The choice for support at Bebel’s London show, herself the daughter of bossa legend João Gilberto, was the group of respected producers Kassin + 2, which includes the son of Caetano Veloso; . Their music was well received but they are clearly a bunch that feel more comfortable tinkering in the studio than exposed under the spotlight. They left the stage to rapturous applause but that was nothing compared to the noise that erupted as rumours of Bebel’s arrival began to spread.

The applause continued as her band took to the stage but the claps slowly turned to boos as we waited and waited. Eventually, with the lights dimmed, a slender figure was carried on stage and placed on a zebra skin coach. “This is going to be a special night” we were told as Bebel launched into the title track from her new album Momento.

“Can everyone see?” she asked as the first song came to an end — the answer was a resounding no, and that was the moment Bebel revealed her leg was wrapped in a cast, she had just had surgery and was going to need another operation. The admission that she could have cancelled but didn’t want to let her fans down was a cue for some to leave but most seemed happy to make do.

Next came the Airesque ‘Close to You’ a breathy rendition of ‘Baby’ and the bouncy ‘Aganjú’ — the later two chosen from her second album. Then, finally, a stool was found for Bebel and much of the audience got their first glimpse of the star. The stool seemed to appease much of the crowd but Bebel’s diva tendencies were on full show as she asked, “Now will you stop complaining?”

Other diva moments came as she demanded, “What’s wrong, don’t you love me?” and, “I can just hear talking… can I keep on going?” At one point she stopped her band, demanded more guitar and ordered them to start again — she was right we did want more guitar, and in a way her diva moments gave the impression we were witnessing something special.

‘Qunato Tempo’ got the biggest cheer of night and ‘Os Novos Yorkinos’ went down particularly well. For the last four songs she was joined by Kassin +2 and we were treated to some previously unreleased material as well as a new take on ‘Bring Back The Love’ from Momento.

Critics have been quick to argue that she should have cancelled as her performance was affected by her leg — if pushed I would have to disagree. Her music is the type to be enjoyed over a glass of wine not the sort that has you throwing your hands in the air. Her movement was undeniably limited but it is not often we get the chance to see the likes of Bebel.

Link: Read our interview with Bebel Gilberto