Foals pay tribute to Ukrainian dancer from ‘2AM’ video killed in frontline action
Volodymyr Rakov made a memorable appearance in the band's '2AM' video.
By Nick Reilly
Foals have paid tribute to dancer and choreographer Volodymyr Rakov, who appeared in their video for ‘2AM’, after he was killed in action while on the frontline in Ukraine.
The 30-year-old won Ukraine’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2013 and went on to appear in the music video for the British band’s 2022 song, taken from their most recent album Life Is Yours.
In the visuals for the song Rakov is seen seen dancing in a sharp suit in front of several multi-coloured perspex pillars. The video itself was shot in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
Multiple local outlets such as Kyiv Independent and United24media have now confirmed that Rakov was killed on January 6 while carrying out a mission on the frontline, serving with the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
Posting on Twitter/X, Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis posted four broken heart emojis as he shared a tribute to Rakov.
Commenting on the YouTube video of ‘2AM’, one fan wrote: “Foals – 2am now sounds especially heartbreaking knowing that Volodymyr Rakov, the dancer who participated in the creation of this video, died on 06.01.2025 defending Ukraine from Russian aggression. Eternal memory to the hero! Glory to Ukraine!”
In a tribute on Instagram, Ukrainian TV presenter Olga Freimut also called him a “legend” and a “hero”.
She added: “You gave your life for the will of Ukraine. Thank you.”
Foals previously shared a message of solidarity when Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022, highlighting the work of the Ukrainian talent – including Rakov – who brought the ‘2AM’ video to life.
“Thinking of these amazing people who made filming the ‘2A<’ video possible in Kyiv last month,” they wrote. “Wishing all our friends in the Ukraine love & courage.”