Caifanes
Encyclopedia
Caifanes is a Spanish-language rock (Rock en Español
) band from Mexico City
formed in 1987. They achieved fame throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s. The original lineup consisted of Saúl Hernández
(vocals & guitar), Sabo Romo
(bass guitar), Alfonso André (drums) and Diego Herrera (keyboards and saxophone). Argentine guitarist Alejandro Marcovich joined in 1989. Caifanes’ style can be described as a hybrid of British new wave, proggresive rock, and Latin percussion underscored by deep, somber, and Latin American-Mexican-Spanish influenced lyrics and the vocal style of Saúl Hernández. Members of Caifanes have cited King Crimson
as a major influence.
The name Caifanes is derived from 1940’s Mexican Pachuco
(zoot suiter) slang "Cai fan". Its equivalent in English would be something like “cool dude.” The word has also been used to describe the proverbial Mexican Pachuco, delinquent, or outsider.
, Alfonso André and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, Insólitas started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s film project, (Marcovich’s brother went on to direct various videos for Caifanes). At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in Insolitas and decided to continue. As the seriousness of the project grew the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May of 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demo performed at Rockotitlán. Insólitas developed a strong cult following in Mexico City
.
Insólitas broke up in 1986. Saúl and Alfonso reformed as Caifanes with bass player/producer Sabo Romo
and Diego Herrera on keyboards and sax. Caifanes’ first live show was April 11, 1987, in Rockotitlán. The building was filled to capacity and many people were left outside. Their popularity began to grow throughout Mexico City
. By late 1987 Caifanes had carved a niche for themselves as a dark contrast to the corporate pop/rock and light ballads that dominated Mexican radio and television during the 1980s. At times the image and the sound were considered radical for the Mexican music industry. Between December 28, 1986 and January 3, 1987 Juan Aceves produced a four song demo for the band using "free" studio time at night at Arco Studio (where Aceves was chief engineer). The demo was showcased on the independent radio program Espacio 59 (Space 59), a show that promoted up and coming rock bands. With demo in hand Caifanes approached CBS
Mexico. The musical director at the time shunned them for dark new wave attire and said, “You look like fags.” At the time, Caifanes’ sound and look was influenced by British post-punk groups such as The Cure
and The Jesus and Mary Chain
. They dressed in black suits and sported frizzly hair and makeup. Upon hearing the demo of “Será Por Eso” (English: "That's Why"), the CBS executive said, “At CBS, our business is to sell records, not coffins.”
Nevertheless, the movement of Rock en Español
or rock en tu idioma (Rock in your language) was too strong to ignore by record execs. The flood of groups from Spain
and Argentina
forced Mexican labels to take a second look at up-and-coming Mexican bands. Caifanes received a big break when Ariola records invited them to open for Argentinean rocker Miguel Mateos
’ Mexico City
show. The show brought Cafaines to the attention of Miguel Mateos’ producer Oscar Lopez. Oscar fell in love with the band and took them to the studio to record a demo. Lopez would be instrumental in their signing to RCA
-Ariola and would go on to produce their first two albums.
Caifanes’ debut album Caifanes
(also known as Mátenme Porque Me Muero, Volumen I) was released in August 1988 by RCA
-Ariola. The LP was preceded by an EP made up of three songs, in order to test the market. The immediate sale of 300,000 copies of the EP cemented the band's appeal. The first single “Mátenme Porque Me Muero” ("Kill Me Because I'm Dying") became a minor hit in Mexico City. The first three singles garnered sufficient radio play.
In December 1988 Caifanes released a cover of Cuban folk singer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe’s classic cumbia
(tropical dance song), “La Negra Tomasa,” (The Black Woman Tomasa) as a Maxi single. The song was a massive hit in Mexico and introduced Caifanes to a wider audience nationally and abroad.
In late 1989 Caifanes began to record their second album in New York City. The record was produced by Oscar Lopez, aided by Gustavo Santaolalla
and Daniel Freiberg. El Diablito (The Little Devil) was released in July 1990 through BMG Records. The band now included former Insolitas guitarist Alejandro Marcovich. Marcovich’s textural guitar work considerably changed Caifanes’ sound and cemented the “classic” Mexican rock sound that Caifanes became famous for. “La Celula Que Explota” (The Exploding Cell), with its brushes of mariachi and bolero guitars and a crescendo of mariachi trumpets became both a signature of the band as well as a massive hit. Hernandez’s lyrics and somber vocals complemented Marcovich’s lyrical playing.
