"At the Dawn of History"
In an ordinary family that lived and worked in Kirovograd (Ukraine), a son, Alexander, was born on January 19, 1963. Almost nothing is known about his parents and childhood. We were able to find only the following information: father - Sergei Zaldostanov, doctor; mother is a doctor, Orthodox Christian, anti-communist. She honors Stalin; his portrait still hangs in her house. In response to negativity towards the legendary Secretary General, he gives an unequivocal answer: “They are making mistakes!”
- Sasha has a sister who also mastered the profession of a doctor. Currently lives and works abroad.
Alexander Zaldostanov studied in Kirovograd and vacationed in children's pioneer camps in Sevastopol. Baptized. Orthodox Christian.
He went to receive higher education in the capital of Russia. In 1984 he graduated from the 3rd Moscow Medical Institute and residency in the specialty “maxillofacial surgeon”.
The beginning of the biker journey
1983 can be considered the beginning of the biker career of Alexander Zaldostanov. That year, the guy, while still studying at an internship, bought his first motorcycle. This was the famous Czechoslovak “Java”, which became one of the symbols of its time. Riding on his own “iron horse,” the young man was distracted from the gray reality and everyday work. Being desperate and arrogant by nature, Alexander easily made acquaintances with like-minded people, including the “Black Aces” - a group of informals, which included not only bikers, but also fans of heavy music and simply those who like to have fun, or even fight in your pleasure. The head of this youth formation was Rus Tyurin.
Alexander Zaldostanov is the founder and leader of the oldest biker club in Russia, “Night Wolves”
“Black Aces” could not help but notice such a bright personality as Alexander Zaldostanov. More and more lovers of drunkenness and revelry gathered around him, and soon our hero, known among informals under the nickname “Sasha the Dentist,” received a more respectable name - Alexander the Surgeon. The whole company of his friends began to be called “Surgery”.
A hobby that determined your destiny
Immediately after residency, Alexander Zaldostanov, a surgeon by profession, got a job at a regional dental clinic. Patients loved the long-haired, handsome dentist, who entered his office through the window so that his superiors would not notice his delays.
During the day - the life of an average Soviet citizen, at night - a fashionable leather outfit, hanging out with friends, listening to forbidden rock music, drunken brawls. The pugnacious informal was noticed and introduced to Rus Tyurin, the leader of the Black Aces gang of metalheads. He liked Sasha the dentist and began to play the role of an information front worker under the leader and communicate with the press.
Many “aces” rode around Moscow on motorcycles, and Alexander Zaldostanov in 1987, under the influence of rocker friends, bought himself a “Java”.
Ambitious, charismatic, unstoppable in battle, fearless Zaldostanov acquired more and more friends and fans in his circle and eventually created his own group, “Surgery.” He broke the habit of those around him calling him Sasha the Dentist and took the nickname “surgeon”. Having passionately fallen in love with motorcycles, the long-haired guy turned from a metalhead and a gopnik into a biker.
"Black Aces"
The beginning of a biker’s “career” began in the early 80s (specifically 1983), while studying at an internship, when Zaldostanov bought his first motorcycle, a Java. His passion for motorcycles helped Alexander break away from the drabness of everyday life. The daring and desperate Zaldostanov met the guys from the Black Aces group, which included metalheads, fans of heavy rock music, lovers of all kinds of brawls and fights, and their leader Rus Tyurin.
The surgeon was at the origins of the biker movement in Russia
Charismatic Alexander immediately captured the attention of the Aces. Gradually, a company of like-minded people formed around him, united by a love of revelry and drunken antics, and gradually Sasha the Dentist turned into Alexander the Surgeon, and their group began to call itself “Surgery.”
Through hardship to the stars
Alexander Zaldostanov has been a winner in all fights since his youth. And now he has confidently removed his only serious competitor from the path - Alik Goch, the leader of the Kozaks biker group, pushing him to Rostov-on-Don. From then on to this day, the “Night Wolves” motorcycle fan club created by the “surgeon” has held a monopoly in Moscow, harshly dealing with rivals.
