Ex-musician of the "Time Machine" Nikolai Ksenofontov. Biography

Musician Nikolai Ksenofontov, a percussionist, drummer and singer known for his work with the bands Time Machine, Splin, Accident, Masha and the Bears, and as one of the founders of the rock band Kvartal, died at the age of 67. About his life and creative path, the love that led to Moscow, and his return to his native village — in the material of Izvestia.

Early years and education

Nikolai Ksenofontov was born on May 30, 1959 in the village of Berezichi, Kozelsky district, Kaluga region. The future musician spent his childhood and youth in the provincial hinterland, but already at a young age he decided to leave his native places for the sake of studying and new opportunities.

He left his native village to study in Kaluga, where he fell in love with a senior student. When the girl entered the Moscow State University of Printing named after Ivan Fedorov, Ksenofontov decided to follow her. It was love that became the main motive for moving to the capital and enrolling in the same university.

However, the romantic story ended pretty quickly. He was going through the breakup very hard, and it was the mental suffering that pushed him to go even deeper into music.

Later in Moscow, Ksenofontov met a woman who became the main person in his life. His chosen one was Elena, who came to the capital from Magadan. She became for him not only a wife, but also a real muse who supported him for many years.

Musical career

In the 1980s, Nikolai Ksenofontov, along with musician Artur Pilyavin, became one of the founders of the rock band Kvartal, which eventually took a prominent place on the Russian music scene. The musician was known as a talented percussionist.

It is his percussion that can be heard in many famous songs of the band, including "Paramaribo", "There in Tahiti", "Island of White Birds", "Snow", "Southern Cross" and "Night Tram". He has worked in the Kvartal group for more than 20 years.

After leaving Kvartal, Ksenofontov became one of the most sought—after session musicians, artists who are hired to temporarily participate in projects. He toured a lot with The Time Machine. During his creative career, the musician has recorded about 50 albums with various artists.

Among the collectives and artists with whom he collaborated are "Splin" (two albums), "Masha and the Bears", "Accident", as well as Zemfira (recognized as a foreign agent), Nikolai Noskov.

His colleagues appreciated Ksenofontov for his musical taste, sense of rhythm, and ability to blend seamlessly into a wide variety of styles, from rock to more lyrical and experimental styles.

Recent years

A few years ago, Nikolai Ksenofontov and his wife Elena decided to return to their native village of Berezichi, Kaluga region. The musician settled in his parents' house and gradually moved away from active touring life. In the village, he became interested in wood carving: he created caskets and musical instruments (cahons), and in the courtyard he built a creative gazebo, which he called "Murakami."

He dreamed of creating a cultural and tourist center in Berezichi that could bring together music, art and history lovers of his native land. Ksenofontov organized local exhibitions and festivals, and held an exhibition of his works in Kozelsk called "Everything Earthly has become strange." He also enjoyed playing in the local band Calendar, which included musicians of his own age and like-minded people.

In recent years, Ksenofontov has been seriously ill. He suffered a stroke and recovered his speech for a long time, but the disease turned out to be stronger.

The musician died on May 6, 2026 at the age of 66. His farewell will take place on May 9 in the village of Berezichi, Kaluga region.