Os Paralamas do Sucesso
- Origin
- Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Years active
- 1982
- Genres
- rock, reggae, ska, pop rock, latin rock, MPB
- Instruments
- vocals, guitar, electric bass, drums
Biography
Formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1982, Os Paralamas do Sucesso is one of the definitive pillars of the 1980s Brazilian rock movement. The band was founded by Herbert Vianna (vocals and guitar), Bi Ribeiro (bass), and Vital Dias (drums), though Dias was soon replaced by João Barone. While their early work, such as the 1983 debut 'Cinema Mudo', leaned into rock and reggae, the group quickly gained a reputation for their musical versatility. Their breakthrough came with 'O Passo do Lui' (1984), featuring massive hits like 'Meu Erro' and 'Óculos', which led to a historic performance at the first Rock in Rio festival. \n\n Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the band evolved by incorporating brass sections, Latin rhythms, and African influences, as heard in 'Selvagem?' (1986) and 'Bora-Bora' (1988). They became known for high-profile collaborations with Brazilian icons such as Gilberto Gil, Djavan, and Carlinhos Brown. Despite an experimental phase in the early 90s with albums like 'Severino', the trio returned to massive commercial success with 'Vamo Batê Lata' (1995) and their 'Acústico MTV' (1999), the latter of which earned them a Latin Grammy. \n\n In 2001, the band's future was threatened when Herbert Vianna suffered a serious ultralight plane crash that left him paraplegic and killed his wife. Showing incredible resilience, the band returned to the stage and the studio just a year later with 'Longo Caminho' (2002). With over four decades of activity, Os Paralamas do Sucesso remains one of Brazil's most respected and enduring acts, bridging the gap between rock, pop, and MPB while maintaining a massive following across Latin America.