Text by Marcelo Gomes
The third project by Dado Villa-Lobos and Marcelo Bonfá premiered in São Paulo last Saturday, the 7th. The reunion of the remaining members of Legião Urbana took place for a unique tour called As V Estações , celebrating two iconic albums by the band, As Quatro Estações (1989) and V (1991) , and once again, the audience did not disappoint and showed up in large numbers at Espaço Unimed.
This time, Dado and Bonfá didn't use Legião Urbana's name in the project, perhaps to avoid legal problems, but the fact is that it didn't interfere at all and showed that the band's legacy is much greater than any controversy. Accompanied by André Frateschi (vocals), Lucas Vasconcellos (guitar), Mauro Berman (bass and musical direction), and Pedro Augusto (keyboards), the friendly Dado took to the microphone to say good evening and welcome the audience to the tour presentation, " As V Estações" (The Five Seasons Renato Russo 's long lyrics with fervor in a surreal synergy.
André says it's great to play at home before performing "Eu Sei," which is immediately sung along to by the fans. Even the predetermined setlist didn't diminish the spontaneity and novelty for many who were witnessing those songs being performed for the first time. At times, Dado takes over the vocals, as in "Sete Cidades," and at others, Bonfá does so in "Teatro dos Vampiros" and "Por Enquanto.".
The setlist was carefully curated. The sequence that followed gave fans the opportunity to relive moments that will surely be etched in their memories, and nostalgia took over during “Tempo Perdido”, “Índios”, “Será”, “Faroeste Caboclo” and “1965 (Duas Tribos)”. The arrangements, the band's performance, the beautiful images on the screen, and the audience forming a great chorus transformed this into one of the most memorable moments of the night.
The theatrical side emerges in "Soldados" when Frateschi challenges Dado with his kilt as if in a bullfight, Villa-Lobos responds by simulating attacks with his guitar until Andre falls to the ground and begs for his life. Marcelo returns to the vocals in "Se Fiquei Esperando". They take advantage of the moment to introduce the band, which was very well received by the São Paulo audience. But when André introduces the indispensable duo that made all this happen, the place erupts. Dado is happy and surprised by the number of children present. He also says that it's good to see that even after four decades, Legião Urbana's music still has relevance and attracts new fans.
After a warm moment and amidst shouts of “ uh, it’s Legião! ”, Dado takes over the vocals again in “Quando O Sol Bater” and does an excellent job. The show draws to a close with “Pais e Filhos”, another song that the audience practically sings along to. They say goodbye with “Monte Castelo”. The return for the encore was emotional; André appears with a flag in his hands bearing the image of Renato Russo, Dado, Bonfá, and Renato Rocha (Negrete), emphasizing the importance of the presence of the Legionnaires. He also says that Renato, besides being present in the band's lyrics and melodies, is now lightning, thunder, the true breath of the dragon that is above them. He shouts: “Long live Renato Russo!” The audience responds by shouting the former singer's name incessantly. The moment is interrupted when, without warning, they say goodbye with the epic “Metal Contra As Nuvens”, one of the most anticipated songs of the show.
Unfortunately, two members (Renato Russo and Renato Rocha) from the band's classic phase are no longer with us, but this doesn't stop the duo from continuing to celebrate the material they were a part of. Since these celebrations of Legião Urbana's albums were announced in 2015, fans have supported the project with immense devotion, without questioning the legitimacy of the tours. What was seen at Espaço Unimed proves that the songs are timeless and have transcended their creators. There are no words to perfectly describe the experience of witnessing such a show. It felt like a meeting of souls in harmony, a true catharsis in a happy dream!
