The emergence of the New Year's blue light format, beloved by millions of television viewers, in December 1962 was associated with the era of the thaw and liberalization of the USSR's cultural policy, and specifically with the resolution of the CPSU Central Committee “On the further development of Soviet television.”
In 1960, the party leadership drew attention to the fact that “in speeches on television there is no intimate conversation, casual conversation” and made a decision - since dialogue does not start on its own, it needs to be organized.
In the same year, a youth cafe was opened in Moscow on Gorky Street, where debates were held and artists and poets performed. The music editors of the central television conducted live broadcasts from the café hall, which quickly became a separate independent program, the authors of which managed to preserve the main thing - that same atmosphere of “casual conversation.”
The name of the program changed - “Television Cafe”, “On the Light”, “On the Blue Light” and, finally, “Blue Light” - and the airing dates also changed. If at first the program was broadcast on weekends every week, then over time the material became depleted and viewers could only see it on holidays - March 8, May 1 and New Year.
But first of all, the audience was attracted by the rare opportunity in the USSR to watch and listen to the stars of the first magnitude of those years. Among them, Yuri Gagarin, the main hero of the era, occupied a special place. He starred in several episodes of the program and was even a co-host of “Blue Light,” dedicated to March 8, where the first woman to be in space, Valentina Tereshkova, also appeared.
At the same time, both stars of the first magnitude and ordinary Soviet workers could participate in the filming of the program - a humorous sketch on this topic can be seen in the film “Thirty Three” by Georgy Danelia (also, by the way, dedicated to the “space” theme).
The creators of “Blue Light” did not ignore the policy of the CPSU Central Committee towards other countries - the television screen for the majority of the country’s residents was almost the only place where one could see foreign guests from the countries of the socialist camp. And sometimes you can catch such a “hello” to friends of the USSR from other countries, like the performance of Joseph Kobzon, singing the song “Cuba is my love” with a glued beard a la Fidel Castro and a machine gun in his hands.
A separate point was the performance of comedians. The apogee of the comedy program has always been the numbers of Arkady Raikin, comic duets were popular - Veronika Mavrikievna and Avdotya Nikitichna (Vadim Tonkov and Boris Vladimirov), Shtepsel and Tarapunka (Efim Berezin and Yuri Timoshenko), as well as Lev Mirov and Mark Novitsky, performing under their own names.
“Ogonyok” presented domestic television with many other formats. It was here that figure skaters first began to perform frequently, laying the foundation for today's demand for ice skating. The tradition of “nostalgic” musical numbers also began here - in 1965, the leading actors in the film “Heavenly Slug”, in honor of the twentieth anniversary of its release, sang the song “Planes First,” which became the first “swallow” of the genre “Old songs about the main thing” "
With the advent of glasnost and perestroika, “Blue Light” began to gradually disappear from the screens - first the name disappeared, then the venue changed: in 1987, viewers were shown “Blue Light”, stitched together from scenes filmed in different parts of the capital - from the Arbat restaurant to the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve. ABBA songs were played on air, Alla Pugacheva and Valery Leontyev congratulated fans from India, and at the end an ensemble of top stars sang the song “Closing the Circle.”
After this, the Blue Light disappeared for a whole decade. The first episode of the revived program was released in 1998 under the title “Blue Light on Shabolovka.” The new program diligently imitated the features of its legendary predecessor, finally becoming a phenomenon of nostalgic order.
The presence on modern television of a program copying a bygone style during the most rated and expensive holiday time has become the reason for frequent indignation, jokes and disputes due to the annually increasing curiosity of the entire format - even the unused Shukhov Tower in the screensaver of the new “light” began to look like a kind of irony.
Paradoxically, an ironic and later post-ironic attitude towards the Blue Light format helped him survive, transform and continue his life. So, at the end of 2018, the team of the “Evening Urgant” program organized the filming of a show with the provocative name “Blue Urgant” with the participation of stars of the younger generation.