By this time Caifanes along with Maná
, Fobia
, Maldita Vecindad
, La Lupita
, Cafe Tacuba and Los Amantes de Lola, helped to move Mexican Rock toward a wider audience and catapulted the Rock En Español movement of the 1990s.
In 1992, Caifanes released El silencio
(The Silence). Recorded in Wisconsin and produced by Adrian Belew
, of King Crimson fame, El Silencio further had a more direct guitar driven sound. “No Dejes Que” (Don’t Let It”), “Estas Dormida” (You’re Sleeping), “Debajo de Tu Piel” (Under Your Skin), and the soaring “Nubes” (Clouds) would go on to become Mexican rock staples. The influence of Belew, who also played guitar on the album, was felt strongest in “Hasta Morir” (Until Death), “Tortuga” (Turtle), and “Vamos a Hacer un Silencio” (Let's Make a Silence). With its string of hits and hybrid of rock and traditional Mexican music, El silencio is considered to be one of the most influential records of the Rock En Español genre. Caifanes toured extensively in support of the album. By this time, the group had started to make inroads into Central and South America as well as in the United States. In August 1992 Caifanes sold out the Hollywood Palladium
. In 1993 Caifanes became the first Mexican rock group to sell out Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes
(Sports Palace).
By late 1993 Caifanes became a three piece with the exit of Romo and Herrera. Federico Fong
filled in on bass and Yann Zaragoza played keyboards. 1994’s El nervio del volcán
("The Volcano’s Nerve"), released by BMG, showed Caifanes with a heavier, more progressive sound. Without the distractions of Romo's lively and fluid bass playing or Herrera's atmospheric keyboards, Marcovich’s staccato guitar work, Alfonso’s polyrythmic drumming, and Hernandez’s brooding and haunting vocal style became even more prominent. “Afuera”, the first single, fused rock grooves with an ethnic inspired guitar solo. “Aquí no es así” (“It’s Not Like That Here”), and "Ayer Me Dijo Un Ave" (“A Bird Told Me Yesterday”) became radio favorites.
In 1994 Caifanes were at the height of their popularity. Caifanes along with Mana was one of Mexico's premier stadium rock acts, selling out stadiums in Mexico and large venues throughout Latin America and the United States. They were a staple in Latin MTV, Rock en Español radio and appeared regularly at music festivals. In 1994, Caifanes opened up for the Rolling Stones in Mexico City and participated in Peter Gabriel
's WOMAD festival.
(Jaguars) for his new project, which was not a radical departure from the Caifanes sound. Hernández was joined by former Caifanes and Insolitas drummer Alfonso André.
that the band would be reuniting for the Vive Latino
festival and the Coachella
Festival of 2011 , after a reconciliation between Hernández and Marcovich .
Setlist for Vive Latino
1.Será por eso
2.Matenme por que me muero
3.Viento
4.Antes de que nos olviden
5.Los Dioses Ocultos
6.Detrás de ti
7.Nubes
8.Piedra
9.Ayer me dijo un ave
10.Aquí no es así
11.Miedo
12.Afuera
13.Nos vamos juntos
14.No dejes que
15.La célula que explota
16.La negra Tomasa
17.Negro cósmico
18.Amanece
19.Hasta morir.
Setlist for Coachella
1.Amanece
2.Matenme por que me muero
3.Nubes
4.Detrás de ti
5.Aquí no es así
6.Los Dioses Ocultos
7.Antes de que nos olviden
8.La célula que explota
9.Afuera
10.Nos vamos juntos
11.No dejes que
Caifanes collaborated in the de-sanitization of rock as its condition was one of marginalization and veiled in a conservative Mexico of the 1980s. Their arrival marked a total rupture in structures and of many taboos of the time, and their look collided with social norms. It was extremely out of the ordinary for a Mexican band at the time to wear makeup, dress in black, and have disheveled hair.
