Where did Potekhin go? What happened to Alexey Potekhin from the group “Hands Up!” Video: exclusive interview with Potekhin

At the end of the 1990s. “Hands Up” have become one of the most successful and popular pop groups. Bye music critics branded simple songs and accused their performers of vulgarity and lack of taste, Sergei Zhukov and Alexey Potekhin filled stadiums and forced tens of thousands of fans to dance.

In 2006, the group broke up, but Sergei Zhukov still performs solo, using the same group name. “Hands Up” no longer has its former popularity, but at concerts there are still a lot of young people dancing to the well-known hits “Student”, “My Baby”, “And He Kisses You”, “Alien Lips”, etc.




Group *Hands up*


The leaders and founders of the group, Sergei Zhukov and Alexey Potekhin, met in 1993, when both worked at the Europe Plus radio station. Samara". They decided to create their own musical group, and a year later “Uncle Ray and Company” was the most popular group in Samara and Tolyatti. But this scale quickly ceased to satisfy their needs, and in 1995 they moved to Moscow. Sergei Zhukov in interviews always calls this year the beginning of his musical career, since it was then that they began serious work to promote their songs.




Group *Hands up*
At first, nothing worked - without the support of the producer it was impossible to attract attention in the capital, and only rich women “over 50” were called to help them for certain services. They found another way: on pirated music cassettes famous performers they wrote three of their songs at the end. Soon, hits began to sound from all the stalls in the markets, which were remembered from the first note. One day producer Andrei Malikov heard them and offered Zhukov and Potekhin cooperation. Since then, a rapid rise in their musical career. The group received the name “Hands Up” and released the first songs “Kid” and “Student”, which very quickly became mega-hits.

Founders and leaders of the group *Hands up*


Sergey Zhukov


Founders and leaders of the group *Hands up*
Since 1997, the group has been actively touring the country and then abroad, performing at festivals dance music. Thanks to a huge number albums sold the following year, “Hands Up” became multiple winners of silver, gold and one platinum disc. In 1999, the group became a laureate of the annual award of the Russian recording industry in several categories: “Russian radio hit”, “Album of the year”, the “Golden Gramophone” award and “ Best Song about love."

Sergey Zhukov and Alexey Potekhin


Sergey Zhukov
However for a long time Zhukov and Potekhin received nothing but public recognition and love letters from the girls. They lived in a rented apartment and dressed at the market. The producer took most of the profits. Then Zhukov and Potekhin decided to go on an independent voyage. They terminated their contract and became an independent group. There were so many people at their concerts that people often tore down barriers and injured each other in the crush. Popularity turned out to be a different side for them: obsessed fans sent them poisoned food and letters written in blood, several girls committed suicide, demolished chairs and stands at concerts, and trampled on each other. Artists could not appear on the streets; they had to often change phone numbers and hide from persecution by fans. In order to get out unharmed after the concert, they often had to change into riot police uniforms and run out with them wearing helmets and masks.

Group *Hands up*


Alexey Potekhin


Alexey Potekhin and Sergey Zhukov
By 2001, the band members were tired of the frantic schedule of concerts, and from the harassment of fans, and from each other. In the early 2000s, their popularity began to decline, although albums continued to be released with enviable regularity. The producers had a certain strategy, which remained quite effective for some time: “Within the “Hands Up” group, the clear implementation of a certain super task was required. Every May, when school ended, we had to release an album so that people would take it with them on vacation - to the south, to the country. It was dance music that set the mood for summer. And I admit, we were experienced psychologists, we specifically thought about what topic to write the lyrics on so that the song would become popular.”

Concert in Moscow, October 2011
In 2005, the 13th album “Hands Up” was released. In the same year, the group broke up, but Sergei Zhukov continued to record solo songs, released the album “In Search of Tenderness” and shot several videos. Alexey Potekhin took up producing, and Sergey Zhukov still packs houses in the wake of the popularity of music of the 1990s.

Ex-soloist of “Hands Up!”

