Vímana

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1974–1978

Genres

progressive rock, psychedelic rock, pop rock

Instruments

vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, flute

Biography

Vímana was one of the most emblematic Brazilian progressive rock groups of the 1970s, serving as a true breeding ground of talent for national pop music. Formed in 1974 in Rio de Janeiro, the band initially featured musicians coming from other experimental projects, such as Módulo 1000 and Veludo Elétrico. The group's name was a suggestion by Lulu Santos, inspired by Sanskrit, meaning 'Chariot of the Gods'. The most classic and well-known lineup stabilized with Lulu Santos on guitar, Ritchie on vocals and flute, Lobão on drums, Luiz Paulo Simas on keyboards, and Fernando Gama on bass.

During its brief yet intense trajectory, Vímana participated in crucial moments of national rock, such as the Banana Progressiva and Hollywood Rock festivals. The group circulated through the Rio artistic circuit, collaborating with heavyweights like Fagner, Marília Pêra, and Walter Franco, in addition to performing joint shows with Sérgio Dias of Os Mutantes. In 1977, they released the single 'Zebra' / 'Masquerade' through Som Livre, but the full album recorded at the time ended up remaining unreleased for decades, shelved by the record label.

The band's dissolution was marked by a turbulent collaboration with Swiss keyboardist Patrick Moraz. The virtuosity and promises of an international career brought by Moraz generated internal tensions, especially between him and Lulu Santos. Ego conflicts, disagreements over the band's lineup, and even personal issues involving Lobão led to the group's end in 1978. Following the breakup, Lulu Santos, Ritchie, and Lobão forged enormously commercially successful solo careers in the 80s, establishing themselves as pillars of BRock. Fernando Gama continued his trajectory as a backing musician for major icons like Chico Buarque and Tom Jobim, while Simas pursued distinct paths in music and lifestyle.

Discography

• Space Triangle of Love (2024)