Ukrainian piper hails UK for stepping in to host Eurovision final
A member of Eurovision-winning band Kalush Orchestra has said he is grateful for UK support at this year’s song contest and is looking forward to a spectacle “with Ukrainian flavour”.
Tymofii Muzychuk, a piper who forms part of the seven-piece Ukrainian group, said he believed “something incredible” would happen when Liverpool stages the competition next month.
The UK took over hosting duties on behalf of Ukraine while it remains under Russian invasion.
Kalush Orchestra is confirmed to be performing at the grand final on May 13, alongside British star Sam Ryder who came second in 2022.
Asked about the UK becoming host, Muzychuk said: “We are grateful to Great Britain for this support, and we are also grateful that they are hosting this year’s competition.
“We believe that something incredible awaits us in Liverpool, of course, with a Ukrainian flavour.”
Muzychuk added that he and Kalush Orchestra were rooting for this year’s Ukrainian entrant, electronic duo Tvorchi, and praised their song, Heart of Steel.
Kalush Orchestra has released a new song, Ushme Uturbe, which Muzychuk said was intended to “distract” people from the moment.
“We didn’t try to place any specific meaning into the song itself,” he added.
“We want people to listen to our new song, to be distracted from the moment, from any thoughts and just catch this vibe.
“Every moment is important, now more than ever.”
The new track was written and recorded in Austin, Texas, where the band performed at the SXSW festival in March.
They hung Ukrainian coats of arms around Austin as a symbol of gratitude to the city for its acceptance.
“We don’t want the world to forget what is happening in Ukraine now, and to continue to support us in all aspects,” said Muzychuk.
“The fact that we left the Ukrainian coat of arms around the city is a sign that we left a piece of Ukraine, far away, in the US.”
Meanwhile the last remaining tickets for Eurovision will go on sale today.
The final passes for the nine live shows at ACC Liverpool are set to be released at midday.