Renato Rocha

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

rock, alternative rock, mpb

Instruments

bass guitar, vocals, composer

Biography

Renato da Silva Rocha, also known by his nicknames Negrete or Billy, was a Brazilian singer, composer, and musician best known as the bassist of the iconic rock band Legião Urbana. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he moved to Brasília during his youth, where he immersed himself in the local underground music scene and played in various bands such as Gestapo and Dents Kents before joining Legião Urbana in 1984.

Rocha joined Legião Urbana just as the band was signing with EMI, stepping in to play bass when Renato Russo was unable to record the group's debut album due to a medical emergency. As an official member, he contributed significantly to the band's classic sound and co-wrote several prominent tracks alongside bandmates such as Dado Villa-Lobos and Marcelo Bonfá. His tenure lasted until 1989, when personal struggles and creative differences led to his departure from the group.

After leaving Legião Urbana, Rocha continued his musical journey by participating in other projects, including the band Cartilage, and later made guest appearances and tribute performances celebrating the legacy of Legião Urbana. Despite his contributions to Brazilian rock history, his later years were marked by severe financial difficulties and personal battles with substance abuse. Renato Rocha passed away in Guarujá in 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the history of Brazilian alternative and rock music.