Little Big: The rave band who fled Russia - BBC Newsnight

Little Big, one of Russia's most popular bands, has chosen to leave the country after condemning the war in Ukraine, and have fled to Los Angeles.

The band was chosen to represent Russia in the 2020 Eurovision song contest and is famous for satirical songs about Russians. Their song “Ski-bidi" which was released in 2018, was their first to go viral. Their video attracted more than six hundred million views on YouTube and started the Ski-bidi Dance Challenge.

Newsight’s Kirsty Wark spoke to the band from their new home in America.

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#bbcnews #newsnight #littlebig

[cassbenelliegardens]

I’m so happy to see them safe and talk about their experiences and be able to be free to continue their music 🙏

[MikeBenko]

Little Big is one of the most creative bands today. Their work over the years has been getting better and better. Calling them a "Rave" band is a bit of a misnomer, they are pop/Punk/alternative musicians.

[infuseme]

I love these guys. I was wondering what was going on with them. Thank you for helping to tell their story. They have always been against war. And they must be heart broken, because they have always been great ambassadors for their country men.

[kizbartlett]

Little big have always seen the beauty in their country which was evident with a lot of the music videos they made, but this war really has tarnished that and you can see it I their emotions.

It's like seeing a friend holding on to all hopes that their partner is good and seeing the good things they do, only for said partner to do something so inexcusable that it makes them realise just how crappy of a relationship they were in. I do hope they all find much better happiness since moving away from Russia, and I hope they can return when they can to spread the positivity they once did.

[zzz]

Didn't expect these guys to appear on the BBC newsline. LoL

[jessicawade]

I am so sad that they had to leave but I am so glad that Little Big made it out.

[OfficialAshArcher]

Glad they’re safe, but hope Anton and Sergey are okay too.

Love Little Big

[GatoGamingSi]

I hope they are able to tour the US, and promote anti war efforts. Would love to know more about their charity event.

[KenrickLeiba]

Not only is their music catchy, but I have massive respect for the political messages they put into their music and video clips.

[badgerhooker]

I was so worried about the band members when I saw the “No War” post because people in Russia who speak out against the Russian government get “disappeared” real quick. They all seem like good people and their music and music videos are amazing.

[OMDoran]

I remember the "no war" post and then utter silence for a couple months. Honestly thought they had been apprehended or killed

[fremyjaysri]

One of my favourite bands! These guys are amazing artists with alot of amazing music and music videos. After posting on Instagram "no war" I was worried what would happen to them! Safe wishes guys

[katherinemcintosh]

I have been a Little Big fan for years! So glad to see that they are safe from harm in Russia. I hope they will be able to return home sooner than later. This is such a tragedy and the people who leave suffer a different kind of pain. Love their attitudes about war.

We will continue to enjoy their music and wish them well.😃❤️ (fan from Missouri)

[Biempje]

Thanks so much for this interview. I love Little Big and was wondering how Sonya and Ilya were doing. Happy they are safe.

[stephaniegustafson]

I love Little Big. Sad that they had to leave their county they way they did though. But now that they are here i will be able to see them in person & support their music.

[roweproductions]

Oh goodness I’ve only seen their videos on YT, didn’t know they had fled! Good to see they’re ok 🙂

[jameswyre]

Very proud of you guys and I have always loved your excellent creative work. I wish you the best and in the American South you have some big fans.

[msthecommentator]

Please be safe, the world needs to hear your brave voices and we would be devastated to lose such wonderful artists ❤️

[joseluisalvarezmunoz]

I do know most of russian people are against war, but they can't tell anything because their own security. It's really sad that this can happen in the 21st century. Thank you for your music, Little Big.

[flipswildworld]

I see Sonya blowing up here in the States. She's extremely talented and very, very attractive 😍 I hope the whole band got out. Little Big deserve to be mega stars...They're that good 👍