Cheapskate? Renato Russo’s characteristic that few knew about, according to keyboardist

Renato Russo made history as vocalist and composer of urban Legion, one of the most popular bands in Brazil. At the same time that his thoughts expressed in lyrics became very popular, his behavior in general was not as well known, as the artist adopted a very reserved stance.

One curiosity had to do with his lack of willingness to spend money. Even though they are in a good financial situation, Renato He was very careful with his expenses.

The revelation was made by the keyboardist and music producer Carlos Trilha in an interview with Pinch of Salt(via Whiplash). Although she was not an official member of the Urban Legion,Trail played with the band both live and in the studio, on albums such as The storm or The Book of Days (1996) and Another Station (1997). In addition, he accompanied the singer in solo work.

“He was an exceptional administrator, but also quite a cheapskate, something few people know about.”

Right away, Carlos gave some examples of how the “stingy” side of the late artist manifested itself. One of them had to do with their own musical instruments.

“He never invested in a decent instrument, he had a guitar Washburn. He always chose to buy cheaper instruments, justifying that he didn’t need something wonderful. He said: ‘when I need it, I’ll take the Dado one’. It was true! For God’s sake, that red guitar Washburn his was horrible.”

Despite this, the equipment used to record Legião Urbana’s albums was always the best. This is what guarantees Trail.

“Now, these instruments were for him to compose. In the studio, we only used the best tools available in the world.”

Old car and air conditioning

Another curious situation highlighted by Carlos Trilha happened when Renato Russo needed to hire a technician to repair an air conditioner. The musician was bothered by the high price charged by the professional to perform the service.

“He had a car Caravan old one that didn’t even stay with him, he stayed with his cousin, because he didn’t know how to drive. I remember one afternoon I went with him to fix the air conditioning. He thought the technician charged too much, and he really did. He had a clear idea of ​​the prices and thought they charged too much, as if the technician was the Renato Russo. He decided not to call him again, saying: ‘I’ll continue being an air conditioning technician, and I’ll continue making my millions with music’.”

No laughter on stage

In another interview, from 2021, with Chat with Clê,Carlos Trilha revealed another characteristic of Renato Russonow as leader of the urban Legion. The vocalist strictly prohibited any musician in the band from laughing on stage.

The norm was established because the band sought to discuss deep themes in their lyrics. It wasn’t like a conventional rock band, with more mundane verses, so to speak. Trail states:

“That there for the Renato it was a very serious thing. There is a very high level of delivery from him there too. For us to laugh is almost disrespectful to the delivery, which is what the lyrics mean. […] The show Legion there was this thing. O Renato said: ‘Guys, it’s a spartan band. It’s not about laughing on stage, laughing.”

Still according to the keyboardist, it took some time to fully understand what it all meant. It wasn’t just playing and making sound: there was a political and philosophical issue behind the group.

“I started to understand this punk, post-punk vibe, this political, musical and philosophical position over time. It wasn’t just arriving. I thought it was a little bad, a little lame, then it was cool, then it was bad again… but then I came to understand the artistic value and everything it meant.”