Text by Marcelo Gomes
After much anticipation surrounding Kiko Loureiro in Megadeth , the guitarist scheduled two solo performances (December 8th and 9th) in São Paulo. Needless to say, the tickets sold out in minutes. Those lucky enough to manage to snag one of these coveted tickets were treated to a true masterclass in virtuosity and good taste during the show.
All this hype surrounding his name attracted both longtime fans and newcomers, as well as those curious about the Brazilian who played in a foreign band. Perhaps what most didn't know was that the performance would be based on his solo material and would feature practically nothing or very little from Angra and Megadeth. But contrary to what one might assume about his instrumental work, Kiko has excellent solo work and a versatility that ranges from metal to Brazilian music, passing through jazz and fusion. All these elements result in sophisticated music that is also appealing to everyone's ears.
To accompany him, he chose a top-notch team consisting of Luiz Rodrigues (guitar), Junior Braguinha (bass), and Luigi Paraventi (drums). The night began with "Overflow," a track from the award-winning Open Source . The first few notes were enough to mesmerize the audience with the guitarist's virtuosity. Without further ado, he followed with "Reflective." Once again, his skills impressed; amidst a great groove, he crafted a beautiful guitar melody, proving that a beautiful voice isn't necessary to express feelings. The rhythm accelerated with "Escaping," but it became clear that it's not about speed, but about making complex parts appealing to the untrained eye—something Kiko does masterfully, enchanting everyone.
The first interaction with the fans involved talking about how much he missed playing in São Paulo, as it had been four years since his last time. Without lingering, he played two more songs from Open Source, this time “Vital Signs” and “Dreamlike.” The audience, attentively following the brilliant guitar work, witnessed the meticulous details of the flawless execution that earned Kiko his well-deserved guitar hero status. The fans seemed in shock before an entity. The great thing about these more intimate shows is that you see the artist you like up close, showing their facets right in front of you. The Brazilian influences were more evident in “Pau De Arara,” where, among its initial chords, Loureiro played the opening riff of Angra's “Hunters And Prey,” which also has this style.
With his guitar in hand, he played Megadeth's "Conquer Or Die" to the delight of fans who were eager for something from the band. The instrumental track fit perfectly into the setlist, satisfying the desire of everyone who wanted to hear this material. To calm things down a bit, came "No Gravity" from the album of the same name. Kiko explained that he recorded this album during a break from recording Temple Of Shadows , being his first solo album. Next, Brazilianness blossomed in "Feijão De Corda," a song that was born as a tribute to Alceu Valença and gave way to a great jam session between the band members, drawing much applause from the audience. "Du Monde" closed this part in an incredible way; Loureiro even inserted some notes from "Rebirth" into its initial chords, making the fans go back in time and relive memories.
The encore began with "Nothing To Say," an Angra classic featuring the guitarist's most iconic riff, which still drives crowds wild today. But all good things come to an end, and they bid farewell with the complex "Enfermo," in an electrifying performance.
The guitarist remains incredibly sharp, and in just over an hour, Kiko showed why he is recognized worldwide. His unmistakable style manages to combine technique and good taste, transforming his music into something inspiring for everyone. It's no wonder that over three decades he has become the greatest guitar reference in Brazil, an example to be followed by anyone who wants to pursue this profession.
