The death of Mikhail Gorshenev, better known to millions of fans as Pot, was a shock not only for his family and bandmates "The King and the Jester", but also for the entire rock scene of the country. On July 19, 2013, the heart of the leader of the legendary punk band stopped, ending his life at the age of 40. The news of the death of the musician, whose songs became the anthems of an entire generation, spread instantly, causing a wave of grief from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok.
Pot's funeral turned into a large-scale public farewell, gathering thousands of people who wanted to pay their last respects to their idol. The organization of mourning events was carried out not only by the family, but also by close friends, including Andrei Knyazev (Prince), who took on the difficult mission of coordinating the farewell. Burial place was not chosen by chance - the Northern Cemetery of St. Petersburg became the rocker’s last resting place.
The atmosphere in those days was permeated not only with grief, but also with the incredible unity of people united by Gorshenev’s music. Fans, many from different cities, stood in long lines to pass the coffin. In this article we will examine in detail the chronology of events, the details of the ceremony and how the day remained forever in history when Mikhail Gorshenev was buried next to his father.
Chronology of the tragic events of July 2013
Events developed rapidly after the death of the artist became known. Mikhail died on the night of July 19, and his relatives were the first to sound the alarm, unable to reach him. Official confirmation of death and a preliminary version of a heart attack were announced on the same day, which caused shock among the public.
On July 20, the musician’s body was transported from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The coffin with Gorshka’s body was installed in the Lensovet Palace of Culture, where a civil memorial service was to take place. Already in the first hours of the funeral hall’s work, it became clear that thousands of people had come to say goodbye to the idol. The lines stretched for hundreds of meters, covering the entire block.
The organizers had to take emergency measures to regulate the flow of people. Civil funeral service was supposed to take place on July 22, but due to the huge number of applicants, it was decided to extend the farewell. People stood under the scorching sun, many cried, some played the band's music on their phones, creating an impromptu soundtrack to the farewell.
⚠️ Attention: Due to the abnormal heat and huge crowds of people during the farewell days, cases of heatstroke among visitors were recorded. The organizers had to urgently deliver water and call additional ambulance teams.
It is important to note that the condition of the body required a special approach to embalming, given the hot weather and the duration of the farewell. An examination carried out later confirmed that the death was not criminal, but rumors and conspiracy theories persisted for a long time. For fans, the main fact remained: Pot left, leaving behind a huge creative legacy.
Organizing a farewell at the Lensovet Palace of Culture
The farewell ceremony took place at the Lensovet Palace of Culture on Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt. This place was not chosen by chance - it accommodates a large number of people and has historical significance for the cultural life of the city. However, even the spacious hall could not accommodate everyone, so the main flow of mourners was outside.
A solemn and gloomy atmosphere reigned inside the hall. The coffin with the body of Mikhail Gorshenev was open, and everyone could come up and lay flowers. Event scenario was as laconic as possible, without excessive pathos, which corresponded to the spirit of a punk rocker. Close friends and colleagues were nearby the coffin all the time.
Particular attention was paid to safety. A reinforced fence was put up around the Lensovet Palace of Culture, and police officers and riot police were working. Despite this, the crowd pressure was enormous. People carried posters with song lyrics, photographs of the musician and homemade wreaths.
- 🎸 Musical accompaniment: The hits of the group “King and the Fool” were constantly heard in the hall and outside it.
- 🌹 Flowers: More than three thousand bouquets were laid, mostly red roses and carnations.
- 👮 Law enforcement: More than 500 law enforcement officers worked to prevent a stampede.
Many famous personalities of culture and show business came to say goodbye to Pot. Among them were Yuri Shevchuk, Andrei Makarevich, Sergei Shnurov and others. Their presence underscored the scale of the loss for the country's music community. Andrey Knyazev personally met the guests and monitored the order of the ceremony.
Funeral procession and route
On July 22, the day of the funeral, the funeral procession moved from the Lensovet Palace of Culture to the burial site. The route was laid through the city center so that as many people as possible could accompany the leader of “KiSh” on his final journey. A column of cars slowly moved along the streets of St. Petersburg.
People lined the roads, applauded and shouted “Potty!” Some threw flowers under the wheels of the procession cars. It was a unique spectacle when the city saw off its hero in a single impulse. Route included the main highways leading to the north of the city.
Procession route:
Kamennoostrovsky Ave. → Medikov Ave. → Ispytateley Ave. → Vyborgskoe Highway → Northern Cemetery
Traffic in the city was partially blocked, but motorists were understanding of what was happening, many honked as a sign of respect. The procession moved at low speed, which allowed everyone to see the cortege. Following in the car was the musician’s mother, Tatyana Gorsheneva, who could hardly bear the loss of her son.
