A Banca
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Santos , Brazil |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
Number of employees | 5 |
A Banca (translated from Portuguese as "The Stand") was a short-lived Brazilian alternative rock group originating from Santos, São Paulo. It primarily consisted of former members of Charlie Brown Jr. and is often viewed as the band's "spiritual successor."
History
Following the dissolution of Charlie Brown Jr. after vocalist Chorão passed away due to a cocaine overdose on March 6, 2013, the remaining musicians—guitarists Thiago Castanho and Marcão, drummer Bruno Graveto, and bassist Champignon—formed a new ensemble to honor Chorão and their previous band. They chose the name "A Banca," which relates to Brazilian slang for a close-knit group of friends and also references a track by Charlie Brown Jr. from their 2000 album Nadando com os Tubarões. Bassist Helena "Lena" Papini was the sole member without prior ties to Charlie Brown Jr.
The group’s initial rehearsal received approval from Chorão’s son, and they made their first public appearance on Serginho Groisman’s show Altas Horas on April 11, 2013. In May, they embarked on the Chorão Eterno Tour across Brazil, performing both Charlie Brown Jr.'s classics and new compositions. Their single "O Novo Passo" was released in August and was highlighted by Rolling Stone Brasil as one of the top Brazilian songs that year. A Banca’s last concert took place in São Vicente at the end of August, with intentions announced for a full album release in early 2014.
Despite their promising start, A Banca encountered controversy; certain Charlie Brown Jr. supporters accused Champignon of dishonoring Chorão’s legacy and criticized him harshly. Although Champignon refuted these allegations, ongoing negative feedback affected his mental health. Tragically, on September 9, 2013, he died by suicide, which brought an end to A Banca.
By 2014, the remaining members except for Castanho formed a new project called D'Chapas with vocalist Ivan Sader. Meanwhile, Papini and Marcão teamed up with former Charlie Brown Jr. drummer Pinguim Ruas to create Bula. Papini exited Bula in late 2019.
Single
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "O Novo Passo" | Non-album track |
Members
- Champignon – lead vocals, beatboxing (2013; deceased 2013)
- Marcão – electric guitar (2013)
- Thiago Castanho – electric guitar (2013)
- Bruno Graveto – drums (2013)
- Helena "Lena" Papini – bass guitar (2013)