Text by Marcelo Gomes
With a legacy spanning four decades, FM made their Brazilian debut to the delight of fans. With an exclusive show in São Paulo, fans packed the Manifesto Bar, a rock venue also known as a temple of rock. A hot night and high expectations marked the moments leading up to the British band's performance.
The show started almost on time, almost because there was only a three-minute delay that nobody noticed when Steve Overland (vocals/guitar), Jim Kirkpatrick (guitar), Merv Goldsworthy (bass), Pete Jupp (drums) and Jem Davis (keyboards) took to the stage to deliver a historic performance.
After a brief introduction, the party started with "Synchronized," which immediately elicited a resounding "Wow" from vocalist Steve, who was surprised by the warm reaction the fans were giving him in the first few minutes of the performance.
They followed with the hits “Tough It Out” and “Killed By Love.” What stood out wasn't the excellent response from the audience singing loudly to the band's classics, but rather the look of satisfaction on the faces of each member, especially vocalist Overland. He took the opportunity to say that it had been a 40-year wait, but that it would be worth it. And he wasn't lying; it was one hit after another.
The romantic atmosphere intensified during "Someday (I'll Come Running)," "Let Love Be The Leader," and "Everytime I Think Of You," with couples dancing together while others loudly sang along to the songs that marked their adolescence.
Amidst the fans' euphoria, they made room to present the single "Out Of The Blue," from the new album Old Habits Die Hard , which will be released in May 2024. The track delivers everything fans expect, that is, the best of AOR that FM has been doing for the last 40 years. Incidentally, it's worth mentioning that Steve's vocals are in great form and the band sounds incredible.
With a legacy spanning four decades, FM explored their vast discography, playing songs from various phases of the band such as "Don't Stop," "American Girls," "Does It Feel Like Love," "Frozen Heart," "Bad Luck," and "That Girl," which was recorded by Iron Maiden No. 1.
The fans were so excited in the presence of their idols that the exchange of energy was surreal and contagious. The band seemed tireless and reciprocated with what they do best: music. And the expected "I Belong To The Night" and "Turn This Car Around" were there to close this part of the set.
The encore began with "Story Of My Life" in a piano and vocal version, brilliantly and dramatically performed by vocalist Steve, who received a standing ovation at the end. As expected, "Face To Face" followed, sung right from the start. The fans' excitement was so great that they even sang along to the solo melodies. They closed with the classic "Other Side Of Midnight," leaving the audience emotional and wanting more.
Considered one of the great exponents of the genre, FM delighted the Brazilian audience who had been waiting for this moment for years. They said goodbye with the promise to return soon and even met fans after the show, making the night even more special for them.