Leningrad.
However, it soon became clear that the group’s work began to satirize the vices of modern society more gracefully. The first signs of the band’s rebirth were the video clips for the songs “Sweet Dream” and “Bitter Dream,” released within three days of each other. In the first case, the vocal part was performed by a new member of the group, Yulia Kogan, in the second, by Vsevolod Antonov. Soon a video was released for the song “Khimki Forest”, which Shnur composed together with the scandalous Stas Baretsky. The video ridiculed a number of domestic stars, including rapper Noize MC, who, indignantly, responded to the offenders with the song “Shave the Star.”
Leningrad - Khimki Forest Live recordings of the band's performances, which were regularly posted on the Youtube channel, gained particular popularity among Leningrad fans.
Leningrad's 14th studio album, Henna, was released in 2011. Over the next few years, five more records were released (“Eternal Flame”, “Fish”, “Evening Leningrad”, “Minced meat” and “Our Beach”). Also in 2012, Sergei Shnurov’s second solo album, “Buttercup”, was released, notable for its more... gentle, albeit still full of profanity, lyrics. Since November 2012, Alisa Vox became the vocalist of the group, replacing Yulia Kogan, who went on maternity leave. It was with her that “Leningrad” released a video for the song “Louboutins” that immediately became a hit.
Leningrad - Louboutins (Exhibit) In 2021, Alisa left the group, took up a solo project and immediately released her debut video. Having seen the video, Shnurov commented on Alisa Vox’s departure as follows: “They drove the woman away in time.” Vox’s place was taken by two girls at once: Vasilisa Starshova and Florida Chanturia.
In the photo: Sergey Shnurov and Alisa Vox, ex-vocalist of Leningrad
Family and children of Sergei Shnurov
The family and children of Sergei Shnurov have never been in the first place for the musician, because he is a creative person, and as we know, for creative individuals, their careers, ups and downs occupy an important place in the lives of such people. Shnurov has two children from two previous marriages, with whom he communicates, but does not participate in their upbringing.
Today, the musician has been married to Elena Mozgova for eight years, but has no plans to have children, explaining that this requires a large living space. But apparently the couple is quite happy with living for themselves and enjoying life.
Political activity
The flamboyant artist is interested in foreign and domestic politics. Sergei advocated the release of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The singer claims that there is no civil society in the Russian Federation and that the people and government officials will never be able to agree.
At the same time, the performer agreed that there is freedom of speech in the country and criticized opposition deputies in the State Duma. Shnur regrets that in Russia there is no ideology that would help unite the people and create value guidelines for them.
Shnur always maintained that he did not intend to give up creativity for the sake of engaging in politics. However, at the beginning of 2021, the performer was appointed as a member of the public council under the Culture Committee.
The head of the committee, Elena Yampolskaya, said that the Ministry of Culture needs advisers with unconventional and independent thinking.
Daughter of Sergei Shnurov - Seraphim
The daughter of Sergei Shnurov, Serafima, was born in the musician’s marriage to Maria Ismagilova in 1993. After the divorce, Sergei’s relationship with his daughter did not work out, as the girl’s mother prevented this. But a year later, the father and daughter resumed communication, and Sergei shares that he is very happy with Seraphim’s decision.
Shnurov’s daughter is studying to become a philologist in St. Petersburg and has been living her own life for a long time. She is married to a bartender, but has no children yet. Although Sergei has long dreamed of becoming a grandfather and is waiting for this joyful event.
Youth
Sergei liked music from an early age, but as a teenager he began to listen to it more meaningfully. He was fond of the works of Yuri Shevchuk, Vladimir Vysotsky, Viktor Tsoi, and the Secret quartet.
Having received a certificate of secondary education, Shnurov entered LISI. He soon realized that he was not interested in the profession of an architect and went to study at the Restoration Lyceum, where he received a diploma in restoration of wooden works of the 4th category.
Since his parents lived modestly, Sergei started working part-time early to help them financially. He distributed political leaflets and advertising brochures, swept Leningrad courtyards, was a guard in a kindergarten, and also mastered the professions of a glazier, blacksmith, loader, carpenter, and worked as an assistant on the set of video clips and as a designer in an advertising agency. For some time I made fences for graves, this work was especially well paid.
