Ruja
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Rein Rannap |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Estonia |
| Products | Progressive rock music, albums, videos |
Ruja stood out as a prominent Estonian rock band throughout the 1970s and 1980s, recognized for its fusion of progressive rock, psychedelic sounds, hard rock, folk influences, rockabilly, and pop rock elements. The band's name originates from a coined term related to science fiction, although some suggest it represents the initials of pivotal members: R for Rein Rannap, U for Urmas Alender, J for Jaanus Nõgisto, and A for Andrus Vaht. Their inaugural album, titled Ruja, was released in 1979 and included numerous tracks composed by the founder and chief songwriter Rein Rannap.
Established in 1971 by Rein Rannap during his 11th-grade year, the original lineup featured Rein Rannap, Urmas Alender, and Andrus Vaht. Ruja remained a vital force within Estonia's rock music landscape until its activity ceased in 1988.
Tragically, on September 28, 1994, lead vocalist Urmas Alender lost his life in the disaster involving the passenger ferry M/S Estonia. After a commemorative concert was held in his honor, the surviving members decided to retire the "Ruja" name permanently.
1971–1975
- Urmas Alender – vocals
- Jaanus Nõgisto – guitar
- Tiit Haagma – bass
- Rein Rannap – keyboards
- Andrus Vaht – drums
- Toomas Veenre – guitar
- Andres Põldroo – guitar
1975–1978
- Urmas Alender – vocals
- Jaanus Nõgisto – guitar
- Tiit Haagma – bass
- Priit Kuulberg – bass (1978–1980)
- Margus Kappel – keyboards, 12-string guitar
- Andrus Vaht – drums
- Ivo Varts – drums (1978–1980)
1980–1983
- Urmas Alender – vocals
- Jaanus Nõgisto – guitar
- Tiit Haagma – bass
- Rein Rannap – keyboards
- Jaan Karp – drums
1985–1988
- Urmas Alender – vocals
- Indrek Patte – vocals (1987)
- Jaanus Nõgisto – guitar
- Tiit Haagma – bass (1985–1986)
- Igor Garšnek – keyboards
- Toomas Rull – drums, vocals (1985–1986)
- Rein Joasoo – drums (1986)
- Arvo Urb – drums (1987–1988)
- S.P. Gulliver – bass (1987–1988)
- Nevil Blumberg – guitar (1988)
- Raul Jaanson – guitar (1988)
Discography
- Ruja (EP) (1979)
- Ruja (LP) (1982)
- Kivi veereb (1987)
- Pust budet vsjo (1989)
- Must lind (1994)
- Need ei vaata tagasi... Osa 1 (1999)
- Need ei vaata tagasi... Osa 2 (1999)
Videos
- "Rujavisioon" (1999), released on VHS