I'm with the band

This is the Pamela Des Barres book's title. For me, the sentence means some kind of reaffirmation. A way to prove "I'm important" by being with others, living (in the shadows of) their lives.

As Miss Pamela, many other groupies become "famous", mainly in the 70s (see Cynthia Plaster Caster, "Bebe" Buell and "Sweet" Connie). However, in different levels, even nowadays there are lots of them! Everywhere.

Personally, I think they are all dependent women. Once they need the base of somebody else to be someone, I'm convinced they haven't enough worth. Not by themselves.

Superficial people, in my opinion. Even if important for band rock stars... to fuck with (may have a baby and finally give them a "carreer"). Status prostitutes, then. Without a doubt.

 
On the other hand, of course they are fun! Sex, drugs and rock n' roll - who doesn't enjoy it?! In this context (of showbusiness), everything is cool, magic. Nothing is real, though.  

Vocation is required; not truth... Well, it's a matter of choice, values. Although I've loved so much Almost Famous, I honestly don't believe in this fake glamour.

Likewise, I CAN'T trust them. Sorry, but I simply CAN'T stand who pretends to be something which is false. For their behaviour, vicarious embarrassment... 

Working seriously, I avoid this type of girls. Furthermore, I'd rather they disqulify our category. Am I being too hard? Who is in the trade knows... 

Vulgar, low, base. So trashy!

heavyweight choose(s)

“A música venceu” - It‘s true!

With this samba-enredo, João Carlos Martins’ life was sang by Vai Vai Samba School and they won the São Paulo’s parade carnival this year. One of the most noted contemporary musicians of erudite, he was honoured by a big fancy show at this carnival time.

This pianoman and maestro, well-known by his acclaimed (Johann Sebastian) Bach performances, had his life presented on the avenue cadenced by Bateria’s beats played by hundreds of rhythmers on Friday, 04th. For those who don’t know, This man is a live example of overcoming.

He have had great difficulties during his career. Firstly, since he had lost his right-hand movements due to an accident during a soccer match, he became a maestro. Just as he had rehabilitated his capacity to play again, he developed a illness that made him give up of music.

However, his passion was stronger and he passed to play only with the left hand, creating an unique style. After a concert in Sofia, Bulgaria, he was robbed and took a licking, losing the movements again. So, after a dream, he decided to learn to conduct and, finally, became a maestro. Nowadays, he is world-widely recognized.

Interesting, because life’s journey can be as a symphony with its acts: allegro, andante, adagio and largo. Life has its ups and downs. It is important keep going on, though.

once a king, always a king

Another triumph of music was the Beija-Flor's parade, in Rio de Janeiro, on Monday 7th (better: on the early morning of Tuesday).  Presenting Roberto Carlos's life, they won this year the dispute.

As João Carlos, Roberto is another example of overcoming. Many people don't know, but he lost one of his legs when he was a child. It was an accident, a locomotive runned over him. Nevertheless, he continued his life quite fine and reached the peak of acclaim and has been decorated as a ’king’ (of MPB, and also youth in 60’s, and since 2010, of Latin Music).

His groupies (at any age - from childhood through the old age - nevertheless, the majority aren't little girls anymore...) are always shouting, frenetic. His fan legion was awaiting anxiously for that moment of glory. Now, they are satisfied - many have held fast with them the red rose given (a tacky cliché that still works with this audience).

This year, Vai Vai and Beija Flor were succeded while choosing two men of renown (and also blessed) -as the noble motif (or theme) for their carnival parade. Both São Paulo e Rio have homaged our music, which won anyway, indeed!

Bravo.

como nossos pais

Esses tempos conheci a herdeira de um império conceitual do rock brasileiro: Vivi Seixas, a filha do Raul.

Estar na sua presença, colocou-me a pensar sobre quem era aquela figura querida, com quem de cara me dei bem. Fazermos um trabalho conjunto me oportunizou maior contato, papo mais profundo e o questionamento sobre o que de nossos pais carregamos em nós.

Fiquei a mira-la e procurar o ‘maluco beleza’ naquela menina-mulher forte e amável. Irreverência e talento a moça tem de sobra, é inegável. Mas, além disso, o que ela ainda traz nela do famoso Raulzito? Nessa busca não estaria eu sendo injusta com ela, esperando demais em transferir a ela uma responsabilidade que de repente não lhe cabe?

Foi mais forte do que eu. Não fiz por mal, juro. Ela nem sonha com isso, embora não seja segredo (mas jamais perguntaria também... prefiro ficar pensando a respeito, descobrindo a resposta aos poucos). Nem é sangria desatada tal curiosidade. Foi somente um pensamento tolo, mas intenso, que me assombrou em tempos tão propícios.

Hoje faz 20 anos da morte de Raul Seixas e, em meio a uma programação rica em sua homenagem, encontro-me num momento saudosista do nosso rei do rock. Hoje volto a refletir sobre suas músicas, comportamento, estilo de vida, filosofia, obra.

Raul deixou um legado. Seus fãs são xiitas e um tanto chatos por isso até (vão de jovens idealistas a velhos carrancudos). Vivi foi transgressora em optar pela música eletrônica como ferramenta de trabalho – ela é DJ. Se seguisse pelo rock, não haveria subversão.

Ta aí! Escrevendo esse textinho, organizando os pensamentos, já consegui ver nela algumas coisas de seu pai. E eu? O que eu tenho em mim do meu, fora a fisionomia? E de minha mãe? Essa eu já sei a resposta: a garra.

E viva as novas gerações e tudo aquilo que trazem de novo! É a evolução das espécies. Não estamos fazendo nada mais do que vivendo - como nossos pais (porque afinal “tudo acaba onde começou...”).

Para relembrá-lo em grande estilo, um pedido: Vivi, toca Raul! (no seu estilo, claro). Um novo clássico!