Alexey Potekhin – former member group "Hands Up!" – has not appeared on TV screens for a long time. He does not go to social events and does not receive awards at music awards. While his ex best friend and group partner Sergei Zhukov, after the collapse of the group, continues to maintain his position in show business. Correspondents for the site tracked down Potekhin and found out what the singer was doing now.

"All the girls were ours"

“Yes, I left show business for some time,” Alexey confirmed our speculations. “But I didn’t stop making music.” Recently I wrote a song for “Buranovskie Babushki”. It will be timed to coincide with the FIFA World Cup.

Immediately after the collapse of the group “Hands Up!” in 2006, Alexey Potekhin, together with his friend Vladimir Luchnikov, created a project called “Raise Your Hands Up.”

– We are often invited to go on tour. But we don’t travel to large cities, but most often to villages,” admits Potekhin. – Sergei Zhukov will not go there, for example. Like most of the people you see on TV. All they know is to walk on red carpets, wear masks, dance on skates and receive various awards in the form of plates, which are of little use.

Alexey Potekhin complained to our correspondents that during the enormous popularity of the group “Hands Up!” he earned practically nothing.

“Back then Seryoga and I were simply doing what we really loved to do, music was everything to us,” the artist says nostalgically. “And many people envied us: we came to any city and all the girls were ours.” The most interesting thing is that of all the two hundred and thirty songs that we wrote, everyone was only interested in the simplest ones. “La-la-la-la, I sing all day long” - we became famous with such songs. Every girl in the country had “Hands Up!” cassettes. But this did not affect our financial situation in any way. Our producers fucked everything. They had apartments, cars, wives. We have nothing. If you ask how much Andrei Cherkasov, who managed us, and the ARS Records company earned for us, I will answer you: one hundred and forty million rubles. Be sure to write about it!

Group "Hands Up!" / Global Look Press

“You’re unlikely to get through to him. He's a VIP"

On the sidelines after the collapse of the group “Hands Up!” there were many rumors about the difficult relationship between Alexei Potekhin and Sergei Zhukov. They said that former friends They don’t even greet each other when they meet randomly. But in 2016, at a concert dedicated to the group’s twentieth anniversary, Potekhin and Zhukov reunited on stage again. However, during a conversation with our correspondents, Alexey made it clear that he does not communicate with Sergei.

- Everyone asks me why I left “Hands Up!” I’ll answer you: because we have all become adults,” says the singer. – But Sergei didn’t think so, he was comfortable. He is comfortable now. He always wanted fame, but I didn't. Are we communicating? Ask him that. Although you are unlikely to get through to him. He's a VIP.

Despite the cheerfulness at the beginning of the interview, at the end of the conversation Potekhin still admitted that he did not entertain himself with vain illusions. The musician understands that the time of former popularity cannot be returned. There are, of course, loyal fans of whom Alexey is very proud, but there are not many of them left.

– Our fans already have several children. One day one of them said to me: “Lyokha, look at my children! It's all yours - everything love stories in my life we ​​passed to your songs! Thank you!" - Alexey boasts. – Well, in general, to be honest, I’m very surprised that you wanted to interview me. I haven't been popular for a long time. I'm surfing the Internet and there's silence there. Nobody writes. Although I am ready to answer everyone!

Before becoming a musician of the popular group “Hands Up!”, Alexey Potekhin worked at the Samara radio station “Europe Plus”, where he had humorous program. Their union with fellow DJ Sergei Zhukov in 1991 was the beginning of a long collaboration in a new musical group. Their first song, “Baby,” immediately fell in love with the youth audience and became the key to more than ten years of successful creativity. The duet received many prizes in various categories of Russian competitions and five Golden Gramophone statuettes. Songs of the group “Hands Up!” four times became laureates of the “Song of the Year” award. In 2006, this group broke up and each of the singers went their own way. Alexey became the founder of the new project “TRACK&Blues”, promotes young talents and goes on tour as a performer of songs from the old repertoire. Alexei Potekhin's wife has nothing to do with the stage

Potekhin married twice in his life and his first marriage was directly related to the “Hands Up!” group. At the very peak of their popularity, two singers: Zhukov and Potekhin, were so busy with their creative career that their personal life did not have any development: due to the lack of wives or more or less permanent girlfriends, they even began to be suspected of having a penchant for unconventional love interests. The young guys simply did not immediately cope with the all-Russian success and adoration that fell on their heads, therefore, they devoted themselves entirely to the stage. Then the state of affairs changed: having strengthened themselves in their glory and got used to it, they became simpler and more reasonable: life went on. Zhukov was the first to get married in 2000, and in 2002 his stage partner decided to join the army of “married men.” Moreover, he had no need to go far: Alexey was dating a girl from the group’s backup dancer, Irina Tomilova.

