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| Os Paralamas do Sucesso | |
|---|---|
| Name | Os Paralamas do Sucesso |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Rio de Janeiro |
| Genres | Rock, Reggae, Ska, Pop |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Labels | EMI Records, Universal Music |
| Associated acts | Titãs, Barão Vermelho, Legião Urbana, Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso |
Os Paralamas do Sucesso are a Brazilian rock band formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1977. The trio achieved national and international success with a blend of rock, Reggae, Ska and pop sensibilities, becoming one of the leading acts of the Brazilian popular music scene from the 1980s onward. They have released numerous albums on labels such as EMI Records and Universal Music, collaborated with artists like Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque, and performed at major events including appearances alongside Madonna, Metallica, and festivals like Rock in Rio.
Formed in the late 1970s by members from Rio de Janeiro music circles, the band emerged alongside contemporaries such as Barão Vermelho, Titãs, and Legião Urbana during the Brazilian rock boom of the 1980s. Early exposure came via clubs supported by promoters linked to Rede Globo and independent radio stations that played singles alongside tracks from Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Marisa Monte, and Kid Abelha. Breakthrough albums joined compilation releases distributed by EMI Records with production influenced by engineers who had worked with The Police and Bob Marley. International tours brought them into festivals featuring acts like U2, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and The Cure, while studio collaborations involved producers associated with Peter Gabriel and Sting. Over decades they navigated line-up changes and a serious 2001 accident that connected them to medical teams from Hospital das Clínicas and rehabilitation programs linked to institutions such as Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.
The band’s sound synthesizes rhythms drawn from Reggae pioneers like Bob Marley and Toots and the Maytals, the guitar-driven energy of The Who and The Police, and Brazilian popular traditions exemplified by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque. Arrangements often incorporate horn lines reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire and melodic bass work inspired by James Jamerson and Paul McCartney. Production aesthetics show influence from studios and producers associated with Pink Floyd, Brian Eno, and Quincy Jones, while lyrical themes echo songwriters such as Ruy Guerra and poets connected to Tropicália. The fusion of Ska grooves, Pop music hooks, and Latin American rhythms situates the band within a lineage that includes Os Mutantes, Secos & Molhados, and Tim Maia.
Core members include musicians educated in the Rio de Janeiro scene who performed alongside peers from Barão Vermelho and Titãs. Touring and studio line-ups have featured session artists who have also worked with Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Elis Regina, Gal Costa, Djavan, Marisa Monte, Nando Reis, Rita Lee, Roberto Carlos, Lenine, Seu Jorge, Leny Andrade, João Bosco, Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Ivan Lins, Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano, and Gal Costa again in collaborative contexts. Guest appearances on records included musicians associated with The Police, UB40, The Clash, and contemporary producers linked to Rick Rubin and Daniel Lanois.
Their catalogue spans studio albums, live records, and compilations released on EMI Records, Universal Music, and independent labels. Notable albums were promoted in the same era as releases by Legião Urbana, Titãs, Barão Vermelho, Kid Abelha, Marina Lima, Lulu Santos, Cazuza, Fernando Pessoa-inspired projects, and tribute compilations honoring Tom Jobim and Caetano Veloso. International distribution led to placements on playlists alongside Bob Marley, The Police, U2, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, The Cure, and Brazilian icons like Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Gil.
The group has received accolades from institutions and ceremonies that honored peers such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, and international acts like Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan. Awards include national industry prizes equivalent to Grammy-level recognition in Brazil and honors from cultural bodies linked to Ministério da Cultura (Brazil), music academies associated with Universidade de São Paulo, and festival juries at events like Rock in Rio and international showcases shared with Madonna and Metallica.
Touring history includes headlining slots at major festivals such as Rock in Rio, joint bills with international artists including U2, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Metallica, and appearances at venues known for hosting The Police and Bob Marley tribute nights. Live albums documented performances recorded in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Miami, New York City, and festival stages that also presented Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Marisa Monte, and Djavan. Tours often featured orchestral arrangements similar to concert collaborations undertaken by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil with symphony orchestras.
The band’s influence permeates Brazilian popular music, inspiring generations of artists who cite them alongside Titãs, Legião Urbana, Barão Vermelho, Marina Lima, Lulu Santos, Nando Reis, Cazuza, and Rita Lee. Their fusion of international styles with Brazilian traditions contributed to soundtrack placements, film scores alongside composers like Erasmo Carlos and directors linked to Cinema Novo, and educational programs at institutions such as Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Universidade de São Paulo. Cultural tributes and cover albums have featured reinterpretations by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Marisa Monte, Djavan, Lenine, Seu Jorge, Nando Reis, Rita Lee, Titãs, and international artists influenced by their sound.
Category:Brazilian rock music groups