Dead Rooster

Mertvyi Piven

Music band

Genres: progressive rock, funk rock, acoustic rock, folk

Country: Ukraine

A Legend of Ukrainian Rock

Mertvyi Piven (The Dead Rooster) is a cult band considered one of the pioneers of Ukrainian rock. Mertvyi Piven's musical style is a unique blend of rock, acoustic sound, and energy. But the band's main distinguishing feature is its lyrics: they were among the first in the country to begin transforming poetry into rock anthems. The band's repertoire combines classic works by Taras Shevchenko and Maksym Rylskyi with contemporary poetry by Yuriy Andrukhovych, Serhiy Zhadan, Viktor Neborak, Oleksandr Irvanets, Izdryk, and others.

Mertvyi Piven lineup:

• Yuriy Roketskyi - vocalist
• Svitlana Kyrylchuk - vocalist
• Roman Chaika - guitarist
• Oleh Suk - bass guitarist
• Yuriy Chopyk - guitarist
• Mykola Yerega - guitarist
• Oles Slobodyan - drummer
• Lyubko Radomskyi - flute
• Andriy Alfavitskyi - percussionist

The History of Mertvyi Piven: The Founding, Development, Hiatus, and Return of the Iconic Band

The band Mertvyi Piven emerged at a turning point in history, when Ukrainian rock was just beginning to take shape, and instantly became one of the genre's leading acts. Mertvyi Piven began its journey with an acoustic sound, and it was in this format that they first gained popularity.

At the band's origins and behind its unique style stood true legends of Ukrainian music - Misko Barbara and Lyubomyr Futor. It was their vocals and vision that shaped Mertvyi Piven's signature style and uniqueness.

Over more than 30 years of existence, the band has come a long way: from high-profile releases and nationwide and international tours in the 90s to gold albums in the 2000s and a prolonged creative hiatus. Following the deaths of Misko Barbara in 2021 and Lyubomyr Futor in 2023, Mertvyi Piven returned to active work with a new lineup but the same unchanging drive.

Popular Songs by Mertvyi Piven

Mertvyi Piven are creators of songs and albums that have long been considered classics of Ukrainian alternative music. The band's iconic albums include "Ето", "Il Testamento", "Made in ЮА", and "Шабадабада".

Among their most popular songs are:

• "Ми помремо не в Парижі"
• "Б'ютіфул Карпати"
• "Агов, мої маленькі чортенята"
• "Коли ти смієшся"
• "Ми так жили немов співали джаз"
• "Поцілунок"

One of Mertvyi Piven's latest works is the album "Поезії хмільних дворів", released in 2025, featuring songs based on poems by Ukrainian poets from various periods.

Live Performances: Why You Should Buy Tickets

A Mertvyi Piven concert is the live sound of intellectual rock combined with a unique atmosphere. Performances by the revamped lineup reveal iconic hits in a new light and also present a new chapter in Mertvyi Piven's creative journey. A Mertvyi Piven concert is an opportunity to hear live the songs that laid the foundation for Ukrainian alternative music.