And although the driving motive of many of the participants was the desire to say goodbye to the dilapidated heritage of past years, their parodies of “unfunny” New Year’s jokes turned out to be just as “unfunny” as the originals, and the musical numbers, although strikingly different in genre and sound from the usual “lights” ”, yet continued the traditions of both the sixties and modern times. The final detail was the appearance in “Blue Urgant” of Philip Kirkorov, whose “self-parody” at the end of the program finally convinced those who doubted that despite the changes in names, channels and venues, “Ogonyok” will outlive its current viewers.
"Blue Light" first appeared on screens in 1962. It received the status of the country's main New Year's show much later, in 1967. Currently, “Blue Light” is a popular New Year’s program that attracts viewers not only from Russia, but also from the entire post-Soviet space. The show involves young performers and a “constellation” of show business.
Philip Kirkorov
In the 90s, new faces appeared in the project. One of them was Philip Kirkorov. The artist's participation is widely discussed by the audience. The singer’s images are luxurious: feathers, sparkles, unusual headdresses and amazing costumes.
In 2015, the actor completely shocked the audience with a samurai costume. And on New Year's Eve 2014, Kirkorov changed more than three outfits during the evening. The singer's performances are real shows. Bright, shocking and memorable.
Edita Piekha
Soviet and Russian pop singer, actress. People's Artist of the USSR. Today, Edita’s compositions are the golden fund of Soviet and Russian pop music.
The singer has been participating in the program since the 70s. The star's popularity made it possible to perform two songs at the event. Piekha is still a welcome guest on the set of the New Year's program. Fans are looking forward to the artist’s performance in “Blue Light”.
Valery Leontyev
A legend of Russian show business, whose popularity has not subsided over the years, and the artist’s work continues to be admired to this day.
The singer has been participating in the show since the 80s. Not all of the artist’s performances remained in the final release of the program. For his too revealing costumes, Leontyev was censored more than once; the artist’s numbers were simply cut out. Since the 90s, the caesura has softened, and the artist has become a regular participant in the New Year's show.
Alla Pugacheva
The development of television in the 1970s revealed more and more new faces. One of these discoveries was Alla Pugacheva. At that time, Pugacheva was just beginning her creative journey.
Later, in 1975, the singer received the Grand Prix of a music competition for the song “Harlequin”. This victory elevated the artist to the peak of popularity.
Alla Pugacheva is a permanent participant in every “Blue Light”. Every year he pleases his fans with either a new song or a proven hit.
Alexander Rosenbaum
The artist's career began in the 70s with songs with a guitar. Ten years later, Rosenbaum’s repertoire consisted of the usual songs about love, friendship and hometown. Alexander received the status of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, and then People's Artist.
The singer is annually invited to take part in the Blue Light. Alexander performs proven hits and also sings duets with young performers.
Lev Leshchenko
Popular Soviet and Russian pop singer, vocal teacher, owner of one of the most pleasant and recognizable baritones in Russia.
Lev Leshchenko has been participating in the Blue Light for no less than 50 years (since 1970). Despite his extensive creative experience, he performs well with young performers. Alsou, Sergey Lazarev, the group “Disco Accident”, Diana Di, Anna Semenovich - all these artists were honored to sing with Lev Leshchenko himself. The singer also performs songs loved by fans.
Oleg Gazmanov
Oleg Gazmanov began his career in his youth, when he played with the guys at school events. He forever remembered with what eyes the girls looked at him. And it was then that for the first time I felt like a real artist.
Changes in the country in the 90s and the competition of New Year's TV shows require the discovery of new performers. Then for the first time Oleg Gazmanov began to participate in the Blue Light. The artist performs solo, participates in duets with colleagues on stage and with his son, Rodion Gazmanov.
Yuri Antonov
A legend of the Soviet stage, composer and poet, whose songs are listened to and sung by entire generations.
Yuri Antonov has been participating in Blue Light since the 80s. The singer always performed with his songs and his music. Since 2010, the artist has been invited to perform solo and sing in duets. Young musicians also perform Antonov’s songs.
Larisa Dolina
The Valley first appeared in “Blue Light” in 2000 with the song “Three Roses”. The artist instantly won the love of the audience.
