Alexander Bashlachev joined the 27 club on February 17, 1988. The cause of death is recorded as: Fall from a height, probable suicide
Alexander Nikolaevich Bashlachev (born May 27, 1960, in Cherepovets, Soviet Union; died February 17, 1988, in Leningrad) was a renowned Soviet poet, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, who significantly influenced Russian rock music. His life story is marked by artistic expression, perseverance, and tragedy.
Bashlachev's formative years were spent in Cherepovets, where he graduated from high school in 1977 and later worked at the city's Metallurgical Plant with his father. Seeking a change, Bashlachev enrolled at Ural State University in Yekaterinburg as a journalism major in 1978. However, he left before graduating to return to Cherepovets and work for the local newspaper.
In the early 1980s, Bashlachev's musical journey began when he penned his first song, "Griboyedov Waltz." Inspired by the rock scene, Bashlachev traveled to Leningrad in 1984 to attend the Leningrad Rock Festival and buy an acoustic guitar. His talent was soon discovered, leading him to perform for small audiences at home gatherings, a common practice to bypass censorship. In December 1984, Bashlachev moved to Leningrad, where he joined the Leningrad Rock Club and gained notoriety as a member of the underground rock scene.
Bashlachev's music career was marked by several notable performances and recordings. He played at the Leningrad Rock Festival in March 1985 and received the Nadezhda (Hope) prize in June 1987. Bashlachev's discography includes albums like "Time of Bells" (recorded in January 1986), "Everything Will Be Fine," "Third Capital," "Taganka," and "Eternal Fasting." These recordings showcase his poetic lyrics, raw emotions, and melodic guitar playing.
Tragically, Bashlachev's life ended on February 17, 1988, when he died by suicide from the ninth floor of an apartment in Leningrad. His legacy continues to inspire Russian rock music and poetry. His songs have been covered by various artists, and his influence is evident in the works of contemporary musicians. Bashlachev's life story serves as a reminder of the human capacity for artistic expression and the struggles that often accompany it.
Bashlachev's personal life was also marked by tragedy; he was predeceased by his infant son, Ivan. His surviving son, Yegor, was born to his girlfriend Anastasia Rakhlina a few months after Bashlachev's death. Sadly, Yegor also took his own life in 2021. The passing of both father and son leaves an indelible mark on their family and the Russian artistic community.
Bashlachev's contributions to poetry, music, and songwriting have left a lasting impression on Russian culture. His raw emotions, poetic lyrics, and melodic guitar playing continue to inspire new generations of artists, cementing his place in Russian rock history.