El Reencuentro
| Company type | Reunion music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Ricky Melendez, Rene Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, Charlie Masso |
| Defunct | 2015 |
Area served | Latin America, North America, Spain, international markets |
| Products | Live album: El Reencuentro: 15 Años Después |
El Reencuentro refers to a reunion project formed by six ex-members of the band Menudo. The lineup featured Ricky Melendez, Rene Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, and Charlie Masso, who came together to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their widespread popularity in regions such as Latin America, North America, Spain, and other international markets. Initiated in 1998 as a trial venture, the group experienced unexpected acclaim that extended through 2015, undertaking extensive tours throughout North and Latin America.
1998
Toward the end of the 1990s, several former Menudo members reunited for a radio broadcast on Puerto Rico’s Sistema 102. The enthusiastic feedback from listeners prompted plans for a singular concert at Santurce's Centro de Bellas Artes. Ray Reyes took charge of organizing the event alongside Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Charlie Massó, and Xavier Serbiá (who ultimately declined participation). Due to overwhelming demand, the venue was upgraded to Coliseo Roberto Clemente, where tickets sold out in less than an hour. This success led to three consecutive performances in San Juan and sparked a tour throughout the Americas.
The ensemble secured a lucrative contract valued at one million dollars with Fonovisa Records, which issued their live album El Reencuentro: 15 Años Después, earning gold certification.
2005-Present
Following their initial reunion in 1998, El Reencuentro regrouped intermittently starting in 2005, including a notable 2010 appearance in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. In response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, they released "Amistad," their sole original track composed by Omar Alfanno and Roberto Sueiro, featuring lead vocals by Miguel Cancel and Charlie Massó, aimed at raising relief funds.
On August 25, 2015, El Reencuentro announced their dissolution amid conflicts regarding payment schedules for their performances; as a result, planned concerts were canceled and Johnny Lozada publicly apologized to supporters.
Later that year, Massó, Farrait, Reyes, and Cancel toured under the name 'Menudomania Forever,' accompanied by thirteen additional Menudo alumni from various periods, including Robert Avellanet, Jonathan Montenegro, and Rawy Torres.
In 2019, Melendez, Lozada, Cancel, Reyes, and Farrait reconciled and resumed performing as Menudo—excluding Massó due to internal disagreements. Their "Subete a Mi Moto Tour" commenced in Puerto Rico before expanding internationally.
Ray Reyes passed away on April 30, 2021, reportedly from a heart attack at age 51.
Albums
| Title | Details | Chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | ||||
| 200 | Latin | Latin Pop | ||
| El Reencuentro: 15 Años Después |
|
— | 7 | — |