Raul Seixas: the last days of MPB “Crazy Beauty”

Raul Seixas, one of the most emblematic names of Brazilian music, would have turned 80 years old next Saturday, June 28, 2025. Known as “Crazy Beauty” of MPB and considered the father of National Rock, Raul died on August 21, 1989, at 44, victim of a cardiac arrest.

The death took place in his apartment in San Paolo and put an end to a trajectory characterized by genius, audacity and a troubled personal life.

In the months preceding his death, Raul faced serious health problems, aggravated by prolonged consumption of alcohol and drugs. Diagnosis of pancreatitis, the singer has even been admitted to specialized clinics, but his physical condition have quickly deteriorated.

Scene companion in his final phase, the singer Marcelo Nova revealed, at the time, that “it was not a secret that Raul was very bad” and agreed with the isolation experienced by the artist, saying that he was “abandoned by everyone”.

The latest public performances of the artist, in particular the shows held together with Marcelo Nova, made his state evident. In a report published by the newspaper The globeOne of the performances in the old Cancecão, in Rio de Janeiro, was described as marked by apathy and effort.

Raul, who has always had a remarkable presence and a charisma on stage, has shown extreme physical difficulties.

“He touched his ballads with a more dragged voice than usual, with excessive savings of movements and gestures,” said the newspaper.

Raul Seixas: the artist would have turned 80 next Saturday (28)

During these performances, Raul was visibly fighting songs such as “Alternative Society”, his iconic hymn to freedom and non -compliance. The public, often unaware of the gravity of the situation, responded with enthusiasm and euphoria, without realizing the suffering behind the figure of the idol.

In addition to health problems, Raul has also addressed emotional problems.

In recorded testimonies, the singer even reported fear of the public itself. “There is a lot of madmen around,” he said, referring to the weight of being the icon of a generation that saw him almost like a cultural messiah.

Even in the face of difficulties, Raul Seixas has maintained its provocative and interrogative essence until the end. His work, which mixed elements of international rock with Brazilian rhythms and philosophical and spiritual references, remains alive and influential.

The documentary recently published by Globoplay, in honor of its 80 years, revisited this unique and complex trajectory, presenting new reports and rare images.

Raul Seixas’ life and legacy continue to inspire generations.

His irreverent voice still echoes in the letters that challenge the rules and embrace freedom as ideal. Even after more than three decades of starting, Raul continues to be remembered not only as an artist, but as a symbol of resistance and authenticity in Brazilian music.