Platero y Tú
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | Late 1980s |
| Headquarters | Bilbao , Spain |
| Products | Rock and roll, blues rock music, albums |
Platero y Tú () was a Spanish band specializing in rock and roll and blues rock, originating from Bilbao during the 1980s and disbanding in 2001. Their songwriting often explored themes such as substance use, nightlife, and romance, drawing musical inspiration from groups like Status Quo, AC/DC, and Leño, as well as guitarists including John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival. This stylistic choice set them apart from the dominant Basque Radical Rock movement.[1]
History
The band was established in Bilbao toward the end of the 1980s when Juantxu and Uoho began rehearsing after their former group Ke disbanded.[2] Drummer Maguila joined shortly thereafter, followed by their neighbor Fito Cabrales, who took on the roles of vocalist and guitarist.[1]
Their initial demo, titled Burrok'n'Roll, was produced at Arion studios in Pamplona, funded by proceeds from early performances. Issued in a limited run, it has since become a sought-after collector’s item.[1]
In 1991, they signed with Welcome Records to record their debut album, Voy a acabar borracho, which was completed in a single day at Lin studios.[3] Although the album saw only moderate success initially, it caught the attention of multinational label DRO, with whom they released Burrock'n'roll in 1992.
Between February and March 1992, the band recorded their third album, Muy deficiente, which included notable tracks such as El roce de tu cuerpo and featured a collaboration with Rosendo Mercado on Sin solución.[3] They supported this release with approximately 100 live performances.
Their fourth studio effort, Vamos tirando (1993), helped broaden their presence across Spain. This album contained a rendition of Hertzainak’s R&R Batzokian as well as a live track titled Mírame. Additionally, that year saw the release of the live album En directo a todo gas, alongside tracks like Zer Bizio? and Sedientos.[1]
Continuing their pattern of yearly releases, the fifth album Hay poco Rock & roll (1994) showcased collaborations with artists such as Roberto Iniesta and Evaristo Páramos on the song Juliette. This record earned the band their first gold certification after surpassing 50,000 copies sold.[3]
During 1995–96, an extensive tour preceded their sixth release: the live album A pelo, which also achieved gold status. A concert video accompanied this launch. Following summer 1996, they toured alongside Extremoduro, performing joint sets and covering each other’s material. Noteworthy moments included headlining the inaugural Viña Rock festival and playing two shows at Madrid’s Palacio de los Deportes.
Their seventh album, 7, reflected a progression toward more mature musical and lyrical content but received mixed reactions from some fans. Roberto Iniesta contributed vocals to Si miro a las nubes. The album attained another gold record. During this era, members explored side projects: Fito initiated his solo venture Fito & Fitipaldis, while Uoho increased his involvement with Extremoduro.[1]
In 2000, they released their eighth and final studio album, Correos, recorded at La Casa de Iñaki. Roberto Iniesta appeared on the track Humo de mis pies. This album also achieved gold certification and was promoted through television appearances. Their concluding tour wrapped up in October 2001. Afterwards, Fito and Uoho collaborated on the project Extrechinato y Tú, before embarking on separate careers: Fito continued with Fito & Fitipaldis, Uoho became a permanent member of Extremoduro while producing for other artists, and Mongol along with Maguila formed La Gripe.[1]
Following their disbandment, two greatest hits collections were released: volume one of Hay mucho Rock'n'Roll in 2002 and volume two in 2005.
Members
- Adolfo Cabrales, known as Fito: lead vocals and guitar
- Iñaki Antón, nicknamed Uoho: guitar
- Juantxu Olano, called Mongol: bass player
- Jesús García, referred to as Maguila: drums
Albums
- Burrock'n Roll (1990), released by Arion; reissued through DRO in 1992
- Voy a Acabar Borracho (1991), initially on Welcome Records; DRO reissued it in 1996
- Muy Deficiente (1992), under DRO label
- Vamos Tirando (1993), published by DRO
- Hay Poco Rock & Roll (1994), DRO release
- A Pelo (1996), DRO (Live recording)
- 7 (1997), DRO label
- Correos (2000), issued by DRO
- Hay Mucho Rock'n Roll, Volumen I (2002) and Volumen II (2005), DRO (Compilation albums)
In other media
- The track "Hay poco rock & roll" is featured as downloadable content within the Rock Band series