The construction of BAM and Dean Reed's performance - two iconic moments in the history of the USSR

Construction of BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) - one of the most famous and high-profile events in history USSR. Today it is one of the largest railway lines in the world - its length is more than four thousand kilometres. The main stage of construction took place in 1974-1984and a large part of the railway was laid in the permafrost zone. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of music during this crucial and difficult period.

Valentina Patsiora, the organiser of almost all concerts at BAM, once said: "There has never been mediocrity in my work!" And you can't argue with that. The legendary Soviet construction site saw many artists popular in those years: from Iosif Kobzon and Lev Leshchenko to Lyudmila Senchina and... Dina Rida. The American Idol was the highlight of this amazing story, and hence we suggest you recall his performance below.

Background

Dean Reed was a truly remarkable and talented man. He was the idol of most Soviet citizens, but in his native America he was virtually unknown. And they didn't really want to know about him because of his harsh political statements and views: Reed adored his country and never renounced his American citizenship, but he never missed a chance to criticise the authorities of the United States. His life was tragically cut short in 1986 The musician's body was found in a lake near his home in Germany. At that time, many people thought that there was "help" from American agents. However, the case was hushed up, and the most interesting facts today can only be learnt from documentaries.

Speaking of. BAMIt is worth emphasising that despite the cold and litigation that accompanied the construction, today this period is remembered as one of the most colourful in the history of the USSR. And all thanks to the concerts, which were attended by a variety of popular artists. И Dean Reed became one of them. Tynda, the capital of BAM received the foreign guest very warmly: many photos and fragments of interviews were left... One of the streets was even named in honour of the musician. It was there on 18 August 1979 of the year and Reed performed. He was joined on stage by musicians VIA "Verasy".

A moment of magic in the North

On an August evening 1979 a landmark concert took place on the tenth day of Reed's 19-day touring marathon. It took place on Festivalnaya Sopka, on the tenth day of Reed's 19-day tour marathon along the road BAM. There were more people wanting to see the foreign idol than there were seats! For this reason, many crowded right in the aisle, on the steps. Everyone wanted to see this moment of magic in person. When Reed came on stage, the real magic began. The music flowed and with it a touching song....

It was not without amusing moments, which today lift the spirits. The musical event was held in the best traditions of that time: there was a bandstand, a presidium table... Head of Glavbamstroy Konstantin Mokhortov began his solemn speech, but Dean Reed soon appeared and stood near the table. Of course, the audience immediately drowned in applause. Mokhortov was confused: he sincerely did not understand why everyone clapped when he had not even said half of it! Soon he realised what was going on, and so he quickly finished his speech - there was no longer any urgent need for it.

Reed's performance lasted a little over an hour, but created a real furore among the Soviet people. Together with Red Elvis. on the stage playing VIA "Verasy". Subsequently, the members of the ensemble shared warm memories of the foreign guest:

"Dean was a professional, an entertainer with a capital letter! He was adored by everyone: women and men alike. And he knew how to behave both as an artist and as an ordinary person... He gave love to the audience, and received it twice as much. He managed to make everyone feel at ease with him - there was no wall between him and people, you know, like today's stars: purely money on the mind, a bunch of guards around the stage. None of that. And that made Dean special and very popular!"

It is also known that sometimes Komsomol members invited Dean to their homes - to sit, talk, drink... And, despite the fact that he himself Reid He did not drink, he stood up to these meetings and was always happy to keep the conversation going.

"Sometimes Dean was very tired, but then he would go on stage and give himself entirely to the people," said his interpreter Oleg Smirnov.

Curious details

It was not without funny moments. According to the memories of eyewitnesses, Reed was a very positive and gambling man: sees a horse - rather jump on it, sees a motorbike - faster to ride with the wind. Soloist of the ensemble "Verasy" Nadezhda Mikulich recalled how once a girl rushed to Reed on stage, followed by the police. The admirer managed to give Dean a jar of jam and quickly disappeared. The policemen didn't even have time to realise anything.

"Dean knew absolutely no Russian! But he learnt some quirky phrases especially for the concerts! It was funny, and most importantly, people liked it. Sometimes, while singing a song, he would say, "And now only women sing!" or "So, now only Komsomol members sing!" He gave himself completely on stage - after the concert his shirt could be twisted! He was a wonderful person: both outside and inside..." - Nadezhda Mikulich recalled.

Another funny thing about horse. It is worth noting that Reed adored horses since childhood. And so, fans of the artist learnt that a local resident has a horse. They began to persuade him, say, the film will be shot with his horse - and he honour, and the guest of foreign joy! But the man did not want to listen: "I do not know any of your Reed, and do not want to know!" - he said. In general, failed to shoot the film in Tynda. However, Reed was not particularly upset.

One last thing

Today, this man's name is known only to his devoted fans. В America Dean Reed has long been forgotten, but Soviet people still admire him. When Reed arrived in TyndaHe thoughtfully took an archive of photos with him as a presentation to the locals. Signed them on the back and gave them away! Reed always thought about his fans, and that's what sets him apart from many other artists... A few years after his famous trip, he was able to take a few photos of his fans to the local community and give them away. Reid told reporters:

"BAM is one of the highlights of my life! It is a very strong impression and valuable experience for me. It is a wonderful place I have had the opportunity to visit".