Vladimir Kuzmin, the iconic “last romantic” of Soviet and Russian rock, remains creatively vibrant as he celebrates his 70th birthday. Despite reaching his eighth decade, Kuzmin maintains a rigorous schedule, performing 10 to 15 concerts monthly and dedicating hours daily to honing his musical skills.

Kuzmin’s enduring popularity is intertwined with his timeless hits, including “Call Me in the Middle of the Night,” “My Love,” and “Two Stars.” The creation of “Two Stars,” a legendary duet with Alla Pugacheva, holds a particularly intriguing backstory.

The song’s origins trace back to 1985 when Mikhail Sadchikov Sr., a journalist for the Smena newspaper, recognized both Alla Pugacheva and Vladimir Kuzmin as the “stars of the year.” Inspired by this recognition, Igor Nikolaev penned the hit song “Two Stars, Two Bright Stories,” forever linking Pugacheva and Kuzmin in musical history.

Mikhail Sadchikov’s son confirmed the artist’s recollection during an interview with Vladimir Kuzmin in 2019. The song’s legacy continues to resonate, solidifying Kuzmin’s status as a rock icon.