Los Fabulosos Cadillacs
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (, ) is a band originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, recognized for their distinctive fusion of ska with Latin rock alongside various other musical styles.
Background and style
Established in 1985, the group launched their career with the album Bares y Fondas in 1986 and have since produced fifteen records, emerging as a pivotal force within Latin ska. Their musical approach integrates elements of ska, salsa, mambo, reggae, funk, and samba, often accompanied by bold and politically charged lyrics.
The principal founders and chief composers are lead vocalist Gabriel Fernandez Capello (known as Vicentico) and bassist/vocalist Flavio Cianciarulo (Sr. Flavio). Regular contributors include saxophonist Sergio Rotman, drummer Fernando Ricciardi, and keyboardist Mario Siperman. Trumpeter Daniel Lozano joined the lineup in 1986, taking over from Serguei Itzcowick. Guitarist Aníbal Rigozzi exited in 1996 and was replaced by Ariel Minimal until 2008. Trombonist Fernando Albareda was part of the ensemble between 1991 and 2008. Founding percussionist Luciano Giugno left in 1989, succeeded by Gerardo Rotblat who remained until his passing in 2008.
Collaborations and recognition
Throughout their career, the band has worked alongside prominent musicians such as Mick Jones, Debbie Harry, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, and Fishbone. They secured the 1994 MTV Video Music Award for International Viewer's Choice (Latin America) for their track "El Matador," coinciding with their MTV Unplugged performance that same year. In 1998, they received the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Performance for Fabulosos Calavera. Additionally, at the 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards, they earned nominations for Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals and Best Music Video for "La Vida," which won the MTV Video Music Award for International Viewer's Choice (Southern Latin America) in 2000.
Return
On April 7, 2008, lead singer Vicentico declared the band's reunion following a six-year break, signaling a fresh chapter. Subsequently, on March 10, 2009, they unveiled La Luz del Ritmo, released through Nacional Records in the United States, followed by a tour across the Americas during spring of that year.
Vicentico's mySpace page also mentioned lineup adjustments due to the recent death of Gerardo "Toto" Rotblat. The reformed group comprised longtime members Vicentico (lead vocals), Flavio Cianciarulo (bass and backing vocals), Sergio Rotman (saxophone), Daniel Lozano (trumpet), Fernando Ricciardi (drums and percussion), and Mario Siperman (keyboards). In 2016, sons of Vicentico and Cianciarulo joined: Florián Fernández Capello on guitars and Astor Cianciarulo handling drums and bass.
Studio albums
- Bares y Fondas (1986)
- Yo Te Avisé (1987)
- El Ritmo Mundial (1988)
- El Satanico Dr. Cadillac (1989)
- Volumen 5 (1990)
- El León (1992)
- Rey Azúcar (1995)
- Fabulosos Calavera (1997)
- La Marcha del Golazo Solitario (1999)
- La Luz del Ritmo (2008)
- La Salvación de Solo y Juan (2016)
Compilation albums
- Sopa de Caracol (1991)
- Vasos Vacíos (1993)
- 20 Grandes Exitos (1998)
- Obras Cumbres (2000)
- El Arte De La Elegancia De LFC (2009)
Live albums
- En Vivo en Buenos Aires (1994)
- Hola (2001)
- Chau (2001)
- En Vivo en The Theater at Madison Square Garden (2017)