Past to Present: How Connecting Changed Everything for RBD
Written by djfrosty on October 6, 2023
Billboard Latin Music Week is always a star-studded event filled with intimate conversations— but this year, fans were treated to an extra special moment: the first-ever public conversation with RBD since their comeback. Members Maite Perroni, Christian Chávez, Christopher von Uckermann were joined by their manager Guillermo Rosas for the panel “Reviving RBD Presented by AT&T.” The discussion was a beautiful testament to how far they have come since the group’s inception in 2004, moderated by Griselda Flores, senior writer, Latin at Billboard.
RBD is currently on the Soy Rebelde Tour, with upcoming dates in stadiums and arenas across North and South America. When asked how the experience has been so far, the group expressed gratitude for their fans. “We feel it with our hearts to be on the stage again and to connect with each of every one of you,” Maite said to the audience, “This is more than music: it’s a connection between our hearts.”
The Soy Rebelde Tour reunited the Mexican Latin pop group onstage for the first time in 15 years. After venturing on their separate paths, RBD’s reunion was the rekindling of a connection that transcends music. “I think that people connect with us because each one of us is so different, but we’re a family,” said Christopher. “We know each other. We understand each other without having to speak. We are family and that is something you can feel.”
One of the most touching moments took place toward the end of the conversation when RBD was reflecting on how performing in 2023 is different from the past. Christian expressed how important it is to him to be able to express himself freely. “I can be queer on stage,” he said, “It has been wonderful to take the hand of that little 12 year-old me who wanted to use this color or this clothing that I couldn’t.” Maite acknowledged how he bravely embraced his sexuality before the public: “It’s important that he was honest. He was courageous in a very difficult moment. He became the spokesperson for a lot of people and a generation, and he taught us that. He taught everyone that we don’t want prejudice and it’s time that we don’t have fear.”
When reflecting on the impact of their current tour, Christopher emphasized the importance of connection. “We are not looking for anything,” he said, “we just want to connect. We have lived through a lot and once you move throughout your career, you have your ups and downs— and the most important thing is to connect with people and be yourself. That’s what lasts.
As the proud presenting sponsor of RBD’s Soy Rebelde national tour, AT&T continues to connect Latin music fans to the artists and music they love by extending the partnership and surrounding RBD’s exclusive panel at Latin Music Week. Because at AT&T, Connecting Changes Everything™.
Celebrated for more than 30 years, the 2023 edition of Latin Music Week included intimate conversations with the hottest artists in Latin music, networking sessions, and workshops. See the ultimate Latin Music Week guide here.
Stay tuned for more content from Billboard Latin Music Week.