Leonid & Friends is more than just a Chicago tribute band: it’s a global sensation that started in Russia and won over fans around the world with spot-on covers of classic American rock. Known for their impeccable musicianship and uncanny ability to replicate the sound of the legendary band Chicago, Leonid & Friends has gained international acclaim despite having never seen the band live when they first began.

Humble Beginnings in Russia

Leonid & Friends was founded by Leonid Vorobyev, a Moscow-based musician, sound engineer, and producer with a lifelong love for the music of Chicago. What began as a personal project to cover “Brand New Love Affair” in 2014 quickly turned into something much bigger. Vorobyev painstakingly transcribed each part by ear, assembling a team of talented musicians from across Russia and nearby countries to bring the song to life.

Initially, the effort was just for fun, with no grand ambitions. But when the band posted the video online, their faithful rendition of Chicago’s sound caught the attention of music lovers around the world.

Social Media Catapults Their Fame

Leonid & Friends’ rise to fame is a modern success story rooted in social media. Their YouTube videos quickly gained traction, with fans amazed at their ability to recreate Chicago’s complex arrangements with such authenticity. The band’s cover of “25 or 6 to 4” went viral, amassing millions of views and introducing them to American audiences who couldn’t believe the performers weren’t even based in the US.

By engaging with fans on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the band built a loyal and growing global following. Their success online soon translated into real-world demand for live performances.

Touring the US

With encouragement from fans and promoters, the band launched their first American Leonid & Friends tour in 2019. Despite being from different parts of the former Soviet Union and having no initial experience touring in the US, the band was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and sold-out shows at venues across the US.

The Band’s Ongoing Legacy

Today, Leonid & Friends consists of 11 talented musicians who continue to impress audiences with their high-energy live shows and dedication to authenticity. They’ve expanded their repertoire to include not only more of Chicago’s hits, but also songs by bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Tower of Power.

Though they began as a humble studio project in Russia, Leonid & Friends has become a shining example of how musical passion — combined with the reach of social media — can bridge continents and bring timeless classics to a new generation of fans.

See Leonid & Friends Perform at the Stafford Centre in Houston

Main Street Crossing (MSC) is hosting an off-site performance by Leonid & Friends. The concert will take place at the Stafford Centre on October 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

MSC in Tomball, Texas, is one of the best small music venues in the Houston metro area. This unique nonprofit in a historic venue hosts country, Americana, folk, blues, and other types of music artists in an intimate setting — the farthest seat is only 45 feet from the stage. MSC also offers food, beverages, table service, and community seating, making it easier to interact with fellow concertgoers and even performing artists. Parking is convenient and stress-free.

MSC additionally functions as a multiuse venue for church services, concerts, and more in Tomball. Check out our event calendar, and enjoy entertainment in support of good causes!