Ukrainian singer and People's Artist of Pavlo Zibrov recently opened up in an interview with Alina Dorotiuk's program about how the full-scale war has transformed his life and creative work. The artist confessed that his greatest fear today is losing loved ones, and he recalled the death of a man who for many years was not just a driver, but a "family member" to them all. The conversation also touched upon why, since the outbreak of the invasion, Zibrov has been unable to return to the light, optimistic repertoire that once defined his career.
The Main Fear: Losing Those Close By
According to Zibrov, the most painful blow was parting with Serhii, a man who worked as a driver for the family for 13 years, but in reality was a jack-of-all-trades helper: driving the children, taking things to the dry cleaners, and assisting on tours and in daily life. That is why the news of his disappearance and subsequent death at the front was described by the artist as "a massive blow." "The fear of losing your loved ones. Those you love, those you know, those who are by your side," the singer explained, adding that he now constantly worries about his relatives because the war "reminds us every day of the danger that can touch any family."
A Farewell That Turned Out to Be the Last
Zibrov recalled his final meeting with Serhii with deep pain. Before vanishing, Serhii came to say goodbye and brought gifts: his favorite cognac for the singer, egg liqueur for his wife Maryna Volodymyrivna, and two kilograms of liver sausage for their dog Gabby. "And so we talked for two hours," the artist shared. Even though Serhii had been serving at the front for 3.5 years, he remained optimistic and believed he would soon return home. He called Maryna Volodymyrivna on her birthday on the 25th, and vanished the very next day.
How War Changed Creativity
Before the invasion, Zibrov and his peers — including Yuriy Rybchynsky and Mykola Shchur — primarily wrote light tracks for weddings, dancing, and discos. Following the start of the war, the themes and internal state of the authors shifted: now, lyrics feature lines like "As long as there are shots, mother won't sleep." The singer confessed that by nature he remains an optimistic person and wants to write cheerful songs, but the necessary mood just doesn't come: "I sit down at the instrument... it doesn't flow. And the poems are good, too... and I end up giving them to my friends."
The Loss of Gabby and a New Shepherd, Jessie
Another painful trial for Zibrov was the death of his beloved shepherd Gabby, who lived with the family for 12 years and became a true family member. Later, his relatives gifted the singer a new shepherd named Jessie, an event that coincided with his birthday. As the artist notes, the new pet cannot replace Gabby, but the arrival of the puppy gave the family an opportunity to once again feel the joy of caring for a four-legged friend.
