At 82 years old, Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil kicked off his farewell tour, "Tempo Rei," at the Allianz Parque in São Paulo on April 11, 2025, captivating a sold-out crowd of 40,000 fans. This performance marks the first of four scheduled shows in the city, with the series expected to draw a total of 150,000 attendees over the course of the tour. As Gil prepares to step back from the spotlight, he promises that while this may be his last major tour, he will continue to perform for smaller audiences in the coming years.
Directed by Rafael Dragaud and featuring set design by Daniela Thomas, the concert showcased a visually stunning stage adorned with a spiral sculpture and flexible LED screens that displayed vibrant images and videos. The elaborate production was complemented by a rich setlist that included over 30 songs spanning Gil's illustrious career, from his early hits to more recent favorites.
The show opened with the classic "Palco," a fitting start for an artist renowned for his deep connection to the stage. Throughout the night, the audience was treated to a nostalgic journey through Gil's extensive repertoire, including beloved tracks like "Domingo no Parque," "Refavela," "Não Chore Mais," and the iconic "Aquele Abraço." Each song resonated with the audience, who sang along passionately, creating an electric atmosphere.
Among the special guests who joined Gil on stage was MC Hariel, who performed their collaborative track "A Dança." The show also featured a video appearance by fellow musician Chico Buarque, who spoke about the significance of the song "Cálice," which was written during Brazil's military dictatorship. This prompted the audience to shout "Sem Anistia!"—a reference to the ongoing discussions around political amnesty in Brazil, particularly in light of the January 8, 2023, events in Brasília.
Gil's performance was not just a celebration of his musical legacy but also a poignant reflection on Brazil's history and culture. The emotional weight of the evening was palpable, especially during moments when images of dictatorship victims were displayed on the screens, reminding the audience of the struggles faced by many.
The setlist was a carefully curated mix of songs from the 1960s to the 1980s, with highlights including "Vamos Fugir," "Realce," "Se Eu Quiser Falar Com Deus," and "Drão." Gil's granddaughter, Flor, also took the stage to perform "Refazenda," adding a personal touch to the performance.
As the night progressed, the energy in the arena remained high, with the audience dancing and celebrating the music that has defined Brazilian popular music (MPB) for decades. The show seamlessly transitioned between genres, showcasing Gil's versatility from reggae-infused tracks to rock-inspired numbers like "Punk da Periferia" and "Rock do Segurança." The festive spirit continued with upbeat songs like "Expresso 2222" and "Andar Com Fé," culminating in a powerful encore that included "Esperando na Janela" and "Toda Menina Baiana."
Fans left the Allianz Parque with a mix of joy and nostalgia, reflecting on Gil's immense contribution to Brazilian music and culture. His ability to engage with the audience and convey deep emotions through his music has solidified his status as a national treasure. As he embarks on this new chapter, the legacy of Gilberto Gil will undoubtedly continue to resonate with generations to come.
Looking ahead, the "Tempo Rei" tour will continue in São Paulo on April 12, with additional performances scheduled for April 25 and 26. Following these shows, Gil will take his farewell tour to other cities, including Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre, ensuring that fans across the country have the opportunity to experience this historic moment.