For another three years he studied at the Faculty of Philosophy of the Theological Institute (Theological Seminary). He went here to enroll with a friend, wrote an essay, passed an interview and was accepted. But he did not graduate from this institution either. I took an academic leave because I had to work; by that time Shnurov had already had a daughter.
Son of Sergei Shnurov - Apollo
The son of Sergei Shnurov, Apollo, was born in 2000, when Sergei was married to Svetlana Kostitsyna. The musician does not often post photographs of his son, which does not make his fans very happy. But not so long ago, Sergei showed his matured son, who looks very intelligent and respectable.
Shnurov commented on the guy’s photo in his repertoire: “This is my son, he’s already drinking, which I’m proud of, all that’s left is to learn to swear and smoke.” The fans unanimously supported the singer, convincing him that his genes would take their toll.
Interesting Facts
Let's look at the most interesting facts from the life of Sergei Shnurov:
- Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a diplomat.
- Characterizes the style of the Leningrad group as alcoholic ska-punk.
- He considers sloppiness to be his life credo.
- Hates English words in Russian, for example, “merchandising” or “hype”.
- Doesn't like to see himself on TV.
- He believes in God and is said to have had a spiritual mentor since his days at the Theological Academy.
- He paints pictures and holds his own exhibitions.
- In 2002, at a concert in Nuremberg (Germany), he went on stage completely naked.
- At one time he was at odds with Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and was banned in Moscow until he spoke at Luzhkov’s birthday party on Red Square.
- He likes to brag that his children (Seraphim and Apollo) smoke and swear.
- He does not hesitate to criticize the authorities and Vladimir Putin in particular.
The ex-wife of Sergei Shnurov - Maria Ismagilova
The ex-wife of Sergei Shnurov, Maria Ismagilova, met her lover when he was still a student. The couple developed a liking for each other, which developed into a stormy and colorful romance. It seemed to them that no one existed in the area except them alone, the young people were overwhelmed with feelings and Maria and Sergei decided to get married. Soon the newlyweds give birth to a daughter, Seraphima, and Shnurov even abandoned his career for a while, devoting himself entirely to his family.
But the happiness did not last long, the discord in the relationship occurred slowly but surely. The musician returned to music and separated from his wife.
New life
Not long ago, Sergei changed his role, becoming a mentor on the popular Channel One show “The Voice”. Contrary to popular belief, he managed to create some truly impressive performances.
The changes also affected the musician’s personal life. After last year's divorce, Sergei again found family happiness with a young girl named Olga. On his page on social networks, he admitted that he was happy with his chosen one. Probably, part of the desire to reduce workload is due to the artist’s desire to devote more time to his young wife.
Found a violation? Report content
The ex-wife of Sergei Shnurov - Svetlana Kostitsyna
The ex-wife of Sergei Shnurov is Svetlana Kostitsyna, the singer’s second wife, who at the time of their acquaintance was the director of the Pepsi art group. The couple registered their marriage and in 2000 they had a son, Apollo. But this did not stop the lovers from working and achieving even more success in their creativity. Kostitsyna became her husband’s manager and, like no one else, helped Shnurov develop in her group “Leningrad”.
The couple existed for several years, after which they separated, but Svetlana remained the group’s manager.
Disbandment of the group
Even the singer himself, when creating a musical group in 1996, could not imagine how popular he would become. Tickets for the group's concerts sell out in a matter of days, but in his early interviews Shnurov has repeatedly stated that he will stop giving concerts when creativity ceases to bring him pleasure. According to the artist, he does not want to travel around the country for the rest of his life. The musician’s words were confirmed by the concert director of the Leningrad group, emphasizing that the group would cease to exist in its current format. Some fans consider this news to be purely a PR move, since several years ago Shnurov had already disbanded the group, and two years later he reassembled the team.
The ex-wife of Sergei Shnurov - Elena Mozgovaya
Sergei Shnurov's wife, Elena Mozgovaya (Matilda), met her future husband in 2007 at a concert with the singer. They were introduced by a mutual friend, and three years later they entered into a legal relationship. The girl is the owner of a restaurant in St. Petersburg and the founder of a ballet school.
