Rock concert in Riga: Nervy

I was thrilled to discover that one of my favorite Russian-speaking bands, Нервы/Nervy, was performing in Riga during my last weekend in the city.

The Band

Nervy is a Ukrainian alternative rock band, formed in 2010 by frontman Evgeniy Milkovskiy (or simply Zhenya as he’s known to fans). Known for their raw energy and emotionally charged performances, they have cultivated a dedicated following across Russian-speaking countries and beyond.

Over the years, the band has seen several lineup changes, with Evgeniy Milkovskiy remaining the only constant member. Currently, Nervy is made up of Evgeniy Milkovskiy, Roman Bulakhov, Aleksey Bochkarëv, and Dmitriy Klochkov.

The band has songs in Ukrainian — their first one, written by Milkovskiy in May 2022 — and actively supports Ukraine, donating a percentage of their profits to the cause.

I first discovered Nervy through friends in 2017, and after hearing their hit song “Самый дорогой человек” (“The Most Precious Person”), I instantly fell in love with their music.

Music is an excellent way to immerse yourself in a foreign language and learn it, and I also have to thank Nervy for helping me expand my vocabulary.

From left to right: Evgeniy (Zhenya) Milkovskiy and Dmitriy (Dima) Klochkov

The Concert

This was my second time attending one of their concerts, the first being last year in Tallinn, but nevertheless, it was an amazing experience that left me overflowing with emotions.

I bought early entry tickets because I wanted to enjoy a great view, and I ended up right in the front row.

My flatmate Lawrence joined me and supported me throughout this adventure. I was really happy to introduce him to their music and share such an unforgettable experience with him.

Before entering the club, Zhenya stopped by to take some pictures with the fans. It was a good start to an amazing evening.

The concert started at 8 PM and wrapped up around 10:15 PM, with an electrifying energy that lasted from start to finish.

Nervy poured their heart and soul into every song, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Throughout the night, they frequently interacted with the crowd, exchanging gifts, laughs, and moments of connection, making the experience feel personal and deeply engaging.

I even managed to get one of Zhenya’s guitar picks myself, which made the night feel even more special.

Nervy’s guitar pick

Songs

If you’re looking to dive into Nervy’s music, here are a few of their most popular tracks to get you started:

• Кофе мой друг
• Самый дорогой человек
• Батареи
• Вороны
• Нервы
• Слишком влюблён