Overview
Originally from Leeds, Cossack folk-punk pioneers The Ukrainians have brought Ukrainian music and culture to the attention of the West and taken it to people of Ukrainian heritage across the globe. And their music has gone into orbit, with NASA astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper playing their songs on the International Space Station. Written and compiled by the band's Peter Solowka and Len Liggins, The Ukrainians: Taking Kyiv to the Kosmos celebrates their 35-year career. This large format hardback, with over 200 full colour images from the band's archive, is packed with stories from current and former band members along with fans, friends and musical collaborators, including David Gedge (The Wedding Present), Jan Wobble (Invaders of the Heart, PiL), Andrew 'Whitey' White (Kaiser Chiefs), TV Smith (The Adverts), Harri Kakoulli (Squeeze) and Shaun Charman (Jetstream Pony, The Wedding Present). AUTHOR: Len Liggins was awarded the honorary title of 'Legendary' by no less a person than DJ John Peel more than 35 years ago. A singer and violinist, Len is a founding member of The Ukrainians, which plays traditional Ukrainian music heavily influenced by Western post-punk. Peter Solowka is a guitarist and co-author, with Len Liggins, of The Ukrainians: From Kyiv To The Kosmos, published by Spenwood Books in 2024. A member of Indie legends The Wedding Present until 1990, Peter lives in Oldham. 250 colour and b/w images
Full Product Details
Author: Len Liggins ,
Peter Solowka ,
Richard Houghton
Publisher: Spenwood Books
Imprint: Spenwood Books
ISBN: 9781915858238
ISBN 10: 1915858232
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 30 August 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Author Information
'The Legendary' Len Liggins (so christened by Radio 1 DJ John Peel) was in a band called The Sinister Cleaners in late 1980s Leeds when he met Peter Solowka, guitarist with The Wedding Present. Len's knowledge of Slavic languages and Peter's passion to unearth the culture of his Ukrainian heritage led to them forming The Ukrainians in 1991. Over 30 years later, Len and Peter continue to perform their music to audiences around the world. Len lives in Norfolk, UK. Born in Middleton, Manchester, Peter Solowka is of Ukrainian heritage and was the guitarist with Leeds Indie heroes The Wedding Present ('The Smiths fans' second favourite band') when he met Len Liggins. Together they formed The Ukrainians, and have toured the world with their unique take on the music of a once neglected culture. Peter lives in Oldham, UK.
