Los Yorks
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Lima, Peru |
| Founder | Roman Palacios, Fred Aguilar |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Lima , Peru |
| Products | Garage rock music, albums, singles |
Los Yorks were a garage rock ensemble from Lima, Peru, active during the 1960s. Although their time together was short-lived, they ranked among the most prominent Peruvian bands of that decade. They made history as the first Peruvian group to host their own radio and television programs, appearing frequently in various media outlets. Their repertoire consisted largely of original Spanish-language compositions, characterized by a raw sound and energized vocal delivery by frontman Pablo Luna. Their hit "Abrazame" remains a seminal work in Peruvian garage rock and has experienced a resurgence amid the genre’s revival.
Origins
Formed in 1964 in Lima’s Rímac neighborhood,[1] the band was founded by guitarist Roman Palacios and drummer Fred Aguilar. The name "Los Yorks" was chosen as a tribute to New York City, reflecting its musical impact on them. Guitarist Walter Paz joined shortly thereafter, and after witnessing Pablo Luna’s performance at a media event, they invited him to become their lead singer. Inspired by the influential band "Los Saicos," they infused elements of that style into their own sound.
Success
Their first single, "Abrazame," released through MAG in March 1967, achieved remarkable sales exceeding 40,000 copies—an extraordinary accomplishment for the label at that time. During a brief interval when Pablo Luna was absent, Enrique Palacios assumed vocal duties. Their debut album, Yorks' 67, recorded with Miguel Quiroz stepping in for Walter Paz on guitar, elevated them to nationwide recognition. Songs such as "Abrazame" and "Vete al infierno" earned them Golden Disks. They shared stages with fellow Peruvian rock bands like "The Doltons" and "The Shains." Their growing popularity secured them their own television and radio program titled "El show de Los York's" on channel 11.
In 1968, they solidified their standing in Peru's rock scene with the release of York's 68, which included contributions from Pablo Villanueva ("Melcochita"), who had also appeared on their debut album. Despite continued commercial success, disputes with MAG led them to pursue a contract with El Virrey; however, MAG insisted on fulfilling existing agreements. The last album released under MAG, Yorks' 69, was assembled quickly and is considered unofficial by the band. Their following record, Rhythm and Feeling, came out under the El Virrey label.
Rhythm and Feeling featured tracks such as "I Love You," "Easy Baby," and "Suzie Q," blending conventional sounds with protest themes. In March 1971, amid their peak popularity, the military regime of Juan Velasco Alvarado condemned their music as "immoral" and provocative. The group disbanded in 1974.[2]
Singles
- "Abrazame" (Palacios-Aguilar) (MAG, 1967)
- "Vete al infierno" (Palacios-Aguilar) (MAG, 1967)
Albums
- Los York's 67 (MAG, 1967)
- Los York's 68 (MAG, 1968)
- Los York's 69 (MAG, 1969)
- Ritmo y sentimiento (El Virrey, 1970)
Compilation
- El Viaje 1966-1974 (Munster Records, 2008)
Video
Video review of THE Yorks album The Journey: 1966-1974, produced by Munster Records in Spain. Contributions to the video were made by Arturo Vigil and Luis Vigil.
Band members
- Paulo Luna (vocals, lead)
- Walter Pas (lead guitarist)
- Roman Palacios (rhythm guitarist)
- Jesus Vilchez (bass guitar)
- Pacho Aguilar (drummer)
See also
Additional information
- Fernando Tuesta, Reseña los Yorks, Blog PUCP Fernando Tuesta Soldevilla.
- Raul Cachay, "Diagnóstico: intoxicados por el ritmo", El Comercio, 2009.
External links
- Official Los Yorks Myspace
- Rock en Español feature on Los Yorks
- Blog de Fernando Tuesta about Los Yorks
- Munster Records collection: Los Yorks El Viaje 1966-1974
- Peru y su Baul de los Recuerdos - 1960s era
- Los York`s - York`s 1967 (Peru)
- Los Yorks - La Enamorada de un amigo - 1960s
- Diagnóstico: intoxicados por el ritmo