years_active label article_title past_members background genre origin name
1976 -- 2010 melodiya microphone records līvi -lrb- band -rrb-
 mārtiņš bērtulis group_or_band hard rock , heavy metal latvia līvi
līvi -lrb- band -rrb-

līvi was a latvian hard rock and heavy metal band that was influential in the formation of latvian rock culture .
they were known for their poetic lyrics and guitar solos .
the band was founded by Ēriks Ķiģelis and juris pavītols in liepāja in the ussr , in the latvian soviet socialist republic in 1976 .
they started out as a pop rock band playing various gigs around latvia .
from 1977 to 1985 , the band experimented while trying to find their own musical style , resulting in songs from pop to heavy rock .
throughout this period , however , the band espoused patriotism and anti-sovietism .
after the death of Ķiģelis in 1986 , ainars virga joined the band , leading to a new era of anthemic ballads , heavy rock , and rebellious themes .
virga went on to compose some of the best-known latvian hard rock songs .
līvi recorded nine albums during their existence .
their songs include `` dzimtā valoda '' , `` dzelsgriezējs '' , `` meitene zeltene '' , `` saldus saule '' , `` piedod man '' , `` zīlīte '' , `` tikai tev un man '' , and `` pāri visam . ''
