Is this due to change in the status of memory of Stalin within the Soviet state even as early as the 70's or was it simply "artistic license" to leave Lenin in but take him out?
Discovered the difference while reading this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Anthem_of_the_Soviet_Union
Between 1955 and the adoption of new lyrics in 1977 the Soviet anthem was performed without words.
Stalin was renounced unabashedly in the 20th party congress of 1956. The following period of political liberalization is called the "Thaw".