The public has repeatedly wondered how Sergei Shnurov and his wife, Matilda, can be together. The photo of the couple still raises eyebrows, because they are so different. But in 2021 the couple divorced.
Achievements
During his career as a member of the Leningrad group, he released the following studio albums:
- Bullet (1999).
- Checkmate without electricity (1999).
- Summer residents (2000).
- Made in Ass (2001).
- Bullet+ (2001).
- Pirates of the 21st Century (2002).
- Point (2002).
- For millions (2003).
- Babarobot (2004).
- Bread (2005).
- Indian Summer (2006).
- Aurora (2007).
- Henna (2011).
- Eternal Flame (2011).
- Fish (2012).
- Evening Leningrad (2012).
- The beach is ours (2014).
- Minced meat (2014).
- Stuff (2018).
Sergei Shnurov became a symbol of an entire era in Russian history after the collapse of the USSR. His work best characterizes the problems of society in different time periods, as it is aimed at the mass public and is popular among ordinary people.
Instagram and Wikipedia of Sergei Shnurov
Instagram and Wikipedia of Sergei Shnurov are very popular pages on the Internet, like any celebrity. He has three million subscribers who follow the life of their favorite singer. The musician communicates with his fans, jokes, as always, and speaks in direct words, as he likes to do.
Recently, Sergei posted photos online of him vacationing in Australia, complaining that he was tired of the local food, where he eats a crocodile. Followers liked Cord's new publication and left thousands of likes. The article was found on alabanza.ru
The beginning of a creative journey
But, having tried a bunch of professions, Shnurov could not find anything for his soul. Over time, he finally realized that his calling was music.
The first group was organized at the Civil Engineering Institute. The team was given the name “Alkorepitsa” and chose the musical direction of hardcore rap. On the domestic stage they were pioneers in this genre, but did not receive due recognition and popularity, and therefore disbanded.
The next group was called no less shockingly – “Van Gogh’s Ear”. Here Shnurov took up electronic music and techno. But disagreements arose between the participants, and the project ceased to exist.
The northern capital is rich in nuggets and talented individuals who constantly inject new blood into domestic show business, and the young native of St. Petersburg was no exception. In 1991, the aspiring artist made the final decision to devote his life to music and created the group “Alkorepitsa”, which was destined to become the first hardcore rap project in Russia.
Sergei became interested in music as a child, but he never planned to study it professionally. Like his teenage peers, Sergei played the guitar and listened to V. Tsoi, V. Vysotsky and Yu. Shevchuk.
The future musician did not join the army. “It’s a pity to waste 2 years on a meaningless drill,” explained Sergei Shnurov. The biography and personal life of the musician undoubtedly did not become less interesting without these two years in the army.
Shnurov began to study music professionally in 1991, forming the group “Alkorepitsa”, and then “Van Gogh’s Ear”. In 1997, the Leningrad group was formed, which brought the musician the greatest fame.
Passion for women
In the 2000s, Sergei became interested in painting. He characterizes his style in this art form as “brand realism”. His works are exhibited at many domestic exhibitions, and the painting “Shirt” is in the Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art in St. Petersburg.
As for cars, Shnurov doesn’t like them, he never even gets behind the wheel. He generally believes that humanity on the planet is divided into motorists and non-motorists, and he himself belongs to the latter.
The personal life of an artist and showman is eventful, and at different times there were different and completely different women in their occupations and hobbies. Officially, Shnur was married 4 times. He spent his youth in a relationship with theologian Maria Ismagilova. The couple met and got married while Sergei was studying at the theological seminary. When the musician turned 20, he had a daughter, Seraphim.
The young family lived in a constant lack of money. The musician worked part-time where he could, and disappeared at night at rehearsals and concerts of the Leningrad group, coming home at dawn, tired and on fumes. Maria could not stand this behavior of her husband and divorced.
Sergei entered into a second marriage with Svetlana Kostitsina, who also knew show business. The chosen one of the St. Petersburg hooligan was the producer of the Pep-C team, and later began to manage financial affairs and promote Leningrad. It was thanks to Svetlana that the group from the Northern capital was allowed to perform in Moscow in 2000.