In 2016, Dolina performed with Turetsky’s Soprano, in 2017 the singer was accompanied by Igor Butman, and in New Year 2018 the artist performed with her granddaughter, Sasha Dolina.
Soso Pavliashvili
The romantic artist warms the soul of every listener with his poetry and music.
Soso has been participating in the New Year's show since the beginning of 2010. Every year, the artist is invited to perform his fans’ favorite songs, sing a duet with his colleagues on stage, and also take part in humorous skits.
An artist with a memorable Georgian timbre fits perfectly into an entertaining show.
Laima Vaikule
Laima Vaikule has become a permanent participant in the show since 1984. The artist performed the song “Merry Fly Agaric”. The artist’s performances were distinguished by their frankness and were remembered by the audience.
After more than 30 years, Vaikule does not lose popularity. Elegant concert costumes have replaced provocative dresses, but the performer’s performances are still spectacular and memorable for the audience.
Valeriy Meladze
Valery Meladze's first solo performance took place in 1996 with the song “Sera”. The artist’s performance was remembered by the audience not only for its beautiful song, but also for its unusual props. Valery performed in a Georgian cap and with a watermelon in his hand.
After such an extravagant image, Meladze became an annual participant in the Blue Light. Valery performs solo, in duets and supports young performers.
“Blue Light” can be treated differently. Some watch it every year, others criticize the show for its monotony and pretense. One thing is clear: “light” is a tradition. The same as “Olivier” and “The Irony of Fate...”. And traditions are usually respected.
3 January 2020, 13:47I didn’t watch the blue lights, I think, like most gossip girls. I set it in the background and saw in fits and starts that nothing had changed.
So I googled it now and I’m going to hate it.
Because Lopyreva, Bozhena and whoever they’ve been discussing here all year don’t irritate me, but the blue lights started to irritate me because I moved into the category - we’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with my family at home.
And please don’t write that you don’t have to watch at all, or watch the culture channel, or turn on a movie. Nobody forces you, too, my dears, to watch and hate the characters on the gossip site all year. Consider this my personal Lopyreva.
So, what was there?
First, the hodgepodge sings “The unquenchable light of the Moscow windows,” then the introduction of all the presenters and Malyshev arm in arm with Yakubovich (How old is Leonidarkadich??)
4.30 - Leps and Emin with some rotten song
7.45 - Sofia Rotaru with a rotten song and three de eyelashes.
11.30 - Kristina Orbakaite with a rotten song.
15.30 - Lev Leshchenko with a rotten song and three girls in fur coats.
19.50 - Fat Vitas and mustachioed Sergei Polunin are backing up.
24.00 - Jasmine with Navka - AGAIN! - like last year, only now without fur coats. Moreover, the previous ones sang their rotten, unhit songs, and for the two of them they made a Russian cover of “Tea, bambina”
27.50 - Valery Meladze with a new song, “it seems that everything is changing and there is no infinity in nature... finally let me understand what you want from me.” In short, stop nagging Konstantin Meladze, otherwise Valery will show you every song.
32.30 - Valeria with a rotten song in some youth style, apparently wants to snatch Lena Temnikova’s audience.
36.20 - Seryozha Zhukov with Lolita. “let’s do without farewell hugs, we won’t see each other in this bed again” Lolita as always!
41.35 - Factory group - I don’t recognize anyone except Toneva, who is this blonde with a bob?? Matvienko is driving the tenth train.
44.50 - Bilan with a rotten song to White Roses.
49.00 - Sievert and Kirkorov sing Life. Who is promoting it?
52.30 - Broad-shouldered Brezhnev.
57.30 - Dimash sings Pugacheva’s song with Kruty.
Dimash is the only new artist and at 56.45 minutes the presenters say to him, “Previously, to get on the first one you had to have charm and talent, but now you only need a phone. With a camera. I took it off, posted it with the news and that’s it.” Whatever!
01.03.00 - ALLA BORISNA PUGACHEVA! I was too lazy to film for the show, but I had to be present - so here’s a recording of her concert with the old song “Shine, Shine, My Star”
9.00 - Polina Gagarina in a long fur coat.