Irina danced and “sang along” to the duet to the soundtrack, creating a decorative background during the performance, and completely satisfied the audience. In April 2002, she and Alexei got married, but this information was hidden among the audience: only initiates and those who found information knew about the wives of the main performers: fans should not be disappointed. This marriage lasted two years and there is no exact information about why it broke up. They said that Irina was expecting a child, then rumors appeared that it could not be saved. Potekhin himself admitted in an interview that he and his wife continue to communicate, but do not live together, and any girl who can make him a father can become a candidate for the role of his wife. However, information that his ex-wife is now married and has a child refutes the version of Irina’s infertility.

In addition to the gossip, there was also a message in Express Newspaper that, having heard about the construction of a luxurious mansion in a reserved resort town on the Curonian Spit near Kaliningrad, allegedly started by Alexei Potekhin, meticulous journalists asked him for details. Alexey suggested that this building may mean “Ira’s dad” - ex-wife, living in Kaliningrad. A person, presumably, not poor and influential enough to afford such a luxury. Potekhin himself, according to him, does not have that kind of money. In light of these circumstances, Alexei’s divorce from Irina could have other reasons.

In 2009, Potekhin married a second time, and in March 2010 his daughter was born. New wife Alexey’s name is Elena and, according to her husband, she worked in the “field of veterinary medicine.” The lovers dated for two years before they decided to get married, and are absolutely happy that they have a child. For the sake of her daughter, Elena parted with her work, devoting all her attention to her. The girl was named Masha and Potekhina is very pleased with the sound of her name, her middle name is Maria Alekseevna. During the birth, the musician was in Moscow and himself took his wife to the Family Planning Center.

He often has to leave for concerts in the Russian outback and this is due to Zhukov’s ownership of the repertoire of their former duet. Even the name of Alexey’s team is now “Raise your hands up!”, and the stage venues are much more modest than before. But Alexei Potekhin’s wife can be calm: her husband will be able to provide a decent existence for her and her baby, because he works for the good of his family.

Alexey was born on April 15, 1972 in Novokuibyshevsk ( Samara region). In the Potekhin family it was customary to constantly listen to music. Moreover, the boy’s mother was fond of symphonic music, and his father was into pop music. The older brother instilled in Alyosha a love of foreign music.

As a child, the boy had a cocky character. His parents decided to enroll him in the basketball section and art school. After 11th grade, Potekhin left for Samara, where he entered the river technical school. Alyosha remembers the period of study at this institution with warmth. There were teachers who, even at their advanced age, loved to joke just like the young ones.

Potekhin liked to follow the latest hits. At first he just listened to songs, and then he bought a guitar and began to try to compose himself. The young man even got a job as a DJ at discos.

After graduating from technical school in 1911, Potekhin (not without the influence of his mother) again became a student, now at Samara State Technical University. In 1996, he received a diploma in the specialty “systems engineer”.

In Samara, Alexey worked at the radio station “Europe-plus” as the host of the program “Poteshki from Potekhin”. Having moved to Togliatti, together with Sergei Zhukov he founded the group “Uncle Ray and Company”. This was the beginning of a stellar future called “Hands Up!” But at that time the project was not profitable. To stabilize their financial condition, the duo organized several discos in Tbilisi.

Arriving in Moscow, Alexey and Sergey got a job at the Pabian Records recording studio. They created arrangements for other groups for the opportunity to record their own songs. It was during this period that the duo renamed themselves “Hands Up!”

The music business took off after attracting a professional producer. After the release of their first album, “Breathe Evenly,” the group gained overwhelming popularity. The musicians began touring throughout Russia and abroad. During the existence of the group, an impressive number of songs were written and many concerts were held. The duo received many awards.