From this marriage, Shnur has a son, Apollo, who is currently 18 years old. After the birth of the child, Svetlana and Sergei lived in marriage for several more years, after which they divorced. At the same time, Kostitsyna continues to be the manager of her ex-husband’s team.
In 2003, the artist met the young actress Oksana Akinshina on the set of the film “Games of Moths”. A romance began between a 30-year-old musician and a 15-year-old schoolgirl that lasted 5 years. All this time, the young people lived together, Sergei took Oksana to school every morning and made sure that she studied well.
Having met Elena Mozgova, a journalist from Voronezh, in 2007, only 3 years later the musician decided to legitimize the relationship. At that time, the girl finally moved to the capital and changed her name, becoming Matilda Shnurova.
For 8 years, the couple were the favorites of the creative community and fans of the frontman of the St. Petersburg group. While Sergei went on tour, Matilda was engaged in the restaurant business and ballet school and did not delve too deeply into what was happening during her husband’s musical tours. Sergei Shnurov and his wife Matilda often posted photos and videos of them together on Instagram and Twitter.
The news that the Shnurovs were getting a divorce became a sensation for everyone. The official divorce procedure took place in the summer of 2021, and the reason for the press was the singer’s frequent infidelities and the absence of a joint child. After the breakup, the artist tried to bring Matilda back, dedicating poems and songs to her, but to no avail.
The fall of 2021 again shocked the public with news from the hooligan artist, whose height is 178 cm. Sergei married for the fourth time, and his chosen one was the representative of the “golden youth” Olga Abramova. The age difference between the socialite from Rublyovka and the musician is 17 years, but this does not bother the spouses.
As Olga’s parents note, the meeting with Sergei had a good effect on their daughter, since from a party girl and lover of living for her own pleasure, she turned into a modest married lady. Shnurov’s fans and journalists never cease to wonder what really connects such different people.
In addition to romantic relationships, which the press and fans know about, Sergei was credited with numerous affairs with music colleagues and fans. While working in “Leningrad”, vocalist Yulia Kogan, those around her believed that the artists were connected not only by creative relationships. It was the same with Alice Vox. When the girl unexpectedly and scandalously left the team, rumors immediately spread that this was due to jealousy.
Currently, the St. Petersburg rebel is actively communicating with his children Seraphim and Apollo. The girl’s mother and Shnurov’s first wife lifted the long-term moratorium on her daughter’s meetings with her father. Sergei has repeatedly told the press how much he regrets that he did not take part in raising his offspring.
Apart from show business and cinema, the artist does not get involved in politics and does not interfere in the affairs of the country. He believes that even without his participation the situation will normalize. Shnurov has spoken out more than once that everything in the world is fleeting. The poet continues to bring creative ideas to life and excite the audience with his unexpected actions and frank speeches.
How it all began
Who would have thought that Sergei, known for rebellion and obscene language, at the dawn of his youth, studied at a theological seminary. But I didn’t finish it, because... it's time to feed the family.
Shnur, as his friends call him, has connected his life with music since 1991. After he tried himself as a watchman, loader, carpenter, advertising agency designer and more.
In his youth, he was inspired by the groups “Kino”, “DDT”, “Secret”.
Before “Leningrad” there were “Alkorepitsa” and “Van Gogh’s Ear”. Afterwards, in 2008, during the dissolution of Leningrad, the Ruble group was created in opposition to it.
In 2010, Sergei returned to the project that made him famous, which pleased his fans. And it still makes me happy to this day.
His muse is Matilda
Elena Mozgovaya (real name Matilda Shnurova) comes from the Voronezh region. The girl was doing ballet. At the age of 14, she ran away from home to Moscow, where for some time she worked as an editorial assistant. She literally grew up listening to the songs of the Leningrad group, so she heard and knew a lot about Sergei even before meeting him.
They first met in 2006 in Moscow (then the girl was 20 years old). At first, the lovers simply began to live together, and in 2010 they officially registered their relationship.
The musician’s third wife was Elena Mozgovaya (Matilda Shnurova), she is thirteen years younger than Sergei. Lena comes from a village in the Voronezh region. After her parents' divorce and her mother's remarriage, she stayed with her grandmother. Then she moved in with her father, and at the age of fourteen she left home and never returned.
