Fenomen „Telewizyjnej Listy Przebojów”: grodzieńscy fani polskiej muzyki
The phenomenon of “TV Hit-Parade” (TLP): the Grodno fans of Polish music

Summary/Abstract: Oral history – witnesses’ accounts, allowed to reconstruct the history of the informal movement “TLP” gathering Grodno youth in the 1980s. The source of interest in Polish music was the youthful need for rebellion, strengthened by the situation in the USSR, interest in Poland and political changes taking place there and fascination with Polish popular culture. It was perceived as an emanation of Western culture, but more accessible thanks to an understandable language. The people of TLP had a possibility to listen to favorite music and to get information about it thanks to receiving the Polish radio and television, buying the Polish press, as well as contacts with peers from Poland. They traveled abroad exceptionally. In the realities of the USSR of the 1980s, developing a passion required big effort and ingenuity, but it did not involve any risk. Despite the unmistakable political meaning and rebellious lyrics of rock songs, local authorities and services did not see the movement of fans as a danger. Contact with Polish music gave the youth a sense of community and freedom.

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