Legião Urbana

Origin

Brasília, DF

Years Active

1982–1996

Genres

rock, post-punk, alternative rock, folk rock

Instruments

vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keyboards

Biography

Formed in 1982 in the city of Brasília, Legião Urbana consolidated itself as one of the greatest phenomena in the history of Brazilian music. Founded by Renato Russo and Marcelo Bonfá after the end of the band Aborto Elétrico, the group gained its classic lineup with the entry of guitarist Dado Villa-Lobos and, later, bassist Renato Rocha. The band was one of the pillars of the so-called "Holy Quartet" of 1980s Brazilian rock, alongside groups such as Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Titãs, and Barão Vermelho.

The band's trajectory is marked by lyrics with strong social, political, and poetic content, mostly written by Renato Russo. Albums such as 'Dois' (1986), 'Que País É Este' (1987), and 'As Quatro Estações' (1989) elevated the group to the status of a national icon, with sales exceeding the 30 million mark over the decades. Songs like "Tempo Perdido", "Eduardo e Mônica", and "Faroeste Caboclo" became generational anthems, mixing British post-punk influences with the lyricism of MPB and alternative rock.

With the untimely death of Renato Russo on October 11, 1996, the band officially ended its activities just eleven days later. Legião Urbana's legacy, however, remained alive through posthumous releases and celebration projects led by the remaining members, Dado Villa-Lobos and Marcelo Bonfá, who returned to the stage in commemorative tours starting in 2015, featuring guest musicians such as André Frateschi. The band's connection with other artists from Brasília, such as Plebe Rude and Capital Inicial, reinforces its importance in paving the way for modern national rock.

Discography

• Legião Urbana (1985)
• Será (1985)
• Dois (1986)
• Que País É Este 1978/1987 (1987)
• As Quatro Estações (1989)
• V (1991)
• Música P/ Acampamentos (1992)
• O Descobrimento Do Brasil (1993)
• A Tempestade, ou o Livro dos Dias (1996)
• Uma Outra Estação (1997)
• Acústico MTV (1999)
• Acústico (Ao Vivo em São Paulo / 1999) (1999)
• Como É que Se Diz Eu Te Amo Vol. 1 (2001)
• Como É que Se Diz Eu Te Amo Vol. 2 (2001)
• Como É que Se Diz Eu Te Amo (2001)
• Como É que Se Diz Eu Te Amo - Show Completo (Ao Vivo / Vol. 1 & 2) (2001)
• As Quatro Estações Ao Vivo (2004)
• As Quatro Estações - Ao Vivo (Live) (2004)
• Legião Urbana e Paralamas – Juntos (2009)