Gypsy Punk: A Culture Defined

"Gogol Bordello is a multi-ethnic Gypsy punk band from the Lower East Side of New York City that formed in 1999 and is known for its theatrical stage shows. Much of the band's sound is inspired by Gypsy music, as its core members are immigrants from Eastern Europe ... Phill Jupitus has once described the band as "a bit like The Clash and The Pogues having a fight" ... while Kenneth Partridge of The Hartford Courant described lead singer Eugene Hütz's voice as "somewhere between that of Borat and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog""
- http://www.gogolbordello.com/

Gogol's music has been featured in several independent films, which ultimately paved their way to fame. "Everything is Illuminated" (2005) made famous the song, 'Start Wearing Purple', from the LP Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike. It also gave lead singer, Eugene Hütz, a change to showcase his ability as an actor by playing 'Alex', the hip-hop oriented cousin of 'Jonathan' (played by Elijah Wood). Sundance Film Festival nominee,"Wristcutters: A Love Story", (2006) whose leading character 'Eugene' is loosely based off of Gogol front-man, Eugene Hütz, features hits such as 'Through the Roof n' Underground' and 'Bulla Bulla' and 'Punk Rock Paranada' from their album Multi Kontra Culti vs. Irony.

Since the band's formation in 1999, Gogol Bordello has been at the top of their game, creating new fan bases via films, late night television performances and over-the-top live shows. Even Madonna saw the potential in this young, but fresh, punk band from New York's lower East side. On October 17, 2008 Madonna's directorial debut film, "Filth and Wisdom", released limitedly throughout the nation. In 'Filth', Gogol front-man, Eugene Hütz, gives another outrageous performance as 'A.K.', "a gratingly boisterous Ukrainian gypsy with a Joseph Stalin mustache, who turns to the camera to say that ''filth'' and ''wisdom'' are just alternate paths to the same Truth." (Entertainment Weekly)

Gogol Bordello is a wonderful band, full of life and a tremendous sound. They are power-house performers and are still striving to reach the peak of their careers through both music and cinema. But believe me, we haven't seen the last of them yet!


...Last summer, Gogol Bordello played at Philadelphia's 3-day 'Popped! Music Festival 2008' at Drexel University, along-side The Ting Tings,Vampire Weekend, Mates of State, and Crystal Castles (and 12 others--2007's 'Popped!'-fest also featured Dr. Dog at the Starlight Ballroom on 9th street).


If you haven't gotten your fill of Gogol Bordello, then here are a few links for the MP3's to some of their biggest hits to date...

Start Wearing Purple MP3
Through the Roof n' Underground MP3
Wonderlust King MP3
Ultimate MP3
Ameican Wedding MP3
Not A Crime MP3

'Start Wearing Purple' Live @ Coachella 2008




NEW YEAR'S EVE: Gogol Bordello is Live at the Electric Factory (N. 7th Street) in Philadelphia!!!(All Ages!) (Live Nation)