Luiz Schiavon, keyboardist and founder of RPM, dies at 64

Luiz Schiavon, keyboardist and founder of the band RPM, died early this Thursday (15) at the age of 64. He had been fighting an autoimmune disease for four years, according to a statement released by his family.

“It is with regret that the family announces the passing of Luiz Schiavon. He had been fighting bravely against an autoimmune disease for 4 years, but unfortunately, he had complications in the last treatment surgery and he couldn’t resist. Luiz was, in his public persona, conductor, composer, founder and keyboard player of RPM, but above all, a good son, nephew, husband, father and friend. Therefore, the family has decided that the farewell ceremony will be reserved for close family and friends and urges fans and the press to understand and respect this decision. We hope you remember him with the mastery and energy of his music, a legacy he left us as a gift and that will live on in our hearts. Say goodbye, listening to his chords, paying homage on social media, magazines and newspapers, or simply remembering him fondly, the same affection he always had with all those who lived with him “ says the statement.

Schiavon was one of the founders of RPM, which released its debut album, “Revolutions Por Minuto”, in 1985. The hugely successful album had hits like “Olhar 43”, “Rádio Pirata”, “Louras Geladas” and “Revolutions Per Minute”. The group went on tour afterwards and recorded the live performance on another successful album, “Rádio Pirata Ao Vivo”, in 1986.

In addition to the keyboardist, RPM had, in its formation at the time, Paulo Ricardo (bass and vocals), Fernando Deluqui (guitars) and Paulo Pagni (drums). The latter died in 2019, a victim of pulmonary fibrosis.

Between comings and goings with RPM, Schiavon also participated as a member of the Domingão do Faustão band, in the 2000s.

(Published by Lucas Schroeder, with information by Gabriela Koga, Marcelo Freire and Vinícius Bernardes, from CNN, in São Paulo)