Ivan Lechev, the guitarist renowned for his work with FSB, Stari Mutuni, Obichaynite Zapozredani, and Fondatsiyata, is set to debut his new supergroup, Voleva, on October 2. The live premiere takes place at the covered Vidas Art Arena, marking a fresh collaborative chapter for the 70-year-old virtuoso alongside Nikolay Vodenicharov-Niketsa and Rosen Vatev.
The Bottom Line
- The Debut: Voleva plays its first live show on October 2, at Vidas Art Arena, with tickets available via Ticket Station starting at 15 euros.
- The Lineup: The supergroup unites Ivan Lechev, Nikolay Vodenicharov-Niketsa, and drummer Rosen Vatev.
- The Release: The concert also serves as the launch party for the band’s debut physical CD EP, compiling four previously released singles alongside the first presentation of a new single.
Decoding the Genesis of Voleva
Formed initially in 2021 with the drop of their debut single “Doydah da te vzema,” the project gestated quietly before cementing its official identity. The band’s moniker—Voleva—was dreamed up three years after their formation by Lechev himself during the music video shoot for their second single, “Eto me.” The name synthesizes the first two letters of each founding member’s surname.
Here is the kicker: while Lechev brings pedigree from Bulgarian rock formations, the songwriting engine is anchored by Vodenicharov and Vatev. Vodenicharov, who penned the music and lyrics for their introductory tracks, first crossed paths with Lechev through the reality singing format The Voice of Bulgaria, where Lechev has served as a jury member since 2017.
A Pedigree Built on Heavy Hitting Live Touring
Behind the kit is Rosen Vatev, recognized as one of the most in-demand professional musicians in the country. Growing up in a family of percussionists, Vatev’s resume includes stints with Safo, Tube Hedzzz, Bobo & The Gang, and Animacionerite. His live touring credentials received an international stamp of approval back in 2016, when he and the band Jeremy? were handpicked by Brian May and Roger Taylor to support Queen on their European tour across Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Vatev has also spent the last fifteen years maintaining the rhythmic heartbeat for Lili Ivanova.
Vodenicharov brings a theatrical edge to the rock outfit. After rising through indie acts like Casual Threesome and Lisitsata i Kotaratsite, and reaching the semi-finals of The Voice of Bulgaria in 2019, he transitioned into musical theater. He debuted at the Plovdiv Opera as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2021 and stepped into the role of George Berger in the musical Hair.
What to Expect on the Vidas Art Arena Stage
To flesh out their sound for the live environment, the core trio will expand on October 2 into a larger ensemble. Keyboardist Plamen Denchev and bassist Hristo Mihalkov will join the stage alongside the founding members, accompanied by yet-to-be-announced guest performers.
| Event Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Concert Date | October 2 |
| Venue | Vidas Art Arena (Covered Stage) |
| Ticketing Platform | Ticket Station (Prices starting at 15 euros) |
| Releases Celebrated | Debut CD EP featuring four singles + live debut of new single |
With four singles already under their belt—including the tracks “Freakshow” and “Shock and Panic”—the October 2 showcase represents more than just a one-off gig. It is the physical manifestation of an independent rock collaboration bridging generations of Bulgarian musicians. As tickets move through Ticket Station, all eyes turn to the Vidas Art Arena to see how this seasoned lineup translates their studio chemistry into a high-octane live experience. Will Voleva carve out a permanent touring footprint amidst their members’ heavy existing schedules? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
