Rio’s Biggest November Music Shows

By George Powell, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – From the biggest name in pop to one of the most enduring bands in rock, November has another strong line up of national and international music stars to suit all tastes. Gilberto Gil is nothing short of a Brazilian icon, Lana del Rey exploded onto the scene last year, and Justin Bieber’s current unpredictability makes his show an unlikely must.

Gig of the month: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Not much can be said about the Red Hot Chili Peppers, that the LA band’s longevity and discography doesn’t say for itself. Making funk-laden rock albums with commercial appeal since the 1980s, the Chilis have released classic after classic, and in the process have proven themselves to be one of the planets most enduring and successful rock bands.

Their concerts are better known for Flea’s heavy bass lines, iconic guitar riffs and cross-generational singalongs than for elaborate set designs and pyrotechnics. Leaving the music to do the talking, Anthony Kiedis and his Red Hot Chili Peppers, live in Rio (R$240), will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about concerts of 2013, in much the same way as their performance at 2001s Rock in Rio. Unmissable on Saturday November 9th at the Parque dos Atletas, Barra da Tijuca.

On Sunday November 3rd, Justin Bieber will play at the Praça de Apoteose in Catumbi (R$280-R$650). Love him or hate him, few will argue with the impact that 19 year-old Justin Bieber has had on pop music since he was ‘discovered’ on YouTube in 2008. One thing is for sure, Bieber-fever is on the way and ‘beliebers’ of all ages will be turning out in their droves to catch a glimpse of the Canadian pop icon when he takes the stage in Rio as part of his ‘Believe’ tour, which features more than 150 concerts in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia.

Alpha Blondy come to Circo Voador in Lapa on Thursday November 7th (R$50-R$100).They have been releasing reggae classics since 1982 and will be bringing some much appreciated love and positive vibes to Lapa this month. At a time when demonstrations, strikes and violence seem the weekly norm, Alpha Blondy will bring the warmth and love that only a reggae concert can.

New York’s three-piece indie gang the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s were perhaps best described by The Times as “an art-rock trio who made an edgy post-punk, dancefloor-friendly racket.” Led by the iconic Karen O, the band may be opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on November 9th at the Parque dos Atletas (R$240), but would be well worth the entrance fee alone.

Gilberto Gil has done more to shape modern day Brazilian society than most footballers or politicians could ever dreamed of and, even at 71 years of age, he remains a potent musical force to be reckoned with. Seeing a Gilberto Gil concert should be right alongside going to the beach, drinking a caipirinha and going to a football match in the list of must-do’s in Brazil, so make your way to Fundição Progreso, Lapa on November 9th (R$130).

Lana del Rey has shot to stardom over the last three years, making a place for herself in pop culture thanks to beautiful melodies and iconic vocals. Her singles; “Video Games”, “Born to Die” and “Blue Jeans” have won the singer legions of fans the word over, and her concert at the Citibank Hall on Sunday, November 10th (R$240) will have fans in Rio smiling from ear to ear.