Līvi

Līvi is a Latvian rock group from Liepāja, founded in 1976 by Ēriks Ķiģelis and Juris Pavītols. It begins as a pop rock band and later moves towards a heavier hard rock sound with Western influences. The group’s music is characterised by guitar-led arrangements and lyrics written by some of Latvia’s best-known poets, which becomes a defining feature of its work.

History

The band goes through many lineup changes over the years. Ēriks Ķiģelis dies in 1985, after which Ainars Virga becomes central to Līvi’s creative direction. Jānis Grodums later dies in 2010, and the group officially disbands that same year. It reforms in 2013 for an in memoriam concert for Grodums, and remains active.

Releases and activity

Līvi releases eight studio albums and two live recordings. Over the years, its membership includes Valdis Skujiņš, Juris Pavītols, Ingrīda Pavītola, Raimonds Gabaliņš, Tālis Marhilēvičs, Ēriks Ķiģelis, Andris Krūziņš, Jānis Grodums, Regīna Sieka, Modris Šterns, Laimis Rācenājs, Igo, Vilnis Krieviņš, Juris Jakovļevs, Tālis Pusbartnieks, Aivars Brīze, Valdis Štarks, Elmārs Cielavs, Ainars Virga, Guntars Mucenieks, Dainis Virga, Tomass Kleins, Māris Zīlmanis, Edijs Šnipke, Henny, Egils Zakovics, Ēriks Budēvics, Aivars Hermanis, Ritvars Knesis, Juris Ledājs, Egils Mežs and Viktors Zakovics.