Renato Russo, a singer, songwriter, bassist, and leader of Legião Urbana, passed away on October 11, 1996, in Rio de Janeiro, due to AIDS-related complications. Born on March 27, 1960, in Rio, he moved to Brasília at the age of nine. His musical career included stints with the band Aborto Elétrico and the iconic Legião Urbana, where he recorded nine albums. Renato also released three solo works.
Leading Legião Urbana, he became an influential figure in Brazilian rock, creating classics such as “Será,” “Geração Coca-Cola,” “Que País é Este?,” “Tempo Perdido,” and “Faroeste Caboclo.” Some fans had an almost religious devotion to the band, calling it “Religião Urbana,” but Renato always rejected that status.
Matheus Araújo
Matheus Araújo is the founder and editor of Brazilian History. Born in Rio de Janeiro and holding a degree in Advertising and Marketing, his passion for history led him to enroll at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he is currently pursuing a degree in History Education.
