RPM (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Paulo Ricardo, Luiz Schiavon, Fernando Deluqui, Paulo Pagni |
| Headquarters | Brazil |
| Products | Pop rock music |
RPM (an acronym for "Revoluções por Minuto," meaning "Revolutions per Minute" in Brazilian Portuguese) was a Brazilian pop rock ensemble established in 1983 by Paulo Ricardo (vocals and bass), Luiz Schiavon (keyboards), Fernando Deluqui (guitar), and Paulo Pagni (drums).
History
RPM's sound was a fusion of gentle techno-pop enriched with elements drawn from progressive rock and European synthpop. Their songwriting often incorporated ironic and pessimistic themes, infused with literary and political allusions.
During the mid-1980s, the group reached significant commercial acclaim, frequently likened to Brazil's equivalent of The Beatles. Their live recording, Rádio Pirata ao vivo, stands as the highest-selling album in Brazilian history, exceeding three million copies sold. RPM ignited a cultural phenomenon comparable to Beatlemania, attracting massive crowds to stadiums and generating substantial merchandise revenue.
After a two-year break, RPM made a comeback in 1988 with the album 4 Coiotes, which integrated progressive, jazz, and darker tonalities. Though it sold more than 300,000 units, it did not meet commercial expectations. The band dissolved later that year due to internal disagreements and substance abuse problems.
In the early 1990s, Paulo Ricardo endeavored to revive RPM through "Paulo Ricardo & RPM," adopting a tougher rock approach aligned with prevailing musical trends; however, this effort did not achieve commercial success.
The original lineup reunited in 2002 for a well-received tour and live album titled MTV RPM 2002, which featured refreshed versions of their 1980s hits alongside new material. This release also included a Brazilian adaptation of the "Big Brother Brazil" theme song that earned international acclaim. The reunion eventually ended owing to personal conflicts.
RPM resurfaced once more in 2011 with the double-CD album Elektra, which included remixes—marking them as the first Brazilian band to remix their iconic 1980s track "Louras Geladas". The record showcased electronic rock combined with mature lyricism exploring subjects such as the Elektra complex, nightlife, seduction, media influence, and romantic relationships. It was met with positive critical reception.
The Elektra tour in 2012 spanned various locations across Brazil and parts of Argentina. In 2013, plans were made to produce a tour DVD featuring selections from Elektra, classic hits from their career, and a rendition of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here".
Drummer Paulo Pagni passed away in June 2019 due to pulmonary fibrosis. Keyboardist Luiz Schiavon died in June 2023 at age 64.
After a legal dispute concerning the rights to the RPM name between Paulo Ricardo and Fernando Deluqui, the band declared its dissolution in June 2024 but continued performing until August. Subsequently, Deluqui began performing under the name "RPM - O Legado," effectively marking the end of RPM.
Core members
- Fernando Deluqui – lead and rhythm guitars, vocals (1983–1989, 1993–1994, 2001–2004, 2011–2024)
- Luiz Schiavon – keyboards, piano, organ, synthesizers, vocals (1983–1989; 2001–2004; 2011–2023; deceased)
- Paulo Pagni – drums, percussion (1985–1989; 2002–2004; 2011–2019; deceased)
- Paulo Ricardo – bass guitar, lead and backing vocals (1983–1989; 2001–2004; 2011–2018)
Additional members
- Moreno Júnior – drums, percussion (1983–1984)
- Charles Gavin – drums, percussion (1984–1985)
- Marquinho Costa – drums, percussion (1993–1994)
- Franco Júnior – keyboards (1993–1994)
- Dioy Pallone – bass, vocals (2018–2024)
- Kiko Zara – drums, percussion, vocals (touring 2022–2024; session musician 2019–2022; substitute in 2019)
Touring personnel
- Luis "Gus" Martins – keyboards, backing vocals (2023–2024; fill-in 2022–2023)
- Tato Andreatta – keyboards (2023–2024; fill-in 2022–2023)
- Jo Borges – keyboards, backing vocals (2022)
Discography
- (1985) Revoluções por Minuto
- (1986) Rádio Pirata ao Vivo
- (1988) Quatro Coiotes
- (1993) Paulo Ricardo & RPM
- (2002) MTV RPM 2002 (also released on DVD)
- (2011) Elektra
- (2023) Sem Parar
External links
- Official website of Paulo Ricardo (Portuguese)
- Official site of Fernando Deluqui (Portuguese)