1 of 4 RBD plays his first show in Rio, on the Soy Rebelde tour Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/RBD RBD plays his first show in Rio, on the Soy Rebelde tour Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/ RBD
The Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, home of emotions, also hosted other emotions this Thursday (9) the date of the group’s first show RBD on Brazilian soil for the “Soy Rebelde” tour. The love and nostalgia of the band and the 64,500 fans in attendance stood out 15 years after the group’s last performance in the city.
With the colors of Brazil on extravagant costumes, the five rebels Anahí, Christian Chávez, Christopher von Uckermann, Dulce María and Maite Perroni rose onto the stage as if from heaven while they performed “Tras de Mi”.
The audience, singing loudly and filling Engenhão, finally got what they had been waiting for since March, when tickets for all shows in Brazil were sold out.
“Are you ready to dance?” To enjoy? “Welcome to the Elite Way School,” Christian shouted in Portuguese, referring to the school in the soap opera “Rebelde.”
2 of 4 members of the band “RBD” with looks inspired by Brazil Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/RBD Members of the band “RBD” with looks inspired by Brazil Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/RBD
Next, “Un poco de tu amor”, “Cerquita de ti” (released this year), “Aún hay algo” and “Otro día que va” introduced the audience to the greatness of RBD: a magnificent production accompanied by a robust band of eight musicians who created improved versions of the hits, as well as an impressive stage structure.
The “Soy Rebelde” tour brings moments of female strength as Dulce María, Anahí and Maite come together for a medley with the famous “Asi soy yo”, “Cuando el amor se termina” and “Fuego”.
With “Inalcanzable,” Christopher began what would repeat until the end of the show: each member had a solo moment with the audience. The singer called for peace in the world while being illuminated by the light show from the LED bracelets distributed at the entrance.
Expressions of love and gratitude for the loyalty of the fanatical Brazilian audience were present in every detail of every moment of the show, from the microphone to the memories of each rebel.
“This dream of ours and that of millions of other people is thanks to you. For your music, for your passion, for being unique. I love you forever, Brazil,” Dulce said emotionally.
3 of 4 RBD plays “Soy Rebelde” tour after 15year break — Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/RBD RBD plays “Soy Rebelde” tour after 15year break — Photo: Iris Alves/Live Nation/RBD
The audience was then able to see a free and performing Christian wearing the colors of the LGBTQIAP+ flag on his fan and details on his corset. To be intimate with fans, the rebel appeared sitting on a throne in a lavish dress, just like a combative queen.
“Homosexuality is not a sin. Being HIV positive is not a sin. And if someone doesn’t want me, fuck them. Brazil, I love you,” he said. The singer commented on his sexuality shortly before the end of the sextet.
But the freedom also extended to other members. For the first time they were able to sing without the pressure of Televisa, which at the time of the soap opera owned the artists’ autonomy, the rights to the brand and the profits from the group’s worldwide success.
Alfonso Herrera, an RBD member who did not want to take part in the new tour, spoke about the alleged exploitation in a publication to El País México this year.
RBD knows that Brazilian fans are different, “they know all the songs,” said an impressed Cristian.
Upon request, the group changed the setlist that was performed at other shows on the tour. “You asked for this!” declared the rebel. The medley “Una Canción”, “A tu lado” and “Adiós” touched the audience and made Anahí burst into tears.
The last part of the show fascinated the audience with the solo performance of the song “Sálvame” by the eternal Mia Colucci. Eighteen years after its release, the anthem of heartbreak remains timeless, thanks to artists like Karol G and Bad Bunny who have performed the song.
“After 15 years I returned to my homeland. The years passed… Today I’m 40 years old, I’m a mother, but I’ve never forgotten you!” shouted the blonde with the traditional pink cowboy hat.
After “Nuestro Amor” and “Rebelde” closed the show, RBD showed the power of his music to transcend technical production issues that analysts deemed simple.
The validity of the Soy Rebelde Tour and the legacy of Latin America’s greatest pop group lies in the fan’s simple act of connecting with themselves, as if reading their own teenage diary or seeing childhood friends again.
The Rebels play another show in Rio de Janeiro this Friday (10) and another six performances in São Paulo, at the Morumbi Stadium and at Allianz Parque, with tickets sold out.
4 of 4 Public crowds Engenhão in Rio to follow the nostalgic tour of the group RBD Photo: Iris Alves/LiveNation/RBD Public crowds Engenhão in Rio to follow the nostalgic tour of the group RBD Photo: Iris Alves/LiveNation/ RBD