Brazilian music star Francisco Gil pays tribute to his late mother Preta Gil at London concert
Francisco Gil took a moment to remember his late mother Preta Gil - who died aged 50 in July following a battle with cancer - at his band Gilsons' show at London's Barbican Hall on Thursday (11.09.25).
Francisco Gil moved the audience by paying tribute to his late mother Preta Gil at Gilsons' show in London.
The 30-year-old musician took time to remember his mother - who sadly passed away aged 50 in July following a battle with colorectal cancer - on the opening night of the band's European tour at London's Barbican Hall on Thursday (11.09.25).
Francisco made his emotive comments towards the end of the show and received respectful applause from the crowd.
He said: "Perhaps everything I do in music from now on will be dedicated to my mother, Preta Gil."
Francisco - the grandson of Brazilian singer-songwriter and politician Gilberto Gil - adding that she would have been “very happy” to see the group performing for such a warm and large audience at the prestigious London venue.
Formed by Francisco alongside João and José Gil - Gilberto Gil’s grandson and son, respectively - Gilsons also premiered unreleased tracks from their upcoming second album, which Francisco revealed is "almost ready". The record will follow the group’s successful 2022 debut album Pra Gente Acordar.
The evening's setlist included some of their biggest hits, such as Várias Queixas, Love Love, and Devagarinho, as well as Toda Menina Baiana, one of Gilberto's greatest classics.
The band will continue their European tour until early October, with dates scheduled in Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris among other cities.
Preta's loss plunged the Brazilian music community into mourning earlier this year after her family confirmed the news on Instagram.
They wrote on the social media platform following the tragic news: "Our beloved Preta Gil will be greatly missed, Pretinha passed away on the afternoon of last Sunday, July 20th, after a long and courageous cancer battle.
"A wake will be held in Rio de Janeiro, where family, friends, and the public will be able to pay their last respects."
Preta's loved ones concluded their statement by saying: "We thank you once again for your kindness, respect, and understanding."