. Neón, Bon y Los Enemigos del Silencio, Alquima, and Maldita Vecindad
were the first signings. Maná
and El Tri
already had records out to take advantage of the surge in media support. Fobia
gives enormous credit to the influence of Caifanes on their music, (Hernandez collaborated in the production of demos “Puedo Rascarme Solo,” “La Iguana,” and “Moscas” for a television show. Saul offered moral support to Fobia and helped them sign to BMG Ariola). Many bands owe their existence in the media to Caifanes: Santa Sabina
, La Castañeda
, Los Amantes de Lola, Maldita Vecindad
, La Cuca, La Lupita
, Sekta Core, Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, Fobia
, Botellita de Jerez, and many more. All of these bands have commented on the support of Caifanes in their careers.
(bass), Federico Fong
(bass), Jose Manuel Aguilera :es:José Manuel Aguilera(guitar), Stuart Hamm
(bass), Gustavo Cerati
(guitar), Adrian Belew
(guitar), Yann Zaragoza(keyboards), Cecilia Toussaint :es:Cecilia Toussaint (backing vocals), Leo (percussion).
Rock en Español
Rock en español is the Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock." It is a style of rock music that developed in Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like...
) band from Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
formed in 1987. They achieved fame throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s. The original lineup consisted of Saúl Hernández
Saúl Hernández
Saúl Alfonso Hernández Estrada , is the former lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of Caifanes, a famous Mexican rock en español group formed in 1986.In 1996, Saúl Hernández sang a duet with Algerian raï singer Khaled...
(vocals & guitar), Sabo Romo
Sabo Romo
Salvador Sabo Romo is a bass and guitar player, composer and producer. He was born in Mexico City.Interested in music since childhood, he played drums, wrote songs and sang on his first band...
(bass guitar), Alfonso André (drums) and Diego Herrera (keyboards and saxophone). Argentine guitarist Alejandro Marcovich joined in 1989. Caifanes’ style can be described as a hybrid of British new wave, proggresive rock, and Latin percussion underscored by deep, somber, and Latin American-Mexican-Spanish influenced lyrics and the vocal style of Saúl Hernández. Members of Caifanes have cited King Crimson
King Crimson
King Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
as a major influence.
The name Caifanes is derived from 1940’s Mexican Pachuco
Pachuco
Pachucos are Chicano youths who developed their own subculture during the 1930s and 1940s in the Southwestern United States. They wore distinctive clothing and spoke their own dialect of Mexican Spanish, called Caló or Pachuco...
(zoot suiter) slang "Cai fan". Its equivalent in English would be something like “cool dude.” The word has also been used to describe the proverbial Mexican Pachuco, delinquent, or outsider.
Early Years
The seeds of what was to later become Caifanes were planted in 1984 with Las Insolitas Imágenes de Aurora (The Unusual Images of Aurora), a band that included Saúl HernándezSaúl Hernández
Saúl Alfonso Hernández Estrada , is the former lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of Caifanes, a famous Mexican rock en español group formed in 1986.In 1996, Saúl Hernández sang a duet with Algerian raï singer Khaled...
, Alfonso André and Alejandro Marcovich. According to Marcovich, Insólitas started out as a side project for the purpose of performing as a party band for the filming of his brother’s film project, (Marcovich’s brother went on to direct various videos for Caifanes). At the time, both Hernández and Marcovich were playing in different bands. The members enjoyed the experience of playing in Insolitas and decided to continue. As the seriousness of the project grew the band began to play in different spots in Mexico City like Rockotitlán, High Tower, and El Jabalí. In May of 1986, Insolitas recorded a live demo performed at Rockotitlán. Insólitas developed a strong cult following in Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
.
Insólitas broke up in 1986. Saúl and Alfonso reformed as Caifanes with bass player/producer Sabo Romo
Sabo Romo
Salvador Sabo Romo is a bass and guitar player, composer and producer. He was born in Mexico City.Interested in music since childhood, he played drums, wrote songs and sang on his first band...
and Diego Herrera on keyboards and sax. Caifanes’ first live show was April 11, 1987, in Rockotitlán. The building was filled to capacity and many people were left outside. Their popularity began to grow throughout Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
. By late 1987 Caifanes had carved a niche for themselves as a dark contrast to the corporate pop/rock and light ballads that dominated Mexican radio and television during the 1980s. At times the image and the sound were considered radical for the Mexican music industry. Between December 28, 1986 and January 3, 1987 Juan Aceves produced a four song demo for the band using "free" studio time at night at Arco Studio (where Aceves was chief engineer). The demo was showcased on the independent radio program Espacio 59 (Space 59), a show that promoted up and coming rock bands. With demo in hand Caifanes approached CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
Mexico. The musical director at the time shunned them for dark new wave attire and said, “You look like fags.” At the time, Caifanes’ sound and look was influenced by British post-punk groups such as The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
and The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in East Kilbride, Glasgow in 1983. The band revolves around the songwriting partnership of brothers Jim and William Reid...