After the breakup of the group in 2006, Potekhin began producing young talents (Superboys, J Well, etc.). Over the course of two years, 3 collections of dance music Potexinstyle were released. They combined young performers and hits famous bands(Turbo mode, Demo, etc.).

Currently, Alexey Potekhin is working on his project TREC&blues. The manager and organizer of the performances is his brother Andrey Potekhin, a former member of such groups as Boys, Turbomoda, Revolvers.

Personal life of Potekhin

Alexey was married twice. His first wife was Irina Tolmilova, whom he met as part of the “Hands Up!” group. The girl was their backup dancer. For two years after the legalization of the relationship, the married couple unsuccessfully attempted to have a child. Before the final separation, the couple decided to live separately for a while. However, the “pause” taken could not save the marriage, and the young people divorced.

In September 2009, Potekhin married again. His chosen one this time was the girl Elena, who has nothing to do with show business. Before meeting Alexey, she worked as a veterinarian. In March 2010, Potekhin became a happy dad. His wife gave birth to his daughter Maria. Elena left work for the sake of the baby. Nevertheless, she does not sit idle. The young mother works part-time as a makeup artist and periodically takes part in professional photo shoots.

Alexey Evgenievich Potekhin (b. April 15, 1972 (38 years old) Novokuybyshevsk (Samara region) - Russian musician, producer. Member of the group “Hands Up!” (the group officially disbanded in 2006).

Biography

Alexey was born into a very musical family: a tape recorder was constantly playing at home and they listened to records. Mom liked it better symphonic music, and for dad - pop music. His older brother carried him away foreign music. The boy had a lively and cocky character, but his parents insisted that he study art school and basketball section.

After graduating from school, Alexey went to study in the regional center, Samara. He entered the river technical school, and now he remembers this time with warmth:

There were other teachers there who, despite their venerable age, joked around like young people. This period in my life was the best because I made great friends.

At home, fresh hits were regularly played, and Alexey began to perceive music with interest, at first he simply listened, and then bought a guitar and began composing himself, even managing to work part-time as a DJ at a disco. His tastes included* Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Foreigner, The Cult, Metallica* and others in the same spirit. He is still a fan of creativity Jimmy Page And Hendrix.

After graduating from technical school in 1991, he entered the Samara State Technical University - as Alexey himself recalls,

“Mom influenced.”

He graduated from it in 1996 with a specialty* in systems engineering.*

Worked at a radio station "Europe-plus" in Samara, hosted the program "Rhymes from Potekhin". Created a group in Tolyatti "Uncle Ray and Company" together with Sergei Zhukov. This was the beginning of a great future called "Hands up!". But so far these were only hopes that could not even bring income. To earn some money, the duo held a series of discos in Tbilisi.

Then they returned to Moscow and began working at a recording studio "Baboon Records", creating arrangements for other groups for the right to simultaneously record songs for their own. By that time, a new name had been chosen - "Hands up!".

With the involvement of a professional producer, the music business began to develop. The group became incredibly popular after the release of their first album. "Breathe evenly", and the musicians began touring around the country and abroad. Since then, countless concerts have been held and many songs have been written. "Hands" many awards were awarded. After the closure of “Ruk” in 2006, Alexey has been producing young performers such as Superboys, J Well(ex-member of the group Discomafia).

During the period 2006/2008, 3 collections of dance music Potexinstyle were released, combining many young performers and hits famous groups, such as Na at the moment Alexey is working on his new project TRACK&blues, to which he invited ex-vocalist Gr. Turbomod (Vladimir Luchnikov) and ex-member of the Svoi group Ruslan Achkinadze. In 2007 Alessandro Materazzo, a member of the TV show DOM-2, with whom the group toured in the summer of 2008 in the south of Russia and abroad, was invited to the TRACK&blues group.

Alexey has a hobby:

Alexey has an older brother Andrey, a former member of the gr. T*urbomoda, Boys, Revolvers.* Today Andrey is the manager and organizer of performances of Alexey’s new project TRACK&blues.