The bikers behaved independently, sometimes even aggressively. Without a muffler, we rushed around Moscow at night, organized motorcycle rallies with burning torches, and the highest aerobatics was to rush past a traffic cop and kick the baton out of his hand.
In addition, the “wolves” clearly identified the areas of protection - points of sale of clothing for rockers, music stores, several cafes.
“The Surgeon” and his associates became co-owners of a Moscow rock club, which Alexander Zaldostanov called “Sexton”. Music, striptease and drugs are closely intertwined here. The club burned down in 1995.
Night Wolves
An important role in Alexander’s life was played by his move to West Germany, where he moved after marrying a German woman in 1985.
In a foreign land, Alexander had to earn a living as a car mechanic, watchman, model, and concierge. Working as a doorman at the Sexton nightclub in Germany provided an opportunity to meet bikers from the legendary Hells Angels motorcycle club. After this, Zaldostanov was haunted by the idea of creating a similar movement in his homeland. And he succeeded - upon returning to his homeland in 1989, he created a motorcycle group called “Night Wolves”, and it was headed by Alexander the Surgeon. The year 1993 was marked by a new milestone in the history of the development of the biker movement in Russia. At the age of 30, the Surgeon became the leader of motorbikers, defeating the Rostov leader of the Cossacks motorcycle association named Alik Goch and becoming a monopolist in the Russian biker community. No biker movement could henceforth operate without the approval of the Surgeon and the Wolves.
Zaldostanov did not officially work anywhere; he needed a source of income. The Wolves created the rock club Sexton (in Germany, he worked as a bouncer in a club with the same name), which was famous for its noisy parties with alcohol and fights. In 1995, the club burned down. From that moment on, the bike movement began to hold annual bike shows internationally.
Biker "Surgeon" thanks Obama for sanctions
Crucial moment
In 1999, the most famous Russian biker had a serious accident. Having received a severe traumatic brain injury, Alexander was in a coma for two weeks.
Returning to the world, the legendary man in Mnevniki, together with his comrades, built a base. The style is post-apocalyptic. A lot of mangled iron, a sign “Don’t get in - it’ll kill you!” and the massive wreckage makes the occupants of this “bike house” feel like they survived a nuclear war. There is a profitable shop, bar and club "Sexton" on the territory. In addition, legal money is brought in by regular bike shows on a grand scale and with aplomb.
Sexton
After perestroika ended, bikers had to adapt to the modern world and at the same time also earn a living. Their unusual style and favorite music helped them in this. So the “wolves” became co-owners of the first 24-hour rock club in Moscow, named after the famous Berlin club “Sexton”.
All over Moscow they were talking about the new rock club. The Wolves organized motorcycle rides with the “Angels” who were visiting them. Bikers now had a reputation as avid party animals and rockers. There was always music playing in the club and there was a whole lot of alcohol. Whoever has visited this semi-basement room, there are rumors that many famous people, including politicians, were there.
In the first half of 1995, Sexton was destroyed by fire, and the bikers again had to look for money and new shelter. Thus, large-scale bike shows appeared in Russia.
Club Sexton
In 1998, Zaldostanov terminated relations with the Hell'sAngels club. This may have been because the Angels were reluctant to take on the Wolves due to their peculiar board structure, which included annual elections for the club's president, which apparently displeased the Surgeon. After all, according to rumors, the Night Wolves do not have such elections to this day, and Zaldostanov is the only leader. Currently, it is forbidden to mention Angels among Wolves. According to another version, American bikers sent the Surgeon a letter telling him not to chase the West, but to develop his own style.
The collapse of the Wolves monopoly and the accident
The year 1999 was eventful. This year, a new bike center was opened, somewhere in the Mnevniki area, and Alexander got into a terrible accident, which occurred due to jammed front brakes. As a result, our hero receives a traumatic brain injury and falls into a coma on the way to the hospital. It was not known how long this condition would last.
