Today, May 27th, marks a significant milestone for Mexican legendary band Café Tacvba as they celebrate 36 years of making music. Over the past three and a half decades, the band has continuously evolved, pushing the boundaries of Latin rock and alternative music, and creating a unique sound that resonates with fans around the world.
It was on May 27th of 1989 when the four friends from the city of Satélite, México had their first appearance at the “El Hijo Del Cuervo” bar in Coyoacán, México that marked the beginnings of one of the most influential bands from Latin America of all times, Café Tacvba.
Two years after their first show, the band was able to sign a contract with Warner Music, and to everyone’s surprise, their debut album sold more than 40, 000 copies in the first two weeks of the release, becoming one of the best launches of the record company.
From their early days in the late 1980s, Café Tacvba has been known for their innovative approach to music, blending rock, folk, electronic, and traditional Mexican sounds. Their debut album, released in 1992, set the stage for their future success, showcasing their eclectic style and lyrical depth. Hits like “María”, “La Chica Banda”, “Rarotonga”, “Las Persianas” and “Las Batallas” quickly became anthems, cementing their place in the hearts of music lovers.
Considered the Best Rock band from México!
We are talking about Ruben Albarrán, Emmanuel ‘Meme’ Del Real and brothers Quique and Joselo Rangel who have been considered the best rock band from México for more than thirty years and as of today, the band continues bringing us amazing music and great shows.
As the years passed, the band continued to experiment and grow, both musically and thematically. Albums such as “Re” and “Avalancha de Éxitos” demonstrated their versatility and willingness to tackle diverse genres. Their boldness paid off, earning them critical acclaim and numerous awards, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards.
Café Tacvba’s live performances have also played a crucial role in their enduring popularity. Known for their high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence, the band has captivated audiences worldwide. Their concerts are not just musical events but communal experiences that bring people together, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
After 8 studio albums, 3 live albums, including 2 MTV Unplugged, the band has been awarded with every award you can think of. From the Grammy’s, wining the Best Rock/Alternative Latin Album in 2004, to Lattin Grammy’s with 9 awards under the categories of Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, Best Alternative Album, Best Record of the Year, etc and MTV’s Legend Award, were Morrissey himself delivered the award to them, the band continues collecting achievements.
Celebrating 36 years in the music industry is no small feat, and Café Tacvba’s longevity is a testament to their talent, innovation, and unwavering connection with their fans. As they mark this anniversary, it’s clear that their influence on music and culture remains as strong as ever.
Today, as we celebrate Café Tacvba’s remarkable journey, we look forward to what the future holds for this iconic band. Their legacy is a source of inspiration for musicians and fans alike, reminding us of the power of creativity and the enduring magic of music.
Happy 36th anniversary, Café Tacvba! Here’s to many more years of groundbreaking music and unforgettable performances.
We hope you enjoy this gallery of photos taken throughout the years!
Friendship & Admiration
On a personal note from The Heart Sound’s editor, my friendship and admiration for the band go back to 1992, when they released their first album. I used to have my rock band back in the days, a band called “La Jugarreta” and we shared the stage many times in different cities in México, even Quique Rangel and Meme Del Real produced our demo which was recorded at “El Ensayo”, the band’s studio in Mexico City.
I guess life didn’t want me to be a rockstar, and after many years, my band stopped playing. However, the friendship with Café Tacvba, who took us to a different level, remained and is still going strong. After many years, life took me on a different path, and I became a concert photographer, which led me to collaborate many times with the band on various shows, festivals, promotional photos, and more.
