La Polla Records
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 in Salvatierra/Agurain, Álava, Spain |
| Founder | Evaristo Páramos, Maleguin, Fernandito, Txarly, Sumé |
| Defunct | 2003; reformed 2019; dissolved 2021 |
| Headquarters | Salvatierra/Agurain, Álava , Spain |
Area served | Spain, Europe, Latin America |
Key people | Evaristo Páramos (vocals), Sumé (rhythm guitar), Txarly (lead guitar), Fernandito (drums), Abel Murua (bass) |
| Products | Punk rock music albums and live performances |
Number of employees | Band members |
La Polla Records originated as a punk rock group from the Basque Country, established in 1979 in Salvatierra/Agurain, Álava, Spain. The founding lineup featured Evaristo Páramos, known as "Evaristo" (vocals), Maleguin (bass), Fernandito (drums), along with guitarists Txarly and Sumé. Their band name sparked controversy due to its crude connotation in Spanish slang. The lyrics were sharply critical of fascism, militarism, capitalism, and catholicism, positioning La Polla Records as a pivotal force within the Spanish-language punk movement.
Regarded as an emblem of defiance and often branded as "anti-everything," the group endured numerous obstacles including threats, governmental repression, and incarceration during a concert alongside Basque punk outfit Eskorbuto. After pausing activities for 16 years, they resumed in 2019 with a new album release but ultimately dissolved again in 2021.
1979–1983: Formation and initial phase
La Polla Records debuted live on December 9, 1979, performing at Salvatierra’s sole pub, which garnered attention locally. Their first demo tape, Banco Vaticano, was recorded in 1981 but never saw an official release. They toured throughout the Basque region and other Spanish areas, gradually establishing their punk identity despite modest early popularity.
Their inaugural EP, ¿Y ahora qué? ("So Now What?"), emerged in 1983 via the independent label Oihuka, containing four tracks and attracting the interest of producer Marino Goñi.
1984–1989: Debut albums and rising prominence in Spain
By 1984, La Polla Records was performing to larger audiences and launched their debut LP Salve on Oihuka, produced by Marino Goñi. Although the album achieved Gold certification, the band notably declined to accept the award. In 1985, they released Revolución, featuring Abel Murua who had replaced Maleguin on bass. That year, they also played at Barcelona’s Euskal Rock festival alongside groups like Kortatu, RIP, and Cicatriz.
In early 1986, they appeared at Madrid’s San Isidro Festival before a substantial crowd where near-riots occurred. Subsequently, they began organizing their own shows; however, after an incident that severely injured Txarly, performances continued with a single guitarist until early 1988. Their 1987 album No somos nada, issued under their own label Txaca Records, received unfavorable critiques. Returning to Oihuka for Donde se habla in 1988 brought both critical praise and commercial success. The band marked their tenth anniversary in 1989 with their first live album titled En directo.
1990–1994: Expansion abroad, continued achievements, and legal challenges
The early 1990s saw the release of Ellos dicen mierda, nosotros amén (1990), coinciding with their inaugural tours across Europe and Latin America, including Mexico. Later that year came Los jubilados, followed by the EP Barman in 1991. The 1992 album Negro polarized their audience; however, Hoy es el futuro (1993) received a more positive response and was supported by tours through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
In 1994, a former sound engineer named Ángel filed a lawsuit against the band which led to a court ruling prohibiting them from using the name La Polla Records. Despite this injunction, the group disregarded the order and released Bajo presión under the banned moniker.
1996–2001: Rebranding, Two Decades, and Bocas
In 1996, the band adopted the name La Polla and entered into a contract with GOR Records. Under this new identity, they released the album Carne para la picadora and launched an international tour covering Europe and South America. Their live recording, La Polla en tu recto, came out in 1998 as their final project with GOR. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 1999, they produced Toda la puta vida igual, distributed by Maldito Records. In January 2000, Txarly departed due to health complications and was succeeded by Jokin from M.C.D.. This formation issued the album Bocas in 2001, accompanied by an extensive global tour.
2002–2003: Passing of Fernandito, Lineup Changes, and Disbandment
Drummer Fernandito passed away from a heart attack in September 2002, prompting the cancellation of the band's remaining concerts. Following this, Jokin was dismissed, and Txiki along with Tripi joined on guitar and drums respectively. After performing at events including Viña Rock in 2003, they released their concluding album, El último (el) de la Polla, on August 3. This release coincided with the official dissolution of the group. Afterward, Evaristo published "Por los Hijos lo que sea," a work reflecting narratives consistent with his lyrical themes. In 2005, he established Gatillazo alongside Txiki, Tripi, and bassist Xabi (formerly of RIP), continuing to create new music and perform.
Legacy
La Polla Records stands as one of the pioneering Spanish-language punk bands and played a significant role in the underground Basque music scene of the 1980s, which was distinct from Madrid's musical environment. While Madrid-based bands focused on innovative aesthetics, Basque alternative rock was characterized by intense performances and straightforward socio-political commentary. This movement emerged as a reaction to the conclusion of Franco's regime and dissatisfaction with Spain’s democratic transition. Known as "Rock Radical Vasco," this Basque DIY rock scene included prominent groups such as Eskorbuto, Kortatu, RIP, and Barricada. The ska-punk ensemble Ska-P acknowledges La Polla Records as a major influence on their music.
Members
Primary members
- Evaristo – lead vocals (1979–2003; 2019–present)
- Sumé – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (1979–2003)
- Txarly – lead guitar and backing vocals (1979–2000)
- Fernandito – drums (1979–2002)
- Abel – bass guitar (1985–2003; 2019–present)
Additional members
- Maleguin – bass guitar (1979–1985)
- Jokin – lead guitar (2000–2002)
- "Tripi" – drums (2002–2003)
- "Txiki" – lead guitar (2002–2003)
Studio albums
- Salve (1984)
- Revolución (1985)
- No somos nada (1987)
- Donde se habla (1988)
- Ellos dicen mierda, nosotros amén (1990)
- Los jubilados (1990)
- Negro (1992)
- Hoy es el futuro (1993)
- Bajo presión (1994)
- Carne para la picadora (1996)
- Toda la puta vida igual (1999)
- Bocas (2001)
- El último (el) de La Polla (2003)
Re-recordings
- Ni descanso, ni paz! (2019)
Extended plays
- Y ahora qué? (1983)
- Barman (1991)
Demos
- Banco Vaticano (demo recording, 1981)
Live albums
- En directo (released 1988)
- En tu recto (released 1998)
- Vamos entrando (released 2005)
DVD
- Vamos entrando (issued 2004)
Compilations
- Volumen 1
- Volumen 2
- Volumen 3
- Volumen 4
- 14 años de La Polla (issued 1996)