Pirates of the sea

Pirates of the Sea was a Latvian musical project formed in 2008 for the Eurovision Song Contest. The group was created specifically to compete in Eirodziesma 2008, Latvia’s national selection for Eurovision. The original members included Italian singer Roberto Meloni, Latvian dancer and choreographer Aleksandra Kurusova, and radio DJ Jānis Vaišļa.

The trio participated in Eirodziesma 2008 with the song Wolves of the Sea, written by Swedish songwriters Jonas Liberg, Johan Sahlén, Claes Andreasson, and Torbjörn Wassenius. The song won the national selection on March 1, 2008, earning them the right to represent Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Belgrade, Serbia.

At Eurovision, Pirates of the Sea competed in the second semi-final on May 22, 2008. They placed sixth with 86 points, securing a spot in the grand final on May 24. In the final, Wolves of the Sea finished in 12th place with 83 points. The song became notable for its upbeat, pirate-themed performance and catchy chorus.

Following Eurovision, Wolves of the Sea gained popularity beyond Latvia. The song was covered by the Swedish metal band Alestorm, who adapted it into a folk-metal style. The track remains a favorite among Eurovision fans and is frequently associated with Latvia’s entries in the contest.

After Eurovision, the group did not continue as an active band. Roberto Meloni remained involved in the Latvian music and entertainment industry, frequently appearing on television and participating in national music competitions. Jānis Vaišļa later focused on his career as a DJ and radio host but sadly passed away in 2016. Aleksandra Kurusova pursued a career in dance and choreography.

Despite its short existence, Pirates of the Sea left a lasting impression on Eurovision audiences with their energetic stage presence and nautical-themed performance. Wolves of the Sea remains one of Latvia’s most recognizable Eurovision entries.