⚠️ Attention: While the procession was moving along the Vyborg Highway, a threat of collision arose due to people entering the road. The police had to create a human corridor for the hearse to pass safely.
The journey to the cemetery took longer than originally planned, due to the huge number of people who wanted to join the column or simply follow the musician with their eyes. This became a demonstration of people's love, which does not fade over the years.
Burial place: Northern Cemetery
The funeral of Mikhail Gorshenev took place at the Northern Cemetery of St. Petersburg. This is one of the largest cemeteries in the city, located in the Vyborg region. The musician was buried at site 44, in the same grave with his father, Vladimir Gorshenev, who passed away several years earlier.
The choice of place was dictated by the family’s desire for Mikhail to rest next to his father. The burial ceremony was attended only by a narrow circle of relatives and closest friends, as a crowd of thousands of fans gathered at the cemetery, who were allowed in only after the coffin was lowered into the ground.
☑️ What did fans take with them to the funeral?
A temporary cross was placed over the grave, and later a permanent headstone appeared. The site quickly became a place of pilgrimage for fans. People come here all year round, leaving flowers, lighters and notes. Monument to the Pot became one of the cemetery's attractions.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Place | St. Petersburg, Northern Cemetery |
| Plot | 44th precinct |
| Date of burial | July 22, 2013 |
| Neighborhood | Grave of father, Vladimir Gorshenev |
Cemetery administrators note that attendance at the 44th plot remains high even after years. Caretakers regularly remove wilted flowers and maintain order around the memorial. This place has become a symbol of memory of an entire era of Russian rock.
Public reaction and cultural heritage
The death of Pot became a watershed for many fans of the group. For some, this was a moment of growing up; for others, it was the end of an era of carelessness and rebellion. Cultural resonance was colossal: all the central media wrote about the musician, his songs again began to be actively rotated on the radio.
In the following years after the death of the leader, the “King and the Clown” group ceased to exist in its previous format. The remaining participants formed a team "Prince", but without Pot the group could not sound the same. The phenomenon of Mikhail’s popularity is explained by the sincerity of his lyrics and unique charisma.
What happened to the group after the funeral?
Officially, the group “King and the Jester” ceased to exist in 2013. Alexander Balunov and other participants decided not to continue the brand without Mikhail Gorshenev. Andrey Knyazev created the group “Prince”, where he performs “KiSh” hits and new songs.
The memory of Pot is immortalized not only in the cemetery. Tribute concerts are regularly held in St. Petersburg and other cities. In 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his birth and the 10th anniversary of his death, a large-scale festival was held, bringing together stars of the Russian stage.
- 🎭 Theater and cinema: Documentary films and performances dedicated to the life of the musician were released.
- 📚 Literature: Books of memories of friends and colleagues about Mikhail have been published.
- 🎵 Streaming: Listening to “KiSh” tracks grows annually on memorial dates.
It is important to understand that for millions of people the Pot has remained a living symbol of freedom and individuality. His image in a leather jacket and with a characteristic hairstyle is still recognizable to this day. No other rock musician in Russia caused such massive and sincere grief during his life and after death.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Where exactly is the grave of Mikhail Gorshenev?
The grave is located in St. Petersburg at the Northern Cemetery, on the 44th section. The exact location can be found out from the cemetery administration or using a navigator, as the signs on the site are clearly visible.
Is it possible to take pictures at Pot's grave?
The cemetery administration and caretakers treat this with understanding, since this is a place of pilgrimage for fans. However, it is recommended to maintain silence, respect the memory of the deceased and not disturb other visitors who come to say goodbye.
Why did the “King and the Jester” group break up after Pot’s death?
The remaining members of the group, led by Alexander Balunov, decided that without the voice and charisma of Mikhail Gorshenev, it was impossible and unethical to continue performing under the name “King and the Jester”. This was a tribute to the memory of the leader.
What is the official cause of death of Mikhail Gorshenev?
The official cause of death was acute heart failure. The examination revealed no signs of violent death or poisoning, despite many rumors circulating. The musician had heart problems before.
The funeral of Mikhail Gorshenev became one of the largest public farewells in the modern history of Russia, showing the true scale of fans’ love for their idol.
If you plan to visit the grave of Mikhail Gorshenev, it is better to do it on weekday mornings to avoid the large lines and crowds that gather on weekends and memorial dates.