. They dressed in black suits and sported frizzly hair and makeup. Upon hearing the demo of “Será Por Eso” (English: "That's Why"), the CBS executive said, “At CBS, our business is to sell records, not coffins.”
Nevertheless, the movement of Rock en Español
Rock en Español
Rock en español is the Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock." It is a style of rock music that developed in Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like...
or rock en tu idioma (Rock in your language) was too strong to ignore by record execs. The flood of groups from Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
forced Mexican labels to take a second look at up-and-coming Mexican bands. Caifanes received a big break when Ariola records invited them to open for Argentinean rocker Miguel Mateos
Miguel Mateos
Miguel Mateos is a rock singer/songwriter from Villa Pueyrredón, Argentina. Outside of Argentina, he is considered one of the most important exponents of Rock en Español, specially in the 1980s when he along with Charly Garcia, Soda Stereo, Enanitos Verdes, Virus, Sumo, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Rata...
’ Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
show. The show brought Cafaines to the attention of Miguel Mateos’ producer Oscar Lopez. Oscar fell in love with the band and took them to the studio to record a demo. Lopez would be instrumental in their signing to RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
-Ariola and would go on to produce their first two albums.
Caifanes’ debut album Caifanes
Caifanes (album)
Caifanes is the debut album by Caifanes, a Rock en español band from Mexico. It was released in 1988 after the success of their first singles, "Matenme porque me muero" and "La bestia humana"...
(also known as Mátenme Porque Me Muero, Volumen I) was released in August 1988 by RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
-Ariola. The LP was preceded by an EP made up of three songs, in order to test the market. The immediate sale of 300,000 copies of the EP cemented the band's appeal. The first single “Mátenme Porque Me Muero” ("Kill Me Because I'm Dying") became a minor hit in Mexico City. The first three singles garnered sufficient radio play.
In December 1988 Caifanes released a cover of Cuban folk singer Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe’s classic cumbia
Cumbia
Cumbia is a music genre popular across Latin America. The cumbia originated in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where it is associated with an eponymous dance and has since spread as far as Mexico and Argentina...
(tropical dance song), “La Negra Tomasa,” (The Black Woman Tomasa) as a Maxi single. The song was a massive hit in Mexico and introduced Caifanes to a wider audience nationally and abroad.
National Success
By 1989 Caifanes had emerged as one of the hottest rock acts to come from central Mexico. In June Caifanes played two sold out shows at Mexico’s Auditorio Nacional (National Auditorium), a 10,000 person venue – a first for a Mexican rock band.In late 1989 Caifanes began to record their second album in New York City. The record was produced by Oscar Lopez, aided by Gustavo Santaolalla
Gustavo Santaolalla
Gustavo Alfredo Santaolalla is an Argentine musician, film composer and producer. He has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score in two consecutive years, for Brokeback Mountain in 2005 and Babel in 2006.-Life and career:...
and Daniel Freiberg. El Diablito (The Little Devil) was released in July 1990 through BMG Records. The band now included former Insolitas guitarist Alejandro Marcovich. Marcovich’s textural guitar work considerably changed Caifanes’ sound and cemented the “classic” Mexican rock sound that Caifanes became famous for. “La Celula Que Explota” (The Exploding Cell), with its brushes of mariachi and bolero guitars and a crescendo of mariachi trumpets became both a signature of the band as well as a massive hit. Hernandez’s lyrics and somber vocals complemented Marcovich’s lyrical playing.
By this time Caifanes along with Maná
Maná
Maná is a pop rock band from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, whose career has spanned more than three decades. They have earned three Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, five Premios Juventud awards, nine Billboard Latin Music Awards and 13 Premios Lo...
, Fobia
Fobia
Fobia is a Mexican rock band from Mexico City, whose career started in 1987, a time when there wasn't much promotion of Mexican rock bands.In December 1987, RCA Ariola de México promoted a famous battle of amateur rock bands: "Rock en tu idioma"...