It is not known what brand of motorcycle he had at that time and why the brakes failed.
Alexander the Surgeon spent two weeks in a coma and only came to his senses on the 15th.
Subsequently, the Wolves' monopoly collapsed. Other clubs began to appear, for example fans of certain brands of motorcycles and others. The Wolves were busy promoting their own bike center and did not interfere with the development of newly formed clubs.
Immediately after the hospital, Alexander took up his club. It was necessary to complete the construction. The new club was located in the area of an old vacant lot where bars, services and various shops were soon formed. The club retained its old name “Sexton”, and the interior was made in a post-apocalyptic style. After the accident, Alexander became more religious and began to often go to church. While other bikers dreamed of being part of the world movement, the surgeon did not care about this, he wanted to move in his own direction and only in his homeland.
Among motorcycles, Alexander preferred not foreign cars, but domestically produced motorcycles. For himself, the Surgeon chose the Ural motorcycle as an iron horse. At that time, the Wolves had a frequent guest: the famous actor and director, who later became their chaplain, Ivan Okhlobystin.
Soon the Surgeon had to look for a new place for the club, because the authorities were going to demolish the old one. In this matter, Alexander was helped by the clergyman Father John, who advised him to build a new center on church territory in order to gain immunity. A businessman whom a monk he knew helped him find such a place. The emergence of a religious component in the movement became the cause of contention among the Wolves, because now there were disagreements among the participants on key issues. Now it was difficult to call it brotherhood. Newcomers began to appear in the club, not so close in spirit and views to the Wolves, but useful to the Surgeon. Among them were entrepreneurs and small managers.
In 2001, the club split completely. The reason was the bike center, which now, according to documents, belonged only to the Surgeon. The brothers in the club did not expect such an act from him and left, saying that they would only return with “Angels” stripes on their backs. In 2004, Alexander faced another unpleasant blow in the form of the departure of his friend and right-hand man Frolov from the club, who proposed opening a branch of Hell’s Angels in Russia. Now among the Wolves there were no disagreements with Alexander, and he remained the only leader.
Alexander Zlatostanov promotes love for the fatherland and patriotism among young people
The bike shows organized by the Surgeon became more and more patriotic. In one of his interviews, Alexander said that the conflicts between the clubs had been resolved and no showdowns were expected. The conversation also turned to politics, in response to which the Surgeon replied that he did not seek power and was not going to get involved in politics. However, the opposite situation was observed; people involved in politics sought to get into the bike community.
Organizing more and more motorcycle races and being active in public activities, the Surgeon began to appear more and more often on television and in the press. In one of the interviews, he spoke about the problem of Russophobia. Critics often reproached the nationality of Alexander, who lived in Russia and was born in the small Ukrainian town of Kirovograd.
Social activities and awards
In recent years, the course of the “eternal” president of the bike club, Alexander Zaldostanov, has changed dramatically. Now the “Night Wolves” promote Orthodoxy, carry the Russian flag on their Harleys, take patronage over third-graders of the Sevastopol school, give Volgograd a children’s fountain and plan to launch the production of Russian motorcycles that will be cooler than the Harley-Davidson.
For such a moral and ideological orientation, Alexander Zaldostanov was awarded friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and in 2013 was awarded the Order of Honor, including for the patriotic education of youth.
Views of Alexander the Surgeon
1999 was a turning point in the life of the Surgeon. He had an accident (the front brakes on his motorcycle jammed) and was in a coma for 2 weeks. After a serious accident, Alexander became closer to the church and Orthodoxy. After this, the famous actor and screenwriter Ivan Okhlobystin, who later joined the ranks of the Wolves, became a frequent guest at Sexton. This religious attitude of the biker leader contributed to the split among the Wolves. Many separated, the monopoly of the Night Wolves came to an end. Zaldostanov did not retake the lead, but began restoring the bike.
In 2014, the Surgeon's Sexton club burned down again.
