Despite their massive success—including winning prizes at international festivals like "Bratislava Lyre" in 1970—the band faced heavy scrutiny from Soviet authorities. Noroc's Western-style clothing, long hair, and "decadent" musical influences led to their official dissolution by the Ministry of Culture in 1970.
The band Noroc was founded in 1966 in Chișinău (then part of the Soviet Union) by the talented composer and keyboardist . Noroc, which means "good luck" or "cheers" in Romanian, quickly became a sensation for its ability to blend Western rock-and-roll influences with traditional Moldovan melodies and deep, soulful lyrics. The Song: "Toamnele" (De ce plâng ghitarele) Noroc-Toamnele
: Written by Efim Krimerman (lyrics) and Mihai Dolgan (music), the song captures the essence of "dor"—a unique Romanian word for longing and bittersweet nostalgia. Noroc, which means "good luck" or "cheers" in
However, the song lived on. After the band was banned, members continued to perform under different names (like "Contemporanul"), and "Toamnele" became an underground anthem. Modern Influence and Covers After the band was banned, members continued to
While often referred to as "Toamnele" (The Autumns) because of its opening lyrics, the song is officially titled (Why Do the Guitars Cry).
remains a symbol of the "golden age" of Moldovan music, representing a bridge between traditional folklore and the rebellious spirit of 1960s rock.