El Último de la Fila
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Manolo García, Quimi Portet |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Barcelona , Spain |
| Products | Music albums |
El Último de la Fila was a prominent rock ensemble originating from Barcelona, Spain, established in 1985 by Manolo García and Quimi Portet. Over their career, the group produced seven studio albums before dissolving in early 1998.
Before forming the band, Manolo García served as the lead vocalist for Los Rápidos, while Quimi Portet had been involved with Kul de Mandril. The duo collaborated in the band Los Burros in 1984 prior to launching El Último de la Fila. They rose to become one of Spain's most influential musical acts throughout the 1980s and 1990s, extensively touring both Spain and Latin American countries.
They achieved the top position on Rolling Stone's list of "50 Greatest Spanish rock bands".
History
1980s
In 1985, Manolo García and Quimi Portet established El Último de la Fila, signing with the independent label PDI. Their first album, Cuando la pobreza entra por la puerta, el amor salta por la ventana, debuted in February of that year.
The 1986 release Enemigos de lo ajeno included the track "Insurrección", which was honored as "Best Song of the Year" by Rock de Lux magazine. This album marked their initial Gold certification after surpassing fifty thousand copies sold.
In 1987, they issued Nuevas mezclas, benefiting from a larger budget and enhanced production quality. Their subsequent album in 1988, Como la cabeza al sombrero, sold more than 400,000 units. During this period, they performed at significant venues across Europe and South America, notably participating in the 1988 Amnesty International Human Rights Now! concert held in Barcelona alongside artists like Bruce Springsteen and Sting.
Between 1988 and 1990, the band embarked on extensive tours throughout Europe and the Americas, performing in countries including Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela.
1990s
Their fifth studio album, Nuevo pequeño catálogo de seres y estares, was released in 1990 and secured the number one spot on AFYVE’s sales chart. That same year, they launched their own record label named Perro Records.
Following comprehensive tours across Spain, Europe, and South America, their sixth album Astronomía razonable (1993) became the first Spanish group’s record to hold the top position on AFYVE for over ten consecutive weeks. It also attained gold certification in Venezuela and Mexico. The band supported this release with an international tour enhanced by stage design from the theater company Els Comediants.
Their seventh and final album, La rebelión de los hombres rana (1995), was succeeded by another worldwide tour featuring Els Comediants’ scenography. These performances showcased material spanning their entire discography.
1998 breakup
On January 13, 1998, El Último de la Fila officially announced their disbandment to allow founders Manolo García and Quimi Portet to focus on individual solo projects.
Album discography
- Cuando la pobreza entra por la puerta, el amor salta por la ventana (February 1985)
- Enemigos de lo ajeno (April 1986)
- Nuevas mezclas (February 1987)
- Como la cabeza al sombrero (April 1988)
- Nuevo pequeño catálogo de seres y estares (1990)
- Astronomía razonable (1993)
- La rebelión de los hombres rana (1995)
- Desbarajuste Piramidal (double compilation album, 2023)