12.20 - Tamara Gvertsiteli with Stas Mikhailov. I didn’t recognize Tamara at all.
16.00 Ani Lorak with a fur coat ala Gucci.
21.00 - Egorushka Creed.
23.00 - Loboda with the same song to Agatha Christie.
28.00 - Syutkin with Volodya Kristovsky. Well, since Syutkin is in Golos, then here too. And despite his eldership - “late hour, half past twelve” is still a cunning trick for all times.
37.00 - And again Bedrosych, now in a Hellsing costume, still wants to get into Lena Temnikova’s audience.
43.00 -LOVE USPENSKAYA SINGS WE ARE RUNNING WITH YOU AS IF FROM A CHEETAH!
47.00 - Dzhanabaeva and Meladze have a family affair.
51.00 - Gazmanov is not only still alive and singing, but he also came up with another song, two slams, three stomps. "Lights out, lights out in the offices."
54.00 - Malikov and Karaulova sing blue frost. Nothing.
59.00 - because soon the next Olympics they came up with some kind of hodgepodge with Anita Tsoi with a stupid pop song in honor of the Olympics-80, while inserting footage from the closing of the Soviet Olympics that Dolphin used in his video “Spring”. Spring was much better in these shots.
03/01/00 - boring Emin again.
01.09.00 - Varum and Agutin. Good track, well they can do it.
01.14.00 - Lyube in a quilted jacket. After a bunch of singers in fur coats for two lamas.
01.17.00 - Iconostasis, again.
01.22.00 - Elena Vaenga. I put on makeup for the occasion.
01.27.00 - Malinin, there’s no Botox in him!
01.30.00 - Zara sings Parole, Parole, and Gerard Depardieu, sitting next to her, corrects her French. For lovers of French on New Year's Eve.
01.36.00 - Intars Busulis and Anastasia Spiridonova - who is it? Is this from Golos guys?
01.40.00 - Alexander Marshal and Elena Sever. How she got on the first one, I thought her husband could only push it into radio.
01.44.00 - Larisa Dolina sings “We are proof that there is love in life.”
You are proof that there is blat in the world!
at the end - Daineko, City 312 and Panayotov sing in chorus. All!
Until the end of the 90s, leaders of production from the people were invited to the “blue lights” - factory workers, milkmaids, the chairman of a collective farm, and always representatives from scientists, composers, and artists. This could be treated ironically, but when television completely replaced the “ordinary” person from the screen and everything was filled with pop stars, it became obvious how isolated these same “stars” from the people were making themselves felt.
Alexey Lyubimov, regent of the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery, talks about his unusual hobby - watching TV once a year.
Alexey Lyubimov
— When we are visiting on New Year’s Eve, we watch TV willy-nilly. It would probably be too categorical to see only the bad or tempting in this. I suggest looking at this philosophically. For example, I was raised in strict church traditions. We were not faced with the task of dosing or not dosing TV viewing - we simply didn’t have it. And, in theory, all television programs should have passed me by. We only found ourselves near a working TV when we visited unchurched relatives on New Year's Eve. For them, as for most on this holiday, television was the center of attraction.
As a result, television appeared in my life almost once a year, and the less often I watched it, the more noticeable it was how the general atmosphere of these programs changed every year. From these lights one could judge how the country was living, what was happening to the people in general. I am used to perceiving “blue lights” as a cultural phenomenon from which we can learn a lot to study history, fashion trends, genres, the dominant style and the feeling of the era as a whole. We can understand how the country lived, what it gained or lost over the past year, what changes took place in the people's consciousness.
From this point of view, the format of New Year's night concerts itself is interesting, regardless of what it is called now.
Opera, ballet and authentic folklore
The first “Blue Light” was released in 1962, during the Khrushchev Thaw. In general, the brightest “lights”, which have already become classics in themselves, took place in 1962, 1963, 1967.
