Ultraje A Rigor

Ultraje a Rigor rank among the most influential acts in Brazilian rock history. Their straightforward, dance-oriented rock & roll, laced with irreverence and biting irony, helped them define a distinctive sound and build a vast following. The band originated in 1980 as a cover ensemble devoted to the Beatles, 1960s rock, punk, and new wave. After several lineup shifts, composer, singer, and guitarist Roger Rocha Moreira (born 1956 in São Paulo, SP), drummer Leôspa (born Leonardo Galasso in 1955 in São Paulo, SP), bassist Sílvio, and lead guitarist Edgard Scandurra began performing at local parties and modest venues. In 1982 the musicians chose the name Ultraje a Rigor, convinced that their renditions violated the originals’ spirit. Sílvio soon departed, and Maurício Defendi took his place.

During April 1983 the group appeared in the Boca no Trombone showcase at Teatro Lira Paulistana, the hub of creative freedom fostered by the Vanguarda Paulistana label. That concert, their first devoted solely to original material, attracted WEA producer Pena Schimidt, who offered them a debut single, “Inútil”/“Mim Quer Tocar.” Censorship delayed its release until October. At the same time Scandurra, already active with Ira!, chose to remain with that band, so guitarist Carlinhos (Carlo Bartolini) stepped in. A second single, “Eu me Amo”/“Rebelde sem Causa,” was cut in 1984. Blitz lifted the chorus of “Eu me Amo” for their track “Egotrip,” which unexpectedly boosted airplay for the Ultraje version, yet “Rebelde sem Causa,” which gained traction only in 1985, truly ignited the band’s breakthrough.

Their debut album, Nós Vamos Invadir sua Praia, achieved massive commercial success and became the first Brazilian rock LP to earn gold and platinum certifications. Nine tracks received heavy rotation, and the band shattered attendance records across the country. Liberdade Para Marylou featured “Marylou” performed as a marcha de Carnaval, its censored words replaced by trombone lines; the song became a lasting Carnaval favorite. The follow-up, Sexo!!, arrived in 1987. During those sessions Carlinhos exited and Sérgio Serra assumed guitar duties. The record matched the first album’s impact, prompting another national tour before sold-out crowds.

Crescendo, recorded in 1989, failed to produce a major hit. The next year the band issued Por que Ultraje a Rigor?, a set of early-career covers. Maurício departed, Andria Busic joined briefly, and Oswaldo replaced him within a month. Leôspa then left amid waning interest, prompting Moreira to rebuild with newcomers: drummer Flávio Suete, bassist Serginho Petroni, and guitarist Heraldo Paarman. The 1992 compilation O Mundo Encantado do Ultraje a Rigor added two unreleased songs and earlier hits cut by the new lineup alongside previously released material. That same year the musicians expressed dissatisfaction with their label’s promotion by issuing the independent album Ah, Se eu Fosse Homem. In 1993 they released their sixth studio album, Ó, through Warner. The clip for “(Acontece Toda Vez Que eu Fico) Apaixonado” received solid MTV exposure. The group maintained an active touring schedule and, in 2000, issued the live recording 18 Anos sem Tirar through Deckdisc/Abril Music, which also contained several newly tracked studio songs.