Text by Marcelo Gomes
Following Rita Lee 's death in May of this year due to lung cancer, fans of the singer longed for a tribute to the Queen of Brazilian Rock. Although she found this title corny, preferring to be called Saint Rita of Sampa , the term does justice to her legacy. Corny or not, the truth is that Rita Lee is universally admired within rock and her contribution to Brazilian music is undeniable, from Os Mutantes , through Tutti-Frutti , and of course, I couldn't fail to mention her extensive solo career alongside her husband and guitarist, Roberto de Carvalho.
To that end, Beto Lee (vocals and guitar) organized the Rita Lee tribute by Beto Lee In Concert and recruited a top-notch team that includes a longtime collaborator of the singer, bassist Lee Marcucci , who was part of Tutti-Frutti and also participated for years in her solo career. Also part of the band are vocalist Débora Reis , keyboardist Danilo Santana , drummer Edu Salvitti , and guitarist Rogério Salmeron . In addition, this tribute featured special appearances by Fernanda Abreu (vocals), Luiza Sonza (vocals), and the Villa Lobos Symphony Orchestra conducted by maestro Adriano Machado . Given all these names, there was great anticipation for a possible participation by Roberto de Carvalho and perhaps even Luiz Carlini (guitarist of Tutti-Frutti).
At 10:15 PM, a short video showcasing various moments from the singer's life begins to play. In a nostalgic atmosphere, the show starts with two hits from her solo career, "Nem Luxo, Nem Lixo" and "Baila Comigo," brilliantly performed by singer Débora Reis. Immediately afterward, Beto calls the first guest of the night, singer Fernanda Abreu, who enters wearing an outfit featuring Rita's face. Introduced as a good-natured swing singer, the Rio native launches into rock with "Saúde" and the mega-classic by Tutti-Frutti , "Ovelha Negra." The audience, captivated from the first chords of the show, transforms Vibra into a giant karaoke. The climax occurred when Beto Lee poured all his emotion into a masterful reinterpretation of the "Ovelha Negra" solo; the place erupted. Fernanda made a point of thanking everyone, especially Roberto de Carvalho, who was in the audience witnessing this beautiful celebration.
Taking a stroll through the beautiful trajectory of Santa Rita de Sampa, they revisited moments from her brilliant time with Os Mutantes . Beto didn't hold back in praising his mother's former musical partners (Sérgio Dias and Arnaldo Baptista), whose images were displayed on the screens during the songs. From that period, they chose "Panis Et Circenses" and "Ando Meio Desligado," the latter in a medley with "Mania De Você." The venue was set up like an amphitheater, with the audience seated. But you know how it is, it's hard to contain the excitement, and little by little they started to get up to enjoy the show.
The list of hits is endless, and the concert will take you through “Doce Vampiro”, “Mamãe Natureza”, “Jardins Da Babilônia”, “Baila Comigo”, “Coisas Da Vida” and “Todas As Mulheres Do Mundo”. Combined with the band's energy, the orchestra conducted by Adriano Machado brings sophistication and beautiful arrangements to the songs.
Without a doubt, the guest who generated the most expectations was Luiza Sonza, due to her background outside of rock, but as they say, appearances can be deceiving, and the young singer showed what she was made of in "Amor e Sexo," delivering a great performance. In the end, she got emotional and received affection from her fans.
And it didn't stop there; there was also "On The Rocks," and Beto Lee took over vocals on "Orra Meu," which was dedicated to Branco Mello ( Titãs ). Spontaneously, the fans started shouting for Roberto. They were hoping he would participate in at least one song, but unfortunately that didn't happen. The show was nearing its end with "Banho de Espuma" and "Agora Só Falta Você," featuring the three singers. They said goodbye, but the fans were eager for more and got two more songs, "Papai, Me Empresta O Carro" and "Lança Perfume."
It was a thrilling show from beginning to end; reliving those songs on this cold Saturday night, songs that are part of the soundtrack of so many people's lives, helped warm the hearts of Rita's nostalgic fans and left no doubt that the Queen of Rock's legacy will never be forgotten.
