The time was late 90’s. “The golden era of rock en español” as some like to call it, where bands such as Cabula, Los Olvidados and Viva Malpache packed shows by word of mouth. Twitter, My Space and other means of viral promotion was unheard of and DIY promoting meant lots of footwork and not lots of postings or blogging. It was a different time then. Less digital, more “raw”. Less fashion, more rock.
It was a time that Melinda Torres, co-founder of A&M Entertainment, feels needs to be relived. And through A&M’s “The Return of Rock & Roll” event, she plans to do just that. At Bordello’s Bar, formerly Little Pedro’s Blue Bongo in Downtown L.A., “The Return of Rock & Roll” welcomes these pioneering bands that –each in their own way and in their own genre– paved the way for the generations of L.A. based musicians that followed.
Melinda, as well as some of the members of each of The Return of Rock & Roll’s performing bands, talk to us about the significance of this event and about how the rock en español scene that they lived, compares to the current music scene that we’re living now.
“The Return of Rock & Roll”
Melinda: The main purpose of the event is to celebrate the time when life was given to Spanish rock in Los Angeles. From the numerous bands that ignited the L.A. rock en español scene, we decided to invite Cabula, Viva Malpache and Los Olvidados perform for that night because they were the strongest bands in their genre at one given time. These are great bands that have influenced some of the local bands that we see playing nowadays.
Los Olvidados: The main purpose is to make money to pay Melinda’s rent! She offered us a lot of money including some chocolates y tamales!
Viva Malpache: A chance to sell some old t-shirts and CD’s that are taking up space in the garage!
Rock en Español Through the Years
Cabula: In the earlier days of this independent music scene, there were about 20 shows a week. Back then the people were mostly fresh immigrants from México and Latin America with a big desire to make a voice and a sound of their own.
Los Olvidados: When we started playing as a band, we didn’t know that we were the first Spanish ska band in the entire USA history! It was really weird because the Spanish crowd wasn’t used to ska and they would badger us by calling us names. They would ask us to play rock but as soon as we started playing our ska style, they liked it. Next thing we knew they were attending more and more of our shows. We literally earned our fans one by one. It took a lot of heart and work because we were the band to open that movement which didn’t exist for a Spanish-speaking band. It was so freaking cool and exciting.
We didn’t have any place to go as far as clubs to play. But little by little we started taking the Hollywood area by storm, booking bigger venues and sharing stages with the big bands.
Viva Malpache: I think there were over 100 bands running around LA at that time and we all rocked! Well, most of us did.
The Then and the Now
Cabula: The music was way more experimental and Latin infused back then and not as Anglo as it is now. The current scene lacks the enthusiasm and passion that the first era had.
Los Olvidados: Honestly, I don’t see any band out there that makes me feel the same fire that I felt when I saw Juana la Loca for the first time. I’ve seen so many bands come and go and many egos turn to dust.
Viva Malpache: Let me just say that I think the “scene” now is just fine and there’s no point in comparing the two. The people from the scene then are older, some way older, and the people from the scene now are younger and better looking. They just keep getting younger and we just keep getting older!
Los “Fans”
Los Olvidados: The fans of then were real fans of the movement. We didn’t have Internet at the time yet our shows were packed and it was all through word of mouth. They knew the songs and shared in the good and in the bad and were there for the small gigs as well as the big ones. They were real fans.
What to Take from a Night Like This?
Melinda: It’s a great night for newbie bands because they can check out the energetic performances of the bands and maybe take with them a bit of inspiration. If anyone hasn’t heard or seen of any of these bands perform, they should definitely think of coming down for a one night only event that they won’t forget.
Cabula: People can expect sex, drugs, rocanrol, alcohol and mayhem. There will be a lot of “ruco-n-roleros” (rock and roll veterans).
Los Olvidados: Expect a bunch of ruco-rockeros having fun and sharing it with the raza. Get ready to shake it!!!
Viva Malpache: It might help newcomers learn that if you stick with a band of crazy people through thick and thin, and long enough, you will eventually call them your brothers for life. It might help them learn that if you respect your audience and go all out on stage, then you can turn casual fans into members of your musical family.They might be helped in the least if they could catch a glimpse into all the ups and downs, the songs, the shows, the fights, the break downs, the accolades, the ignorance, the recklessness, the insanity, the perseverance, the lost hours, and the small moments we will never forget and know that everything adds up to love. Love for music, life and love itself.
Y de la banda, que onda?
Cabula: April of this year was our last show. We’ve been working on new music, making babies and getting richer since then and we’re feeling the usual pre-show rush of adrenaline for Saturday’s show.
Los Olvidados: The band is dormant. The last time we played together was one year ago. Some of us have music projects in progress; others are living the Cinderella life babysitting, washing clothes, sweeping and working. You know all the fun things in life!
To put the band together again is a challenge because the band members are so busy with their personal lives that it’s almost a miracle to put us together. But this is a special occasion because this event is something different.
Viva Malpache: This is the last Viva Malpache show ever. Guaranteed. This is the very last chance to see one of the most celebrated bands in the history of a few years in the underground Rock en Español scene of Los Angeles. No more pan con mayonesa for you. Saturday Oct 24th. Do or Die. Thank you Los Angeles. We will never forget you.
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If Viva Malpache’s angst-ridden farewell isn’t enough to rattle your bones, check them and the rest of the bill @ “The Return of Rock & Roll” Saturday October 24th @ Bordello.
See you at the show!
Are you diggin’ “The Return of Rock & Roll” and the crazy characters of Cabula, Los Olvidados and Viva Malpache?
Digg ’em some more!
