The vocal-instrumental ensemble “Veselye Rabyaby” was created in 1968 in Moscow by pianist and composer Pavel Slobodkin. In 1968 “Merry Guys” was awarded the title of the winner of the All-Union contest for the best performance of youth songs and the first prize. In 1969, the group was awarded the title of winner of the All-Union contest and I prize for the best performance of Soviet songs. The first minion, released in July 1970, brought great success to the “Merry guys”. This record was released in a record circulation of 15 million copies. In 1974, Pavel Slobodkin invited singer Alla Pugacheva to join the group. “Merry guys” recorded the first solo record for Pugacheva. In 1976, at the International Recording Competition in Prague, the “Merry Boys” were awarded the title of laureate and 1st prize. Pugacheva left the group at the end of September 1976. In May 1977 Pavel Slobodkin invited Lyudmila Barykina to take her place. In April 1983, she left the VIA. After Barykina there were no more soloists in the group. In 1985 the VIA was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Pop Song Contest “Bratislava Lira”. In 1988 for great merits in the field of national musical art the Ministry of Culture of the USSR and the Ministry of Culture of the RSFSR approved the VIA “Veselye Rebyada” in the status of musical theater. Since 1993, the theater has been renamed “Pavel Slobodkin Center”. In 2005 there are cardinal changes in the group's composition. After selection, Pavel Slobodkin assembles a new line-up. Later, the “Merry guys” resumes concert activity. In 2007, in connection with the 40th anniversary of creative activity, “Veselye Rabyada” was awarded the highest award of “Melodiya” - “Platinum disk № 1” and became the owner of the absolute national record for sold records - 179 850 000 copies. Between 2011 and 2015, VIA released eight albums. On August 8, 2017, Pavel Slobodkin, the founder and permanent leader of the group, who led it for over half a century, passed away, and the VIA “Veselye Rabya” ceased to exist.