Our World: Russia
Fan Experiences: Eurovision and Me
Vladimir Aptovtsev, Moscow, Russia
Eurovision – is a fascinating and exciting adventure, which can also be compared to never ending TV series. But watching this series only on TV is not really right thing. That’s why last year I’ve decided to join Eurovision fan club. I think that Eurovision fellowship should be more varied and vivid. I love many Eurovision hits, they have permanently settled in my playlist. My favourite hits of the contest are Save Your Kisses for Me, Tu te reconnaîtras, Satellite, Euphoria.
I have a great deal of respect for passionate fans of the competition, with whom I’m pleased to communicate on the social networks. I’m very excited of the possibility to witness Eurovision first time with my own eyes.
Alexei Zavalov, Moscow, Russia
I did my little story in Russian and then I was helped to translate it into English. I’m active Eurovision fan from the year of 2005, when I’ve joined leading Russian fan community Euroforum in which was centered the discussion of the contest. Then I have also joined various Eurovision related groups in VK.com social network.
Since then my interests are centered around history of Eurovision, I guess, I’m among very few Russian fans, who is interested in the history of the show. I’m also following closely the stories of commercial success of Eurovision songs on the market. I hope this year there will be a big special show devoted to the history of 60 years of Eurovision, similar to what was done in 2005. I think this would be the wonderful chance to reintroduce history of the competition to the new young generation of fans. I’ve heard there are several options for the countries to host such a show and I hope it takes place in Germany and is hosted by wonderful Helene Fischer. I’m sure this will be top of the rankings show.
I’m very interested also in the Eurovision cover versions and I’m amused that so much cover versions are being released in South Africa with the assistance of OGAE Rest of the World. Unfortunately, there is a certain lack of the information on the internet about such cover versions, and I hope that new website esccovers.com will be able to fill that gap. In general I hope someone works in future on a more detailed book on history of the Eurovision, I’ve read some translated into Russian, but very unfortunately they came with loads of mistakes.
It was always my dream to attend Eurovision shows live, and finally the opportunity came because of Vienna. We have a friend living there who will be able to search for us cheaper accommodation somewhere around. I’ve heard there are quite a lot of people from Germany, Spain, The Netherlands coming to Eurovision as fans of the contest. For us that can be our first journey of such a kind, and I am looking forward to meet other fans from other countries and OGAE RoW is a great way of meeting Eurovision fans from countries new to me, being outside of Europe.