Azymuth – 50th anniversary

About Azymuth – 50th anniversary

Celebrating both their 50th anniversary as a band, and the life of their dearly departed drummer Ivan “Mamão” Conti, @azymuthoficial announce the full dates for their summer European tour.

It has been a very difficult week at Far Out. Last Tuesday morning we heard the tragic news that our dear friend, legendary drummer and one of the founding members of Azymuth Ivan “Mamão“ Conti had passed away unexpectedly in the night. Just a few hours before, Mamão had been discussing the finer details of Azymuth’s upcoming tour with Joe.

As you can imagine, we are all still hurting and grieving alongside Mamao’s family, friends and Azymuth bandmates. We have been deeply moved by the overwhelming response from friends and fans of Azymuth and the widespread outpouring of love and appreciation for this great man.

As many of you know, we had been planning Azymuth’s 50th anniversary European tour. With shows booked across the continent for June and July 2023.

We have consulted Ivan’s bandmates Alex Malheiros and Kiko Continentino and both have insisted that they wish to go ahead with the tour. So we are pleased to announce that Azymuth’s 50th anniversary European tour will go ahead as planned in June/July 2023.

Fellow founding member and bassist Alex Malheiros has been Ivan Conti’s best friend for over 50 years. Alex did not hesitate in his decision to proceed with the tour. Ever stoic, Alex told us “the word Azimuth in ancient Arabic (alsamt السمت) means “path” and I believe that the new path for Azymuth will be open and must continue. Like a Fenix, we must rise”

When original keyboard player José Roberto Bertrami passed away in 2012, Ivan and Alex were unequivocal in seeing it as their duty and life’s work to continue the progressive spirit and legacy of Azymuth, enlisting Kiko Continentino for international tours and recording 2016’s Fênix album.

Upon Alex and Kiko’s invitation, joining Azymuth behind the drums will be fellow Brazilian drummer and close friend of Ivan and Azymuth, Renato Massa. Massa is one of Brazil’s most respected drummers. He is Marcos Valle’s favourite and has also worked with Eumir Deodato and Ed Motta, among countless others. We are so grateful to Massa for his willingness to step up in difficult circumstances and at such short notice.

We all know that music has the power to heal and soothe, so please join us in both honouring Mamao’s memory, legacy and keeping the spirit of Azymuth alive at the shows across Europe this summer.

Lineup:
Alex Malheiros – bass
Kiko Continentino – keyboard
Renato Massa – drums

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