During this period, the Surgeon even renounced motorcycles from foreign companies and gave preference to the Russian Ural. After this, the famous actor and screenwriter Ivan Okhlobystin, who later joined the ranks of the Wolves, became a frequent guest at Sexton.
After the accident, biker Zaldostanov became more religious
Alexander Zaldostanov leads an active social life. In all interviews, the Surgeon claims that he is far from politics, but the influence on the public masses of the Night Wolves movement is palpable. Alexander promotes among young people love for the homeland, patriotism, respect for the history of the country, and cultivates the Orthodox faith. In 2013, Alexander was awarded the Order of Honor for his active work with youth.
The surgeon was nominated for the Order of Honor (2013)
“Night Wolves” organize festivals, rallies, and motorcycle shows dedicated to the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the battle in Sevastopol. Zaldostanov, despite the discontent of many bikers, participates in religious processions together with representatives of the Orthodox Church, is friends with Vladimir Putin: the president visited Sexton three times and took part in joint motorcycle rallies in 2010–2011.
Biker Surgeon and Vladimir Putin at the Night Wolves motorcycle rally
In 2015, the Surgeon, along with actor Mikhail Porechenkov and MMA athlete Yulia Berezikova, initiated the creation of the Anti-Maidan movement, which harshly criticized the situation in Ukraine and was directed against protest movements intended to overthrow the government.
Zaldostanov opposes Euromaidan
In the same year, the Surgeon initiated the inclusion of the international motorcycle clubs “Hells Angels” and “Bandido Nation” on the list of undesirables in Russia, capable of causing an irreparable impact on the minds of Russian bikers and igniting a color revolution. Night Wolves race in Yekaterinburg (2015)
Truth and myths
They say that…
- Alexander Zaldostanov - surgeon. The biker’s biography really began in medical school.
- While working as a dentist, he collected beads from human teeth. At first he wore them himself, then gave them to a friend, fashion designer Yegor Zaitsev. The biker either confirmed this information in the media, emphasizing that the teeth were caries, or denied it with a laugh, pointing the finger at Zaitsev’s fantasies.
Zaldostanov is an actor. This is true. In 1989, he played a cameo role in the film “Accident - the Cop’s Daughter.” In 1992, he played in episodes in the films “Luna Park” and “Dancing Ghosts.”- Alexander “snatched” the Sexton club from his friends. Indeed, they built it together, and then it turned out that according to the documents, Sasha is the sole owner. There was a conflict, a showdown and a break with old comrades.
- The attack in October 2013 on the Three Roads bike club was organized by Zaldostanov. According to all evidence, the Night Wolves beat up the members of the 3D club, but it was Yuri Nekrasov, the leader of Three Roads, who went to prison.
- He is a KGB agent. Not confirmed by anything. But the opposite has not been proven.
- He heads the largest drug trafficking network in Russia. Dangerous topic...
Alexander “Surgeon” Zaldostanov now
In 2021, the Surgeon spoke out against the statement of Satyricon artistic director Konstantin Raikin about the abolition of censorship in Russia. Society was divided into two camps - “against” and “for” Alexander. The Surgeon was supported, in particular, by the leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, who spoke out against complete freedom in art, since, according to him, art can offend the feelings of believers and corrupt young people. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov recommended that the Surgeon apologize, but the biker stood his ground. Biker “Surgeon” Zaldostanov about Russophobia In May 2021, Zaldostanov and pop singer Timati attended the inauguration of Vladimir Putin, surprising everyone with their costumes. The biker did not wear a headdress, but a white turtleneck was visible from under the traditional biker jacket, and Timati put on a green pea coat.
Biker Surgeon at Putin's inauguration
A little more about personal
After his divorce from Matilda, according to rumors, Zaldostanov had several more official wives and many mistresses. There is definitely a son, Gosha. They say that Gosha has brothers. Alexander recognized all the children and participates in their upbringing.
Zaldostanov has already tried to involve one of his sons in the biker business. Unfortunately, it all ended badly - the boy received serious injuries to both legs. During the operation, a titanium plate was inserted into him. The father complains about this that now his son will not be drafted into the army.
