Singer Iosif Kobzon is to retire right after his next tour. “This year I’m 75… I decided to finish my singing career during the concert tour devoted to my 60th birthday. But as you see I postponed the decision. Now I have a firm intention to make a full stop. I feel less strength and interest of the audience,” Kobzon said.
On September 11th, on his birthday, Kobzon will perform in the Kremlin Palace, “I sympathize with the US about the tragedy 9/11, but long ago I made the decision to celebrate my birthdays on stage. It is not a birthday for me, but a thanks-giving day actually. On 11th September 2001 I had to inform the audience and held a moment of silence in memory of victims of the tragedy, then I said a prayer.”
The singer plans to carry out anniversary concerts in Ukraine. “Ukraine is my birthplace. I’m very proud that in the center of Donetsk there is a sculpture of me made by Rukavishnikov. When the war started, I was in Lvov. I celebrated the victory in Kramatorsk in Donbas. My native language is Ukrainian.”
Kobzon has plans to visit St.-Petersburg and Krasnodar. “There is the artistic union Premier, headed by Leonard Gatov for many years. We founded this union together. More than 2000 people are members of it.”
Kobzon is going to sing in Israel as well. “I’ve spent many years in this country. Now I’m a Russian citizen. I’m not the bravest person, but I try to be a leader. I have 7 grandchildren, I think when they grow up they won’t be ashamed of their grandfather. I have sung all the songs I’ve wanted. There is no place on the map of the former Soviet Union that I haven’t been.”
