Gogol Bordello is an American
punk rock band from the
Lower East Side of
Manhattan, formed in 1999 by musicians from all over the world and known for theatrical stage shows and persistent touring. Much of the band's sound is inspired by
Romani and
Ukrainian music mixed with
punk and
dub, incorporating
accordion and
violin (and on some albums,
saxophone).[3]
"Gogol" comes from
Nikolai Gogol, a classical writer of Ukrainian origin. He serves as an ideological influence for the band because he "smuggled" Ukrainian culture into Russian society, which Gogol Bordello intends to do with Romani/East-European music in the English-speaking world.[5] "
Bordello", in
Italian, refers to a brothel or a "gentleman's club". The band was originally titled Hütz and the Béla Bartóks, but Eugene Hütz says that they decided to change the name because "nobody knows who the hell
Béla Bartók is in the United States."[5] The band played their first show as the unofficial band at an after-hours club called Pizdetz where they became the house band and DJ Hütz became the house DJ.[5]
They performed live at the
Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival 2011 for Bonnaroo's 10 year anniversary, playing a 1.5 hour set in the middle of the night and performed with
Devotchka.
Gogol Bordello released "Let's Get Crazy" in 2012, the new song was part of
Coca-Cola's advertising campaign for the
European Football Championships, which were part-hosted by
Ukraine. The track samples one of their earlier singles, "
Wonderlust King", and the Coca-Cola advertising jingle.[7]
In 2012 former guitarist Oren Kaplan sued Hütz for personal damages.[8][9]
The 2010 song "Immigraniada" was remixed by Bassnectar becoming a smash hit amongst his fans hoping for a live performance anytime the band and he are in proximity to each other.
Following the
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hütz released a video on social media condemning the Russian invasion, and has remained vocal about raising relief funds for the victims of the invasion.[10] Gogol Bordello announced a benefit concert shortly after which sold out quickly, followed by announcing a benefit tour. Bordello collaborated with
Les Claypool of the band
Primus on the song "Man with the Iron Balls", praising Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky's courage. The proceeds of the track are set to benefit Nova Ukraine, a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian relief to the people of Ukraine.[11]
Film appearances
2004 – Kill Your Idols – Hütz was interviewed in this documentary about New York's "
art punk" music scene.
2006 – The Pied Piper of Hützovina – Documentary by Pavla Fleischer about a road trip she and
Eugene Hütz took to Ukraine to trace his roots.
2006 – Wristcutters: A Love Story – "Eugene", played by American actor
Shea Whigham, is partly based on Eugene Hütz, whose music ("Through the Roof and Underground", "Occurrence on the Border", and "Huliganjetta") is featured in the film as that recorded by the character's old band. Contrary to the belief that he has received no credit for this, the film credits show the copyrights for both Gogol Bordello songs, as well as giving thanks to Eugene multiple times throughout the credit roll.
2008 – Filth and Wisdom – The entire band appeared in this independent film directed by
Madonna.[12]Eugene Hütz is the protagonist. Madonna also allowed Eugene to add his own dialogue into the script.
2008 – Gogol Bordello Non-Stop – The development of the band was documented in this film directed by Margarita Jimeno. It follows the band's rise from underground legends to international fame from 2001 to 2007.
2009 – Larger Than Life in 3D – Live High-def digital concert footage shot in stereoscopic 3-D at the Austin City Limits festival in October 2009.[13][14]
2009 – Live From Axis Mundi: Professionally recorded live concert footage shot in New York.
2011 – Grain: Short film, 'Against the Nature' appears on the credits.[15]
2017 – "American Wedding" Fargo Season 3 Episode 2 "The Principle of Restricted Choice" closing credits
2017 – "Risky Bismuth" The Tick Season 1 Episode 10 "Trans Continental Hustle" closing credits
2018 – “I Would Never Wanna Be Young Again” intro plays during monster wedding scene in Hotel Transylvania 3