By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Three international acts will take to the stages of three of Rio’s well known venues this weekend. English indie rock band, Arctic Monkeys will perform a sold-out show at HSBC Arena on Saturday, American pop star Jason Derulo will play Citibank Hall on Sunday and American indie band, Never Shout Never also will perform on Sunday at Lapa’s Circo Voador.
The Arctic Monkeys’ Saturday show in Rio and the band’s previous show in São Paulo on Friday, November 14th mark the first-ever Arctic Monkeys performances in Brazil. Tickets for the Rio show sold out quickly, frustrating fans who had waited for years to see the indie quartet known for their songs that include; “Fake Tales of San Francisco,” “Fluorescent Adolescent,” “Teddy Picker,” and “I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor.”
“I have liked them since 2006,” Rio Arctic Monkey’s fan and production assistant, Yolanda Maria, who was unable to get tickets for the Rio show, told The Rio Times. “I remember their first video on Brazilian MTV and it was mind-blowing, different from the rock music going on that year. They create a cool atmosphere with their music.”
Arctic Monkeys formed in 2002 in Sheffield, UK and the band consists of lead singer Alex Turner, guitarist Jamie cook, drummer Matt Helders and bassist Nick O’Malley. During their twelve years together they have released five studio albums.
The current tour is in support of their most recent release entitled, AM. “AM is by far their best album,” said Maria. “Alex’s vocals are incredible, he seems more conscious of his voice and it’s a very well produced album, I love it!”
With songs including, “Do I Wanna Know?” and “R U Mine?” many fans and critics argue that it is the best Arctic Monkeys album to date.
Those who were unable to purchase Rio show tickets but are Sky satellite subscribers, can watch from home. The satellite provider will broadcast both the São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Arctic Monkeys shows live.
Who: Arctic Monkeys with Swedish rock band, The Hives opening.
When: Saturday, November 15th. Doors open at 7PM and the show will being at 9PM.
Where:HSBC Arena, Avenida Embaixador Abelardo Bueno 3401, Barra da Tijuca – Tel: (21) 3035-5200
Entrance: SOLDOUT
Next, American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo will perform on Sunday night at Rio’s Citibank Hall and tickets for that show are still available.
Derulo played São Paulo’s Citibank Hall first on Thursday, November 13th. He arrived in the country on 12th, tweeting on the 11th of November; “Brazil ill see u 2morrow!!! I know I’m gon’ have the time of my life!”
Well known for the songs, “Talk Dirty,” “Wiggle,” and “Ridin’ Solo,” Derulo has released three studio albums since his solo career began in 2009. To date, he has sold over thirty million singles worldwide.
Derulo is also well known for his collaborations with other artists including, Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Demi Lovato and former girlfriend, American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks.
Born Jason Desrouleaux in 1989, his musical career started as a songwriter and producer. He wrote for artists including: Lil Wayne, Sean Kingston and Diddy. In 2009, his first solo single “Whatcha Say,” was released and became a hit. His self-titled debut album release followed in 2010.
In 2011, Derulo released his sophomore album entitled, Future History and followed that in 2013 with the release of the album, Tattoos. Derulo is currently touring Brazil in support of his album Talk Dirty, released on April 15th of this year.
Who: Jason Derulo
When: Sunday, November 16th, 7PM.
Where: Citibank Hall, Av. Ayrton Senna 3000, Barra da Tijuca.
Entrance: R$80-R$400
Finally, American indie band Never Shout Never returns to Rio to perform live at Lapa’s Circo Voador on Sunday night beginning at 8PM. The band has released five studio albums, multiple EPs and singles and in 2010 they were headliners for the Vans Warped Tour.
Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Christofer Drew, the group, which also currently consists of Hayden Kaiser on drums, Taylor MacFee on bass, and Ian Crawford on lead guitar, was formed in Joplin, Missouri, United States in 2007.
Drew was only sixteen years old when he formed the band and over the years, Never Shout Never’s sound has grown and changed with Drew. What started as indie pop rock and has moved closer and closer to folk and more mature rock,pop and blues blends over the years.
What: Never Shout Never
When: Sunday, November 16th. Gates open at 6:30PM and the show will begin at 8PM.
Where: Circo Voador, Rua dos Arcos, S/N, Lapa
Entrance: R$100-R$200