The Pet Shop Boys will headline the Berlin tribute concert ‘This Is Navalny’ on June 28, honoring the legacy of Alexei Navalny and supporting Russian political prisoners through music and activism.
On June 28, iconic British duo Pet Shop Boys will take the stage in Berlin for ‘This Is Navalny’, a powerful tribute event celebrating the life and legacy of Alexei Navalny, the late Russian opposition leader. Held at the Uber Eats Music Hall, the evening promises to unite music, politics, and activism in support of freedom in Russia.
The event—organized amid continued repression of dissent inside Russia—will raise funds for the You Are Not Alone Foundation, which provides aid to political prisoners and their families. It is set to be both a musical celebration and a political statement, drawing international attention to Navalny’s legacy.
A Global Call for Freedom
The memorial will feature a 40-minute set from Pet Shop Boys, known for their sharp political commentary and deep-rooted support of human rights. In a statement, the duo praised Navalny’s vision of a “peaceful and democratic Russia”, calling him a heroic voice against tyranny.
Alongside the British synth-pop pioneers, the lineup includes notable Russian musicians such as Aigel, Grechka, and a host of classical performers. This diverse musical roster reflects a cross-cultural solidarity movement built around the shared ideals of truth, freedom, and resistance.
Beyond the Music: A Cultural Tribute
‘This Is Navalny’ isn’t just a concert—it’s a multi-dimensional tribute to one of the most significant political figures of our time. The program includes a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary “Navalny”, which chronicled the activist’s life and the Kremlin’s attempts to silence him.
There will also be a book signing, exhibitions, and a live interview with Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow and the current head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation. Navalnaya has stepped into the spotlight following her husband’s death, continuing his work to expose state abuses and galvanize opposition within and beyond Russia’s borders.
Music as Political Resistance
As authoritarian regimes continue to target dissenters, this event represents the enduring power of music in resistance movements. Berlin—a city long associated with political transformation—provides a symbolic backdrop for this moment of international unity.
By participating in the concert, Pet Shop Boys reaffirm music’s role not just as entertainment, but as a tool for truth-telling and social change. Their involvement also amplifies Navalny’s message to a global audience, especially to younger generations who engage with political struggles through art and digital culture.
Support for Russian Political Prisoners
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the You Are Not Alone Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting imprisoned dissidents and their families. As Russia continues its internal crackdown on civil society, such support is more vital than ever.
In bringing together artists, activists, and audiences, ‘This Is Navalny’ does more than honor a man—it uplifts a movement that refuses to be silenced.
Final Thoughts: A Concert That Echoes Far Beyond Berlin
While concerts and cultural events come and go, ‘This Is Navalny’ is different. It’s a rallying cry—a chance to reflect, resist, and recommit to the fight for freedom and human dignity.
For fans of the Pet Shop Boys, it’s an opportunity to witness their music take on profound political urgency. For the world, it’s a reminder: music can speak when others are silenced.
Comments are closed.