Messer Chups

Paradoxically, Oleg Gitarkin felt confined from the start within the band he himself founded and led for 10 years, Knife for Frau Müller. In 1998, he created Messer Chups as an alternative. The first material, recorded with Slava Amigo, initially circulated only among close friends but generated interest. In spring 1998, Hamburg promoter Anette Schneider came to St. Petersburg seeking to meet the musicians of Knife for Frau Müller, whose tracks she had heard in Hamburg clubs. She met Gitarkin. September 1998, Hamburg—Anetta Schneider joined Messer Chups, with the name varying between Russian and German versions. Oleg returned to St. Petersburg. Using voice letters from Anette as samples, he created material forming the debut album "Monster and Monster." In 1999, Gitarkin invited Igor Vdovin, former Leningrad band vocalist, as keyboardist; together they recorded compositions that became the core of "Miss Libido 2000." In summer 2000, Gitarkin recorded "Bride of the Atom," featuring pianist Margarita Lebedkina on several tracks, with guest musicians.