Though we might not know them (until now, that is) The Russian Police Choir has almost legendary status in Russia. Formed in 1939 under Josef Stalin’s iron-fisted rule of the U.S.S.R., the choir has performed over 7000 concerts all over the world, even a show for Pope John Paul II.
With Daft Punk‘s recent Grammy wins, popular soundtracks and worldwide fame, most people have heard their song “Get Lucky“. It’s one of the most popular feel-good party songs in the world today, and sports some pretty racy lyrics too. And now it’s part of the Sochi opening ceremonies, maybe an effort to make Russia look hip, cosmopolitan, au courant.
But who would ever have imagined a Russian Police Choir singing it? That’s what happened during the Sochi opening Olympic ceremonies. You would’ve thought maybe “Song of the Volga Boatmen” or maybe “Kalinka”, but not this. Watch their faces; some are into it, some look very uncomfortable. Maybe they’ve just come in from outside, looking for the black widow. Add to this the uniforms and the Soviet-era peaked caps, the era of The Red Army Choir. Some guys look like they can’t wait for it to just be over, quite a contrast to the lead singers, who appear to be reveling in it. It’s all so incongruous.
They’ve never come to the U.S. but with their sudden rise to fame, they’re hoping for an invite. Let’s hope it comes…..what pop song will they do next?