Alexander Zaldostanov, whose family is his bikers and whose home is a bike center, avoids any questions about his personal life. He immediately takes the topic into the usual direction - a bike show, friendship with the president, Orthodoxy and patriotism.
Personal life of Alexander the Surgeon
Almost nothing is known about the Surgeon’s personal life. Alexander Zaldostanov does not like to raise this topic. At the age of 22, the Surgeon married Matilda, a journalist from Germany. Zaldostanov's father-in-law was the director of Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart. After the wedding, the newlyweds moved to West Berlin. It was not easy for Alexander in a foreign land, perhaps that is why their marriage soon fell apart. There were also speculations in the press about a romance between the Surgeon and Anastasia Volochkova.
The surgeon has a crush on ballerina Anastasia Volochkova
Zaldostanov already has an adult son, Georgiy, and there is also information that Georgiy has half-brothers and sisters. Alexander does not abandon his children, provides and takes care of them. Surgeon in Renata Litvinova’s program “Style” (2004)
Life after the accident
1999 is a new starting point in the life of Alexander Zaldostanov. While he was riding his motorcycle, the front brakes suddenly jammed. A serious accident occurred, due to which the Surgeon even fell into a coma. The man remained in this critical condition for two weeks. Having come to his senses and recovered, Alexander changed very much in his outlook on life. He turned into a very religious man; he decided to live the rest of his life as a true Orthodox Christian should. The surgeon became a frequent parishioner in churches and began to communicate with clergy. One of them was Ivan Okhlobystin - a priest, but at the same time an actor, director, screenwriter, and in the past a well-known rowdy and informal. She and Zaldostanov became close and found a common language. Okhlobystin began visiting Sexton, more and more often, and eventually joined the ranks of the Night Wolves, because Ivan Ivanovich is also a motorcycle enthusiast. Another innovation in the life of the Surgeon was his refusal to buy motorcycles from foreign companies. After emerging from a coma, he began driving a domestic Ural, which caused considerable surprise among some members of the community.
Alexander Zaldostanov
It would seem that such an event as attracting Ivan Okhlobystin, a personality popular in various circles, to his company should unite the Wolves even more and elevate their own leader, the Surgeon, in their eyes. However, it turned out quite the opposite. Zaldostanov’s excessive religiosity turned some bikers against him. A split occurred among the Night Wolves: some of them remained faithful to the Surgeon, despite his new thinking, and some left the organization. Moreover, there were so many who separated that they were able to create their own biker groups. All this led to the fact that the Night Wolves ceased to be a monopoly in the Russian motorcycle world. But the creator and ideological inspirer of this movement did not seem particularly concerned about such changes. He focused on rebuilding the Sexton Club, which was to become a major bikie centre.
Alexander Zaldostanov - Surgeon
Biography
The biography of the biker Surgeon begins in the Ukrainian SSR in 1963. Alexander was born on January 19 in the city of Kirovograd into a family of doctors. Alexander Zaldostanov is Ukrainian by nationality. It was the influence of his parents that largely determined the future biker’s life path, although medicine did not occupy a significant place in Alexander’s life for long. After graduating from medical school, he began working part-time in a dental clinic. At night, Alexander had fun at noisy parties, and during daylight hours he helped patients. Since those times, “Sasha the Dentist” has changed significantly, becoming Alexander “The Surgeon”: currently his image is associated exclusively with the harsh lifestyle of a biker. And this is not without reason: now he is recognized as the de facto founder of the biker movement in Russia.
This path was not easy, since it began at a time when society still had an extremely negative attitude towards any deviations from the generally accepted norm. Informals of that time often had to participate in fights, defending their worldview. Judging by the memoirs and various eyewitness accounts, the Surgeon was willing to fight and was not shy about swinging his fists.
Biker Surgeon has always been against the ordinary: around the 80s, he joined the metal workers, quit his job as a dentist and never officially worked again.
