Banda Pholhas

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1969–presente

Genres

rock, pop rock, progressive rock, disco music

Instruments

guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals

Biography

Banda Pholhas emerged in São Paulo on February 18, 1969, formed by Wagner "Bitão" Benatti, Hélio Santisteban, Oswaldo Malagutti, and Paulo Fernandes. Initially, the group dedicated themselves to covering international bands and composing in English, which led the public to believe they were foreigners. This strategy aimed at the internationalization of the work of Brazilian musicians. The name "Pholhas" was suggested by a friend, Marco Aurélio (Lelo), inspired by the album "Flowers" by the Rolling Stones.

Initial success came with the single "My Mistake", released in 1972, which reached the top of the charts and sold over 400 thousand copies, earning the band's first gold record. Other hits like "She Made Me Cry", "Forever", and "I Never Did Before" consolidated the band in the musical scene. In 1977, the group innovated by releasing the LP "O Som das Discotheques", featuring covers of hits from the disco genre, demonstrating their versatility. Over the years, the band went through various line-ups and experimented with other styles, including progressive rock with lyrics in Portuguese on their self-titled 1978 album, which became a cult work.

Despite changes and the departure of some members, such as Hélio Santisteban, who passed away in 2018, Banda Pholhas maintained their trajectory, releasing new works and celebrating over 50 years of career. The band is recognized for their contribution to Brazilian pop-rock, with a repertoire that blends international influences with a Brazilian musical identity, winning over a legion of fans throughout the decades.