Allianz Parque in São Paulo was the stage for a memorable night on May 31st, when Os Paralamas do Sucesso celebrated their 40-year career with an epic and nostalgic show. The event brought together thousands of fans from different generations, creating an atmosphere of euphoria and emotional connection. The celebration not only revisited the band's greatest hits but also highlighted that the group's repertoire is part of the soundtrack of Brazilian music. The opening act was none other than Dado Villa-Lobos , former guitarist of Legião Urbana .
With the stadium practically empty, Dado Villa-Lobos began his performance with “Ainda É Cedo”, “Índios”, “Sereníssima” and “Há Tempos”. Taking on the vocals with personality, Dado surprised and won over the audience immediately. Accompanied by an excellent band, he faithfully delivered the classics from his former band. Too bad for those who didn't arrive in time to witness this important part of Brazilian rock history.
The guitarist didn't limit himself to Legião Urbana's repertoire and presented covers such as "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure and "Tudo Que Vai" by Capital Inicial , dedicated to Toni Platão , in addition to tracks from his solo career like "Diamante" and "Overdose Coração," creating a balance between melancholy and celebration. With André Frateschi on vocals, the show continued with songs like "Eu Sei" and "Quando o Sol Bater Na Janela do Teu Quarto," which were performed with an intensity that evoked affective memories, culminating in an emotional ending with "Pais e Filhos," "Será," and "Tempo Perdido," which left the audience in a state of catharsis. Despite being a solo performance, Dado didn't limit himself to the obvious; he used the stage to pay homage to influences and friends, preparing the ground for Paralamas. His departure was met with a standing ovation, with Allianz Parque already buzzing with anticipation, proving that he not only warmed up the crowd but also reinforced the shared legacy of Brazilian rock.
Os Paralamas do Sucesso, led by the charismatic Herbert Vianna , Bi Ribeiro, and João Barone , exploded onto the stage with an energy that seemed to defy time, starting their set with “Vital e Sua Moto” and “Cinema Mudo,” tracks that immediately ignited the stadium and had the audience jumping as if their 40-year career was just the beginning. With an extensive repertoire of 35 songs, the band delved into their classics, incorporating covers and fusions that added fresh layers, such as “Bora-Bora” and “Pólvora,” followed by “Ska” and an unusual version of “Lourinha Bombril” by Los Pericos . The crystal-clear sound of Allianz Parque enhanced the sharp guitars and contagious groove, with Herbert interacting with the crowd, creating a sense of intimacy amidst the monumental scale of the show.
Os Paralamas demonstrated their versatility by traversing different eras and influences, with songs like “O Calibre,” “Selvagem/Polícia” (a fusion with the Titãs ), and “Mensagem de Amor” gaining new arrangements that mixed ska, reggae, and rock. Highlights such as “Lanterna dos Afogados,” illuminated by a sea of cell phones that transformed the stadium into an ocean of lights, and “Seguindo Estrelas” raised the energy to maximum levels, while tracks like “Romance Ideal” and “Ela Disse Adeus” served as a chronological journey through the band's discography. The setlist, rich in collaborations such as “Trac-Trac” by Fito Páez and “Gostava Tanto de Você / Você” by Tim Maia , highlighted Os Paralamas' ability to engage with the global music scene while maintaining the Brazilian essence that has captivated generations.
The celebratory tone of the 40th anniversary was highlighted in the third segment, with songs like “Cuide Bem do Seu Amor” (Take Good Care of Your Love), “Tendo a Lua” (Having the Moon), and “Alagados” (Flooded) (which included a snippet of “Sociedade Alternativa” by Raul Seixas) serving as anthems of resilience and inspiration. Herbert Vianna, with his powerful voice and brief stories about the band's journey, transformed the show into a lesson in overcoming adversity, especially after his accident in 2001, and the audience reciprocated with unison choruses during “Uma Brasileira” (A Brazilian Woman) and “Óculos” (Glasses). This part of the repertoire reinforced the legacy of Os Paralamas as spokespeople for a nation in transformation, mixing social criticism and optimism in tracks like “Assaltaram a Gramática” (They Robbed Grammar) and “Será Que Vai Chover?” (Will It Rain?), creating a space for reflection amidst the celebration.
Finally, the show culminated in an explosive encore that sealed the night as a historic milestone, with a cover of Tim Maia's "Sossego," followed by "Perplexo," "Caleidoscópio," and "Meu Erro." The highlight came with Legião Urbana's "Que País é Este?", bringing Dado Villa-Lobos and André Frateschi back to the stage for an epic collaboration that united generations. The closing number was The Clash ." This conclusion not only honored the 40th anniversary but reaffirmed the relevance of Os Paralamas in contemporary rock. Overall, the event was a masterclass in Brazilian music, where Dado brilliantly prepared the groundwork for a celebration that transcended the stage, transforming Allianz Parque into a temple of Brazilian rock. An unmissable night for fans and a reminder that rock never gets old.
Check out the photos taken by our photographer Jéssica Marinho :