, Maldita Vecindad
Maldita Vecindad
La Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio are a band formed in Mexico City in 1985. They are pioneers in rock en Español and are one of the most influential rock bands in Latin America....
, La Lupita
La Lupita
La Lupita are a Mexican band that combine rock and Latin music. Their lyrics are humorous and sometimes sarcastic. They released their first album, "Pa' Servir a Ud," in 1992, combining heavy metal, norteñas, disco music, funk, mambo, and pop. They recorded their next album, "Que Bonito es Casi...
, Cafe Tacuba and Los Amantes de Lola, helped to move Mexican Rock toward a wider audience and catapulted the Rock En Español movement of the 1990s.
In 1992, Caifanes released El silencio
El silencio
-Caifanes:*Saúl Hernández - vocals, electric guitar*Diego Herrera - keyboards, saxophones, percussion, jarana*Alfonso André - drums, percussion*Sabo Romo - electric bass, acoustic guitar*Alejandro Marcovich - electric and acoustic guitars, requinto jarocho...
(The Silence). Recorded in Wisconsin and produced by Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer...
, of King Crimson fame, El Silencio further had a more direct guitar driven sound. “No Dejes Que” (Don’t Let It”), “Estas Dormida” (You’re Sleeping), “Debajo de Tu Piel” (Under Your Skin), and the soaring “Nubes” (Clouds) would go on to become Mexican rock staples. The influence of Belew, who also played guitar on the album, was felt strongest in “Hasta Morir” (Until Death), “Tortuga” (Turtle), and “Vamos a Hacer un Silencio” (Let's Make a Silence). With its string of hits and hybrid of rock and traditional Mexican music, El silencio is considered to be one of the most influential records of the Rock En Español genre. Caifanes toured extensively in support of the album. By this time, the group had started to make inroads into Central and South America as well as in the United States. In August 1992 Caifanes sold out the Hollywood Palladium
Hollywood Palladium
The Hollywood Palladium is a theater located at 6215 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It was built in a Streamline Moderne, Art Deco style and includes an 11,200 square foot dance floor with room for up to 4,000 people.-History:...
. In 1993 Caifanes became the first Mexican rock group to sell out Mexico City's Palacio de los Deportes
Palacio de los Deportes
Palacio de los Deportes is an indoor arena, located in Mexico City, Mexico, within the sports complex Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City, near the Mexico City International Airport and the Foro Sol, in which sports and artistic events are also celebrated. It is operated by Grupo CIE...
(Sports Palace).
By late 1993 Caifanes became a three piece with the exit of Romo and Herrera. Federico Fong
Federico Fong
Federico Fong is a member of several bands in Mexico and the United States:*Hip Hop Hoodíos*Jaguares*La Barranca*CaifanesBorn in Northern California's Bay Area in 1967 to a Panamian father of Chinese descent and an American mother, Fong relocated at a young age with his family to Mexico City where...
filled in on bass and Yann Zaragoza played keyboards. 1994’s El nervio del volcán
El nervio del volcán
-Caifanes:*Saúl Hernández - vocals, 2nd rhythm guitar on "El año del dragón"*Alejandro Marcovich - electric and acoustic guitars, violin on "Miedo" and "La Llorona"*Alfonso André - drums, percussion, drum programming on "Hasta que dejes de respirar"-Guests:...
("The Volcano’s Nerve"), released by BMG, showed Caifanes with a heavier, more progressive sound. Without the distractions of Romo's lively and fluid bass playing or Herrera's atmospheric keyboards, Marcovich’s staccato guitar work, Alfonso’s polyrythmic drumming, and Hernandez’s brooding and haunting vocal style became even more prominent. “Afuera”, the first single, fused rock grooves with an ethnic inspired guitar solo. “Aquí no es así” (“It’s Not Like That Here”), and "Ayer Me Dijo Un Ave" (“A Bird Told Me Yesterday”) became radio favorites.
In 1994 Caifanes were at the height of their popularity. Caifanes along with Mana was one of Mexico's premier stadium rock acts, selling out stadiums in Mexico and large venues throughout Latin America and the United States. They were a staple in Latin MTV, Rock en Español radio and appeared regularly at music festivals. In 1994, Caifanes opened up for the Rolling Stones in Mexico City and participated in Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
's WOMAD festival.
