In a captivating event at Liepaja’s “Lielais Dzintars” concert hall, the “bet bet” band’s concert was followed by the unveiling of Guntar Račas’ debut prose book, the autobiographical memoir “Crazy.” The evening was graced by several key figures from the book,including Ainars Virga,guitarist and leader of the group “Līvi” and Guntar’s childhood friend,and Ivo Fomins,another friend from his youth and co-author of many current songs,as reported by “MicRec.”
The memoir chronicles the formative years of a young musician and poet, as he navigated the challenges of the Soviet era. Guntar shares, “This book spans from 1982 to 1988, a period of intense personal growth. It details the birth of my musical journey, working alongside Igo, Ainars Virga, Tomas Kleins, Siegfried Muktupävela, Ivo Fomin, Jānis Lusenas, Uldi Marhilevičas, Modri stern, Aivars Brīzis, Kaspars Dimiters, Ainars Mielavas, and other musicians who are integral to the narrative. It also covers my first forays into poetry, guided by the wisdom of Imanta Ziedonis, and my immersion in Riga’s vibrant artistic scene.”
Amidst this creative awakening, Guntar faced the harsh realities of the occupation regime in Latvia. He recounts, “The regime relentlessly tried to conscript me into the Soviet army, but I was resolute to resist. It demanded courage and ingenuity to make bold decisions.I endured hospitalizations for fabricated ailments, including stays in psychoneurological treatment facilities. I battled the Liepaja war commissar, seemingly losing the fight, only to find myself serving near Moscow’s second air defense circle. Eventually, I ended up in one of the USSR’s main psycho-neurological hospitals, a tragicomic journey that led to my eventual return to Liepāja. This book is a tribute to my Ukrainian friend Heavy, whose support and guidance were invaluable.”
The book’s design and computer layout were crafted by Guntars Petris, with literary editing by Oskars Lapsiņš. The cover photo is courtesy of Uldis Briedis. To order a copy of this compelling memoir, visit HERE.
He narrative not only highlights Guntar’s personal experiences but also serves as a testimony to the resilience of those who lived through a turbulent period in Latvian history.
The concert event itself was a vibrant affair,filled with music and camaraderie,where Guntar’s artistic influences were celebrated alongside live performances by “bet bet” and other notable musicians.The presence of Ainars Virga and Ivo Fomins added a poignant touch,as they represented key figures in both Guntar’s life and the broader cultural fabric of Latvia during the Soviet era.
As Guntar delves into the intertwining of his artistic journey with the socio-political dynamics of the time, he offers readers a unique perspective on the struggles faced by artists under an oppressive regime. His memoir not only recounts his personal battles but also captures the spirit of creativity that thrived despite adversity, making “Crazy” a notable addition to Latvian literature. this reflective work stands as both a memoir of Guntar Račas’ life and a narrative of the collective experience of a generation confronting the challenges of the Soviet occupation.
