I love rock and roll…so put another dime in that jukebox, baby. Something about that seems familiar, but I can’t quite place it… 

I don’t know about most people, but I personally love music and truly do love rock and roll. It is one of my favorite genres. Music just transports you to a different place, and there is nothing quite like a jam session to some rock music, especially when you’ve had a really hard day and need to let go and regain some energy. That is exactly what a particular Ukrainian celebrity did. 

In case you have forgotten, let this be a little reminder to you that Russia and Ukraine are still currently at war. It’s a horrific thing, and I think a lot of people have stopped talking about it because there has been so much craziness happening in the world. But, let me give you an interesting tidbit on something I recently found. Serhiy Zhadan, a poet and rockstar from Ukraine, joined in on the fight back in 2022 by raising support for Ukraine. 

“When reports first reached Zhadan about Russia’s invasion, he was on a train heading west from Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, for a concert,” said Amanda Coakley, a writer for Time Magazine. “Zhadan and his six bandmates turned back; they wouldn’t abandon the city in its hour of need.” 

Zhadan’s dedication and love for his country is honorable. It’s admirable that he and his bandmates would give up one of their concerts to turn back and fight for their country in a time of need. I mean, that is a really great thing for him to do, especially since Ukraine is obviously going through a really hard time. They could use all the help they can get. 

Zhadan has written over a dozen poetry books and seven novels and is the lead singer in his band Zhadan i Sobaky which translates to “Zhadan and his dogs.” More recently, Zhadan and his bandmates have rolled up the sleeves of their leather jackets to help with volunteer efforts for the war. They have performed concerts for people sheltering from Russian bombs in the city of Kharkiv’s metro. Zhadan spent lots of his time in the city organizing cultural events and fundraisers for Ukraine’s war effort. 

According to Aliide Naylor, a writer for The Times, “The Ukrainian poet and musician Serhiy Zhadan is set to join the ranks of the Ukrainian National Guard’s 13th Brigade, Khartia, and even plans to create a military radio station.”

I think it is very interesting that this group of men who are quite popular in Ukraine are out there risking their lives to make even a small impact of good for their people. Unfortunately, fans of theirs have not been all too happy that they are doing this, but Zhadan believes that it is his duty as a Ukrainian citizen to help. People have even said it is “heartbreaking” that he would do this because it is so dangerous, but he feels it is his responsibility to help his people. 

It is truly a really amazing thing that Zhadan is doing. He has provided a lot of help to refugees and war efforts. It may seem odd to musicians or others to take part in something so dangerous, but not to this guy. He is all in for his country. 

It is incredible how his efforts can help lift spirits, not just among soldiers but for the people in Ukraine and others affected by this war. Music is an amazing tool for boosting morale and promoting enthusiasm and loyalty. 

“Music is a crucial element of everyday life and plays a central role in all human cultures: it is omnipresent and is listened to and played by persons of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds,” said Lavinia Rebecchini, a writer for the National Library of Medicine. “But music is not simply entertainment: scientific research has shown that it can influence physiological processes that enhance physical and mental wellbeing.” 

Music brings people together. Zhadan’s efforts in helping to acquire supplies or get protection for the people of Ukraine are not the only thing his music is doing. It can also brighten the harshness of war and help people see that there is good in the world, especially with his radio station underway. It’s going to help a lot of people. So, please don’t stop the music.