Musician Remembers Late Bandmate: "A Truly Talented Creator Is Gone, and Gone Too Soon"

Lukas Pačkauskas recently shared poignant memories of Roman Neyelov, the late member of the Lithuanian band "Kastaneda," also known by his pseudonym Kipish. Neyelov passed away ten years ago in Vilnius, with reports at the time citing a heart attack as the cause. He was remembered not only as a band member but also as a gifted songwriter.

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It's a pity. A truly talented creator is gone, and gone too soon.

Pačkauskas recounted a chance encounter with Neyelov in a store about a month before his death. "It's a pity. A truly talented creator is gone, and gone too soon," Pačkauskas said. He described Neyelov as being in high spirits during their brief conversation, eager to share his latest creations. "He was very cheerful, saying: we haven't seen each other for a hundred years – I want to visit your studio, show you what I've created. He was always creating. He always had something new to show," Pačkauskas recalled.

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He was very cheerful, saying: we haven't seen each other for a hundred years – I want to visit your studio, show you what I've created. He was always creating. He always had something new to show.

Pačkauskas expressed regret that they never managed to meet again as planned. "Of course, I was intrigued, I said: okay, drop by – we'll chat, have some coffee, tea, you'll show me what you've created and so on. But alas... We never got to meet again," he said emotionally. Pačkauskas lauded Neyelov's exceptional creative talent, emphasizing that Neyelov penned most of "Kastaneda's" biggest hits, including songs like "Myliu," "Sombrero," and "Vakar vakare." "Words just flowed from him. Sometimes I would create the music, and he would say: give it to me, just wait – 10 minutes and he brings the lyrics," Pačkauskas remembered.

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Of course, I was intrigued, I said: okay, drop by – we'll chat, have some coffee, tea, you'll show me what you've created and so on. But alas... We never got to meet again.

Pačkauskas concluded by stating that Neyelov lived and breathed creativity, constantly seeking new ideas. His untimely death has left a profound void in the music community.

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Words just flowed from him. Sometimes I would create the music, and he would say: give it to me, just wait – 10 minutes and he brings the lyrics.