Pit Passarell

Origin

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also known as

Pedro Sérgio Murad Passarell

Years active

1985

Genres

heavy metal, rock

Instruments

bass guitar, vocals

Biography

Pit Passarell was a prominent Argentine-born Brazilian heavy metal composer, singer, and bassist, best known as one of the founding members of the iconic band Viper. Alongside his bandmates, he helped shape the Brazilian heavy metal scene in the 1980s and 1990s, recording his debut album at just eighteen years old and penning enduring hits such as "Living for the Night" and "To Live Again". Following the departure of vocalist Andre Matos, Pit stepped up to handle lead vocals for the group, steering them through successful international tours in Japan and Europe before eventually returning exclusively to bass duties.

Beyond his foundational work with Viper, Pit made a massive impact on the Brazilian rock landscape as a prolific songwriter for Capital Inicial, a band featuring his brother and former Viper guitarist Yves Passarell. He composed several of the group's most successful and recognizable tracks, including "Não Olhe pra Trás", "Depois da Meia-Noite", and "O Mundo". His ability to craft melodic yet heavy anthems cemented his status as a vital figure in Brazilian rock and heavy metal history.

In 2020, Pit released his long-awaited debut solo album, Praticamente Nada, showcasing his distinct songwriting voice outside of his primary band. Throughout his career, he shared musical spaces and creative spirits with fellow Brazilian rock icons like Andre Matos. Though his life was cut short by pancreatic cancer in September 2024, his extensive catalog and enduring legacy within bands like Viper continue to resonate deeply with fans of Brazilian heavy metal.