In a statement quoted by MK, Leontiev reflected on the festival’s deep roots, saying:
“I clearly remember the 1980s when the festival was still called ‘Jurmala.’ Back then, every artist and music lover dreamed of being part of it. Today, New Wave has a new geography, and Kazan — an ancient Russian city with a rich, complex history — is a very fitting place. I feel honored to perform there.”

Though the venue has changed, Leontiev noted that the core mission of the festival remains the same: to spotlight new voices and give audiences the chance to reconnect with beloved performers.

For fans who’ve been waiting, this is big news. Leontiev had officially stepped back from touring in 2019, following a string of sold-out anniversary concerts in Moscow’s Kremlin and St. Petersburg, celebrating his 70th birthday. After that, he stayed out of the spotlight for a while — until November 2024, when he quietly returned to the stage for Igor Krutoy’s jubilee evenings.

His reappearance marks a nostalgic and emotional moment not just for Leontiev himself, but for an entire generation of fans who grew up with his music.