Lena left for Moscow. She had affairs with Ivan Demyan (leader of the rock group “7 B”) and Dmitry Mikheev (photographer who came up with her pseudonym Matilda). She was fond of music since childhood, her favorite groups were “Dolphin” and “Mumiy Troll”. At the age of thirteen I first heard the album “Dachniki” by the band “Leningrad”, after which I literally grew up listening to Shnurov’s songs.
Lena met Sergei in Moscow at a corporate party in 2006. She immediately captivated the musician because she looked like his favorite female image from childhood – the girl from Mikhail Vrubel’s painting “The Swan Princess.” When he saw a picture from his childhood come to life in front of him, Sergei realized that this was his destiny.
They immediately began to live together, and in 2010 they officially registered their relationship at the St. Petersburg Wedding Palace. Having moved to the northern capital, Elena graduated from the Institute of Technology and received a degree in biochemistry. For some time she worked as a laboratory assistant, but then she settled down, saying that it was impossible to be both the wife of a rock musician and a biochemist.
Later, Lena opened the Isadora amateur ballet school in St. Petersburg, where she spends a lot of time. She does not hide the fact that she and Sergei sometimes need to be distracted from each other by their own affairs, otherwise they would not have been together for a long time.
The couple has been living for more than ten years, but still seem to be eternal newlyweds. Their favorite number is 13, they are so many years apart in age and both were born on the 13th. Shnurov affectionately calls his wife Babka or Motey. The cat Vasilisa lives with them.
During his marriage to Matilda, Sergei completely changed his clothing style. Now he cannot be seen with an unkempt beard, long hair or worn clothes. And recently, he and his wife launched the clothing line “Shnurovs”.
Elena maintains excellent shape with a healthy lifestyle, daily workouts, and avoidance of dairy products, sugar and desserts. But she doesn’t impose her system on her husband. Shnurov loves Soviet canteen dishes, sausage and sprats, and invariably pours ketchup on all the food on his plate.
Cord in politics
On relations with Ukraine, he takes a neutral point of view, believing that, first of all, his fans suffer.
In the spring of 2015, the singer proposed banning the sale of alcohol and drugs to persons without higher education.
Since February 2021, Shnurov has been a member of the cultural council.
In March 2021, as a representative of the State Duma, he made a proposal to revise the school curriculum. Studying in a modern school means living not only in the era of romanticism, he believes.
In stage life, the artist maintains the image of an alcoholic, rowdy, and foul-mouthed person. However, in reality he is a sincere, kind and objective person.
With the help of poetry, he can subtly notice bright political and pop events, and make fun of pop stars and public figures.
Not so long ago, on his Instagram account, Sergei Shnurov, in his characteristic poetic form, stated that he was tired. And the tour that the Leningrad group is currently on will be a farewell tour.
Education, work
After leaving school there were the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute, the Restoration Vocational School and the Religious and Philosophical (Theological) Institute, where Sergei Shnurov studied.
The musician’s biography is replete with many professions that Sergei tried on until he found his calling. He left the construction institute after a group of expelled friends.
The Religious and Philosophical Institute at the Theological Academy had to be abandoned due to financial necessity. It was at the academy that Shnurov met Maria Ismagilova, who later became his wife and gave birth to his daughter. To provide for his family, Sergei dropped out of school.
Shnurov Sergei worked as a watchman, loader, carpenter, and was engaged in the restoration of wood products. In addition, Sergei worked at the Modern radio station as a promotion director and was a designer in an advertising agency.
After receiving secondary education, I attended the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute. Sergei did not graduate from high school and went to study as a restorer of wooden furniture at the Restoration Lyceum.
While gaining knowledge, he constantly worked part-time in various fields: either as a loader, or as a glazier, or as a security guard in a kindergarten. Sergei had the opportunity to be a designer in an advertising agency and a promotion director at the Modern radio station, so the artist knows firsthand all the stages of launching and promoting a brand.
After the Lyceum, Shnur entered the Theological Institute, Faculty of Philosophy. He studied at the theological seminary for 3 years with a friend, as the artist later said in his memoirs.
At the same time, Sergei Fr. Realizing that he does not see himself as a priest in the future, the young musician goes on academic leave.
