Biography
Virna Lisi began life as a post-punk outfit before gradually weaving in strands of Brazilian folk tradition, among them samba, congada, moda de viola, and marujada. No prior punk group had attempted this fusion, and the approach left its mark on Chico Science, Nação Zumbi, Raimundos, and subsequent acts. After several years of activity the band produced a video for the song “Esperar o Quê” that aired on MTV Brazil. Their debut album, Esperar o Quê, appeared on Tinitus in 1992 and opened doors to major rock bills, among them the Monsters of Rock Tour that reached Brazil and Argentina in 1995. Two further albums followed before the group dissolved in 1997. In 2000 César Maurício, Ronaldo Gino, and Marcelo de Paula shared a stage for the first time in nearly three years, appearing together at the Pop Rock Brasil Festival before a crowd exceeding 20,000. That reunion prompted founders Maurício and Gino to launch Radar Tantã, which claimed the Video Music Brasil Award from MTV Brazil the same year. Former member Marcelo de Paula carried the Virna Lisi lineage forward by forming The Paula.
Albums