As a regent, the “blue lights” interest me primarily, of course, from the point of view of music. Classical music is an eternal value, something that elevates the soul in any time and era. The tendency is that in the first broadcasts there was a lot of classical music, and then less and less. The classical, elite tradition was accompanied by folklore. These are two powerful streams, which, in fact, are the basis of music as such. All pop genres that appeared in the second half of the twentieth century are an upper, superficial layer that has value insofar as it is rooted in either one or another powerful current. The first lights largely consisted of classical music, ballet and opera numbers and serious folklore.
But every year there was less and less classical and folk music on television. Pop genres constantly replace each other, and they can easily be put on the same page. But classics cannot be placed in this row. But gradually classical music ceased to be presented in its pure form; it was reinterpreted in a modern way.
The general trend is that from year to year television has deliberately gotten rid of the classics. It started during the Gorbachev era. Until 1990, all lights were opened by a symphony orchestra. There were many ballet numbers. Nowadays, there are attempts to revive this - but only in small increments. We can say that the classics are now on the fringes. Previously, the transition to lighter genres of modern popular music took place closer to the middle of the event, and it was the classics that took pride of place. In the 90s, the classics disappeared from New Year's television programs almost completely.
Prohibition, the collapse of the USSR and saving humor
All turning points in the country's history are reflected in these New Year's programs.
It’s interesting, by the way, to look at the assortment of dishes and drinks that were on the tables during the TV show. Champagne has always been the symbol of the New Year. It is significant that during Prohibition, champagne completely disappeared from the picture. A random phrase from a New Year's program of those years “let's go to a bar and drink juice” is now perceived as a bright sign of the times.
One of the most interesting lights took place in 1992. The collapse of the USSR occurred - the whole country was in a state of shock, people were lost. Artists and comedians tried to present the changes in the form of a joke.
There is a lot of philosophical and symbolic in this. Surprisingly, in the light of 1992 there is no clumsy humor, everything is very subtle. The artists seemed to expose the hidden nerve that sat inside each person, and were able to express this in their performances.
1993 is an interesting year. We see a “style” dialogue. Dialogue between the era of the 90s and the times of Peter I. Subsequently, dialogue between different historical eras generally began to occur very often - especially between the bygone Soviet past and the present.
In this context, New Year's programs in 1996, during the pre-election period, are indicative. Then the fate of our country was decided, in which direction it would go. Therefore, everything Soviet was deliberately ridiculed this year.
Television has replaced the common man
In general, we see that the level of New Year's programs has decreased year by year... There is a feeling that the creators of the lights have less and less respect for the viewer from year to year. It’s even interesting to look at the speech and style of the presenters from the very first “blue light”. Previously, the level of speech of all the presenters and guests of the holiday was very high. After the 90s, we see a lot of vulgarity, a lowered level of communication - “we say as much as we can, we joke as much as we can.”
Or let's take a patriotic theme. Ogonyok 1985 is just the fortieth anniversary of the Victory. A large block of newsreels from 1945 is inserted into the program. Surprisingly, a significant part of the program features tragic, absolutely not New Year's songs on a military theme. The general idea is “yes, it’s the height of the fun, New Year, but we will still remember the war years.” On other Victory anniversaries - in 1995, 2005 - there is nothing like this, unfortunately.
Another important point. From the first “blue lights” until the end of the 90s, leaders of production “from the people” were invited to the “lights” - factory workers, milkmaids, the chairman of a collective farm and always representatives from scientists, composers, and artists. The idea was conveyed that absolutely everyone deserves this holiday. The guests sat together at the table. This could be treated ironically, but later, when television completely displaced the “ordinary” person from the screen and everything was filled with pop stars, it became obvious how isolated these same “stars” from the people were making themselves felt. But the presence of ordinary Soviet people at the lights gave a real feeling of unity.
Alas, everything has changed to empty, vain entertainment, which is trying to completely distract from topical issues, from what is really relevant.
Nowadays television is trying to create the illusion that everything is fine, when in fact everything is not very good. Ultimately, we can admit that the stage on TV has, in principle, become dead. The elite “cream” of society flicker on the “blue lights” of our time. They stew in their own juice - they praise and congratulate themselves, and they themselves spread their songs. All living things are gone...