Breakup
1995 would mark the end of Caifanes. Hernández and Marcovich’s relationship was strained. On the 18th of August 1995, Caifanes played their final show in San Luis Potosi. A legal scuffle over the name “Caifanes” ensued, forcing Saúl Hernández to choose the name JaguaresJaguares (rock band)
Jaguares is a Mexican alternative rock band formed by former Caifanes lead singer Saúl Hernández, ex-Caifan Alfonso André , and two long-time friends Federico Fong and José Manuel Aguilera .-History:...
(Jaguars) for his new project, which was not a radical departure from the Caifanes sound. Hernández was joined by former Caifanes and Insolitas drummer Alfonso André.
Reunion
On December 14, 2010, it was announced by TwitterTwitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that the band would be reuniting for the Vive Latino
Vive Latino
Vive Latino is an annual rock music festival held in Mexico City. It is one of the most important rock en español music festivals in Latin America, featuring a great variety of Mexican, Latin and Spanish groups of many genres....
festival and the Coachella
Coachella
Coachella may refer to;*Coachella, California*Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival...
Festival of 2011 , after a reconciliation between Hernández and Marcovich .
Setlist for Vive Latino
1.Será por eso
2.Matenme por que me muero
3.Viento
4.Antes de que nos olviden
5.Los Dioses Ocultos
6.Detrás de ti
7.Nubes
8.Piedra
9.Ayer me dijo un ave
10.Aquí no es así
11.Miedo
12.Afuera
13.Nos vamos juntos
14.No dejes que
15.La célula que explota
16.La negra Tomasa
17.Negro cósmico
18.Amanece
19.Hasta morir.
Setlist for Coachella
1.Amanece
2.Matenme por que me muero
3.Nubes
4.Detrás de ti
5.Aquí no es así
6.Los Dioses Ocultos
7.Antes de que nos olviden
8.La célula que explota
9.Afuera
10.Nos vamos juntos
11.No dejes que
Influence on Popular Culture
Caifanes could be clumped into the mass of Mexican rock groups that emerged in the 1980s. The band is characterized by its excellence in playing and for the cryptic voyages achieved in the songwriting.Caifanes collaborated in the de-sanitization of rock as its condition was one of marginalization and veiled in a conservative Mexico of the 1980s. Their arrival marked a total rupture in structures and of many taboos of the time, and their look collided with social norms. It was extremely out of the ordinary for a Mexican band at the time to wear makeup, dress in black, and have disheveled hair.
Influence on the Mexican Rock Scene
The presence of Caifanes and the media coverage forced record companies to take existing groups seriously as well as to revitalize veteran rock figures that had long careers behind them, such as El TriEl Tri
El Tri is a Mexican rock band from Mexico City fronted by Alex Lora. Founded in 1968 as Three Souls in My Mind, the group is regarded as influential in the development of Mexican rock music....
. Neón, Bon y Los Enemigos del Silencio, Alquima, and Maldita Vecindad
Maldita Vecindad
La Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio are a band formed in Mexico City in 1985. They are pioneers in rock en Español and are one of the most influential rock bands in Latin America....
were the first signings. Maná
Maná
Maná is a pop rock band from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, whose career has spanned more than three decades. They have earned three Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards Latin America, five Premios Juventud awards, nine Billboard Latin Music Awards and 13 Premios Lo...
and El Tri
El Tri
El Tri is a Mexican rock band from Mexico City fronted by Alex Lora. Founded in 1968 as Three Souls in My Mind, the group is regarded as influential in the development of Mexican rock music....
already had records out to take advantage of the surge in media support. Fobia
Fobia
Fobia is a Mexican rock band from Mexico City, whose career started in 1987, a time when there wasn't much promotion of Mexican rock bands.In December 1987, RCA Ariola de México promoted a famous battle of amateur rock bands: "Rock en tu idioma"...
gives enormous credit to the influence of Caifanes on their music, (Hernandez collaborated in the production of demos “Puedo Rascarme Solo,” “La Iguana,” and “Moscas” for a television show. Saul offered moral support to Fobia and helped them sign to BMG Ariola). Many bands owe their existence in the media to Caifanes: Santa Sabina
Santa Sabina (band)
Santa Sabina is a Mexican rock band originally from Mexico City. The group was formed in 1989 by singer Rita Guerrero, bassist Alfonso "Poncho" Figueroa, guitarist Pablo Valero and keyboardist Jacobo Lieberman. Juan Sebastian Lach was keyboardist for a while...
