Rockin’ the Kremlin

My Incredible True Story of Gangsters, Oligarchs, and Pop Stars in Putin's Russia

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia opened its borders—and a new audience hungry for Western music. Rockin’ the Kremlin follows how David became the first CEO of Universal Music Russia, building cultural bridges with artists like Metallica, Mariah Carey, Sting, Eminem, and Enrique Iglesias, while developing local stars such as Alsou and t.A.T.u. amid political chaos, organized crime, and rapid change.

As Putin’s authoritarian turn and invasions of Ukraine reshaped the region, the story reveals both the rise of a modern music industry and the risks behind it—along with a new generation of artists now speaking out.