The heavy rain that fell on São Paulo on May 23rd seemed like it would spoil the highly anticipated reunion of Barão Vermelho at Allianz Parque. However, the audience showed from the start that no storm could stop that celebration of Brazilian rock. Even with the complicated traffic around the stadium and a delay of about 30 minutes, possibly caused by the weather conditions, the fans showed up in droves. As if respecting the moment, the rain let up just during the show.
When the lights went out and the first chords of “Maior Abandonado” echoed through the stadium, it was clear that the wait had been worth it. The classic Barão Vermelho lineup, featuring Roberto Frejat, Guto Goffi, Maurício Barros , and Dé Palmeira, demonstrated synergy, energy, and intact chemistry. Following that, “Pedra, Flor e Espinho” and “Pense e Dance” kept the atmosphere high. Frejat, always charismatic, thanked the audience for their presence and made a point of mentioning the illustrious presence of Osvaldo Vecchione, vocalist and bassist of Made In Brazil, drawing applause from the fans most attentive to the legacy of Brazilian rock.
The show gained momentum with songs like “Política Voz,” “Tão Longe de Tudo,” and a vibrant “Bete Balanço,” which was received with immediate enthusiasm by the audience. The crowd sang along to practically every lyric, reinforcing the weight of Barão Vermelho's work in the collective memory of several generations. Classics like “Tente Outra Vez” and “O Tempo Não Pára” paved the way for one of the most anticipated moments of the night: the entrance of Ney Matogrosso.
When announcing the guest, Frejat defined him as a fundamental name in the history of Barão Vermelho. The reception was worthy of a legend, as he truly is. At over 80 years old, Ney Matogrosso appeared on stage displaying impressive vitality, a magnetic presence, and a voice in impeccable form. “Poema,” “Jardins da Babilônia,” and “Blues da Piedade” offered moments of intense artistic expression. The encounter between Ney and Barão Vermelho didn't just sound like a special guest appearance, but an essential chapter in that musical narrative.
The next part of the show was marked by pure emotion. “Todo Amor Que Houver Nessa Vida,” accompanied by images of Cazuza on the screens, transformed the stadium into a grand tribute to the memory of Barão Vermelho's greatest poet. “Codinome Beija-Flor” provoked one of the most emotional reactions of the night, while “Por Você” brought the collective chorus of thousands of voices. In another memorable moment, Guto Goffi took the microphone to remind everyone that they were in Pompeia, “the capital of Brazilian rock,” the birthplace of bands like Mutantes, Made In Brazil, and Tutti Frutti, before introducing his bandmates and reinforcing the importance of that show for the group's trajectory.
With Allianz Parque illuminated by cell phone flashlights during “Amor Meu Grande Amor,” the performance entered its most festive phase. “Malandragem Dá Um Tempo,” with Maurício Barros on vocals, ignited the audience, as did the excellent version of “Quando o Sol Bater na Janela do Teu Quarto,” by Legião Urbana. The encore featured tributes, nostalgia, and catharsis: “Bilhetinho Azul”; “Ovelha Negra,” a homage to the icon of Brazilian guitar, Luiz Carlini of Tutti Frutti; culminating in “O Poeta Está Vivo,” “Por Que a Gente é Assim?” and the apotheotic “Pro Dia Nascer Feliz,” again alongside Ney Matogrosso.
More than just a simple gathering, Barão Vermelho delivered a celebration of Brazilian rock history at Allianz Parque. Amidst rain, memories, tributes, and breathtaking performances, the band wrote, as Guto Goffi stated, an important chapter in its trajectory. The audience, who braved traffic, adverse weather, and hours of waiting, left with the feeling of having participated in something truly historic.
Check out the official photos taken by Pridia:
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