, La Castañeda
La Castañeda
La Castañeda are a Mexican rock group originally from México City, formed in 1989 by Salvador Moreno , Edmundo Ortega, Alberto Rosas, Omar D'León , Oswaldo D'León and Juan Blendl.- Discography :* Servicios Generales * Servicios Generales II...
, Los Amantes de Lola, Maldita Vecindad
Maldita Vecindad
La Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del Quinto Patio are a band formed in Mexico City in 1985. They are pioneers in rock en Español and are one of the most influential rock bands in Latin America....
, La Cuca, La Lupita
La Lupita
La Lupita are a Mexican band that combine rock and Latin music. Their lyrics are humorous and sometimes sarcastic. They released their first album, "Pa' Servir a Ud," in 1992, combining heavy metal, norteñas, disco music, funk, mambo, and pop. They recorded their next album, "Que Bonito es Casi...
, Sekta Core, Victimas del Doctor Cerebro, Fobia
Fobia
Fobia is a Mexican rock band from Mexico City, whose career started in 1987, a time when there wasn't much promotion of Mexican rock bands.In December 1987, RCA Ariola de México promoted a famous battle of amateur rock bands: "Rock en tu idioma"...
, Botellita de Jerez, and many more. All of these bands have commented on the support of Caifanes in their careers.
Guest Musicians and Collaborators
Chucho MerchanChucho Merchan
Chucho Merchan is a session jazz bassist and guitarist. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Cambridge University in 1980....
(bass), Federico Fong
Federico Fong
Federico Fong is a member of several bands in Mexico and the United States:*Hip Hop Hoodíos*Jaguares*La Barranca*CaifanesBorn in Northern California's Bay Area in 1967 to a Panamian father of Chinese descent and an American mother, Fong relocated at a young age with his family to Mexico City where...
(bass), Jose Manuel Aguilera :es:José Manuel Aguilera(guitar), Stuart Hamm
Stuart Hamm
Stuart "Stu" Hamm is an American bass guitar player, known for his session and live work with numerous artists as well for his unconventional playing style and solo recordings.-Beginning career:...
(bass), Gustavo Cerati
Gustavo Cerati
Gustavo Adrián Cerati Clark is an Argentine rock musician, singer-songwriter, composer and record producer. He was the frontman, lead vocalist, lead guitarist and lead songwriter of the Argentine rock band Soda Stereo, one of the most influential bands of latin rock music. In the early 90s, with...
(guitar), Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer...
(guitar), Yann Zaragoza(keyboards), Cecilia Toussaint :es:Cecilia Toussaint (backing vocals), Leo (percussion).
Studio Albums
- Caifanes (Matenme porque me muero, Volumen 1)Caifanes (album)Caifanes is the debut album by Caifanes, a Rock en español band from Mexico. It was released in 1988 after the success of their first singles, "Matenme porque me muero" and "La bestia humana"...
(1988) - El Diablito (Volumen 2)El diablitoEl Diablito , is a Rock en español album released in June 1990 by Caifanes. Original members Saul Hernandez, Alfonso Andre, Sabo Romo, and Diego Herrera returned, along with a new guitar player: Alejandro Marcovich, who joined in September 1989.- Track listing :# Detrás de ti # Antes de que nos...
(1990) - El SilencioEl silencio-Caifanes:*Saúl Hernández - vocals, electric guitar*Diego Herrera - keyboards, saxophones, percussion, jarana*Alfonso André - drums, percussion*Sabo Romo - electric bass, acoustic guitar*Alejandro Marcovich - electric and acoustic guitars, requinto jarocho...
(1992) - El Nervio Del VolcánEl nervio del volcán-Caifanes:*Saúl Hernández - vocals, 2nd rhythm guitar on "El año del dragón"*Alejandro Marcovich - electric and acoustic guitars, violin on "Miedo" and "La Llorona"*Alfonso André - drums, percussion, drum programming on "Hasta que dejes de respirar"-Guests:...
(1994)
Compilations
- La Historia (History) (1997)
- Essential Caifanes (2009)