GNR

biography GNR (acronym for Grupo Novo Rock) is a Portuguese pop rock band, formed in Porto, in 1980, by Alexandre Soares (vocals and guitar), Vitor Rua (guitar) and Tóli César Machado (drums). The band is considered one of the founders of the musical renewal movement called “Portuguese rock”, together with Rui Veloso, Xutos & Pontapés and UHF. The band's first album, the EP Jorge Morreu, was released in 1979, without commercial success. The band gained a reputation in live concerts, first in Greater Lisbon and then across the country. In 1980, he signed with the publisher Valentim de Carvalho and released the single Cavalos de Corrida, which became a national hit and a Portuguese rock anthem12. In the same year, he released the album À Flor da Pele, which included songs such as Rua do Carmo, Rapaz Caleidoscope and Modelo Fotográfico. The band released two more albums through Valentim de Carvalho: Isso de Passagem (1982) and Persona Non Grata (1982). In 1985, he recorded the first live rock album in Portugal: Ao Vivo em Almada - No Jogo da Noite12. From then on, the band changed labels and formation several times, keeping only António Manuel Ribeiro as leader and founder. Between 1991 and 1998, the band was part of the catalog of the multinational BMG, now Sony Music. The band has released more than 20 studio, live and compilation albums. Some of his best-known songs are Portugal in the EEC, Dunas, Effectively, Vídeo Maria, Sangue Oculto, Pronúncia do Norte, + Vale Nunca, among others, included in the usual concert repertoire. The band also participated in several projects and collaborations with other artists, such as Tim, Xutos & Pontapés, Jorge Palma, UHF, António Variações and Rui Veloso. GNR is a band that stands out for its originality, creativity and musical quality. His songs are full of humor, irony, social criticism and emotion. António Manuel Ribeiro's voice is the central element of the band, but the other musicians also contribute with their talents and personalities. GNR is a band that represents Portuguese culture with a touch of modernity and innovation.