Автограф, a Soviet and Russian rock band, was founded in Moscow on May 4, 1979 by Alexander "Sasha" Sitkovetsky. The group gained prominence at the state-sanctioned rock festival in Tbilisi, Georgia and with songs like "Fasten Seat Belts" and "Ireland. Ulster". In 1982, vocalist Arthur Berkut joined after former vocalist Brutyan was forced to pursue academic studies. Автограф became known for their instrumental-based sound and less symbolist lyrics, pioneering progressive rock in Russia. They achieved commercial success in the West, touring over 30 countries and performing at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, reaching an audience of more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. The band signed with Herb Cohen in Los Angeles in 1989, which released their album Tear Down the Borders on Rhino Records in 1991. Автограф disbanded in 1990 but reunited for a major tour and anniversary concert at Moscow Olympic Stadium in 2005. The band also held reunion shows in 2012, 2018, and 2021.
