Biography

The Ultraje a Rigor are one of the most important groups in Brazilian rock. Their simple and danceable rock & roll approach and their irreverence and irony contributed to them solidifying their style and reaching large amounts of fans. The Ultraje a Rigor were formed in 1980 as a cover band for the Beatles, '60s rock, punk, and new wave. After some tentative formations, composer/singer/guitarist Roger Rocha Moreira (born in 1956, São Paulo, SP), drummer Leôspa (born Leonardo Galasso in 1955, São Paulo, SP), bassist Sílvio, and solo guitarist Edgard Scandurra teamed to perform at neighborhood parties and in small bars. In 1982, they adopted the name the Ultraje a Rigor because they thought their versions outrageous to the original spirit of the songs. Soon after, Sílvio left and Maurício Defendi replaced him. In April 1983, they participated in the Boca no Trombone project at the Teatro Lira Paulistana, the Mecca of libertarianism provided by the Vanguarda Paulistana label. Their show, the first with only original songs, drew the attention of WEA producer Pena Schimidt, who invited them to record their first single, "Inútil"/"Mim Quer Tocar." Problems with censorship prevented its release before October. At that point, Scandurra, who had been working at the same time with Ira!, opted for the latter. Guitarist Carlinhos (Carlo Bartolini) replaced him. The second single, "Eu me Amo"/"Rebelde sem Causa," was recorded in 1984. The refrain of "Eu me Amo" was plagiarized by Blitz in their "Egotrip," a circumstance which propelled its radio performance. But "Rebelde sem Causa," which really began to be aired in 1985, was responsible for the band's big boom. Their first LP, Nós Vamos Invadir sua Praia, was a huge success. It was the first Brazilian rock LP to receive gold and platinum status. Nine of the album's songs were widely played, and the group broke ticket-selling records in their live performances throughout Brazil. Liberdade Para Marylou had "Marylou" executed as marcha de Carnaval with the censored lyrics substituted by trombone phrases. The song was a success and remained a Carnaval classic. Their second LP came in 1987, Sexo!!. During the recording sessions, Carlinhos left the band and was replaced by guitarist Sérgio Serra. The album was as successful as the first one, and followed a new national tour for packed houses. In 1989, they recorded Crescendo, which hadn't a single great performance. In the next year, they recorded covers of their early career in Por que Ultraje a Rigor?. Maurício left the band and Andria Busic came in, being replaced by Oswaldo in the following month. With decreasing interest in the band's work, Leôspa left the group and Moreira decided to renovate it with novice musicians. The new acquisitions were drummer Flávio Suete, bassist Serginho Petroni, and guitarist Heraldo Paarman. The 1992 compilation O Mundo Encantado do Ultraje a Rigor brings two unpublished tracks and earlier hits recorded with that formation, together with the compiled tracks. Still in that year, they decided to send a message to their recording company, who weren't managing their releases adequately in their opinion, by releasing the independent Ah, Se eu Fosse Homem. In 1993, they released their sixth LP, Ó, through Warner, the fourth with unpublished material. The clip "(Acontece Toda Vez Que eu Fico) Apaixonado" had good ratings and regular airing on MTV. The Ultraje a Rigor continued to tour and recorded a live album in 2000 through Deckdisc/Abril Music, 18 Anos sem Tirar, which also featured some new material recorded in the studio. ~ Alvaro Neder, Rovi