The song "Red on Black", written by Kinchev in 1987 and included in the album "Block of Hell", is performed at every concert of a rock band. This is not just a good song with a good turn of words and meaning. Kinchev wrote it easily, without tension and strained thoughts, putting his passion, his vision of the world, his soul into it.
On the one hand, this song "Alice" to the end can only be understood by someone who has survived the gloomy malleable 80s, when any difference from the gray society was perceived as a thorn in the eye.
On the other hand, the author’s internal state, transmitting the youth’s protest against the narrow framework, is close to very, very many.
According to Konstantin Kinchev himself, a song is a rough diamond, on which everyone will draw his own face.
Black and red "Army Alice"
Kinchev became the vocalist of "Alice" in 1984, bringing his frenzied energy to the group. Two bright creative personalities - the founder of the group Slava Zaderiy and the new star Kostya Kinchev - could not work together for a long time. Zaderi leaves and creates another successful project, and Kinchev becomes the new leader, determining the direction of the group. Red on black is the color of Kinchev himself. In his opinion, there is so little white color on earth that it cannot be taken as a basis. Its stage appearance symbolizes death, and rebirth, and a cleansing fire.
These colors were also chosen by fans who called themselves “Army Alice”. “Red on Black”, the text and music of which can raise to the barricades, has become their anthem along with the song “Together”.
The idea of uniting fans into the Army Alice fan club was voiced by Kinchev in the media in 1991. After the release of the Sabbath album, which again included the song Red on Black, thousands of fans across the country came together. They helped with the organization of performances, distributed souvenirs, received the right to free concerts.
To each his own
So what is this song about that made the hearts of an entire generation beat faster? Those who are familiar with Vysotsky’s work will hear words similar to the lines of the song “Save Our Souls”. Those who wanted to change something, but could not, will hear "if the song is not destined to finish, then at least have time to add."
“Red on black” is discussed on Orthodox sites, sharing their thoughts on the fact that the song says how the blood of Christ continues to pour for our sins. They argue whether the song is demonic, or the appeal to God is hidden behind the external "devilish" paraphernalia. And that song is about the inner struggle of good and evil in the soul of man.
A seasoned criminal will decide that this is about him. That black is the color of the thieves' caste, and red is the color of those who inform them.
Young rebels will hear how hard it is to take their place in life and how to fight for themselves and learn to defend their opinions. Someone just likes the rhythm ...
The first fans settled down and matured long ago, new ones replaced them. But without this song it is already impossible to imagine the group "Alice". "Red on Black" is not a song that is easy to forget. And someone will hear: "like a prologue - all the same death," and someone: "and an epilogue - love." You decide.