Riff (Argentine band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Norberto "Pappo" Napolitano |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Hard rock music, albums, live performances |
Riff was a hard rock ensemble originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, established in 1980. Led by guitarist Norberto "Pappo" Napolitano, who formed Riff after the dissolution of Pappo's Blues, the band was heavily inspired by groups such as AC/DC, Motörhead, Saxon, and the new wave of British heavy metal movement, playing a pioneering role in Argentina's heavy metal scene during the early 1980s.
Following Pappo's passing in 2005, the band ceased activities. Their 1982 release, Contenidos, was honored in 2007 by being placed at number 58 on Rolling Stone Argentina's compilation of "The 100 Greatest Albums of National Rock."
1981–1983: Initial performances, acclaim, and peak period
On 14 November 1980, Pappo introduced "Adiós Pappo's Blues, bienvenido Riff," signaling a shift that brought heavy metal into the Argentine rock sphere.
Riff’s first record, Ruedas de metal, came out in 1981, followed shortly by Macadam 3...2...1...0..., which was launched during a concert at Estadio Obras Sanitarias.
Their October 1982 album Contenidos included notable tracks such as "Susy Cadillac," "Maquinación," and "Pantalla del mundo nuevo." The following month, Riff took part in the significant BA Rock festival alongside prominent Argentine musicians like Spinetta-Jade, David Lebón, and León Gieco. By 1983, the group performed at the La Falda Festival. In March of that year, keyboardist and vocalist Danny Peyronel joined the band, expanding it to five members.
April 1983 saw performances at Estadio Obras Sanitarias recorded for their inaugural live album, the double LP Riff En acción. These concerts were marred by violent incidents that drew unfavorable press coverage.
In an effort to rehabilitate their reputation, Riff organized a large-scale concert on 17 December 1983 at the Ferrocarril Oeste Arena, supported by Los Violadores. Despite these intentions, further disturbances ensued, prompting the band’s dissolution. Subsequently, Danny Peyronel returned to the United States; Boff became part of Boxer; while Pappo, Michel Peyronel, and bassist Vitico embarked on solo ventures.
1984: Brief hiatus and individual projects
After disbanding in 1984, Pappo released his first solo album titled Pappo en concierto, a live recording featuring Enrique "Avellaneda" Díaz (formerly of Vox Dei) on bass, Juan "Locomotora" Espósito (ex-El Reloj) on drums, and Boff Serafine on rhythm guitar. Drummer Michel Peyronel also produced a solo record called A toda mákina, which included guitarist Stuka from Los Violadores, bassist Alex "Le Noir" Oucinde, and his brother Danny Peyronel on keyboards. Meanwhile, bassist Vitico initiated his solo career with the album Ha llegado la hora.
1985–1986: Reunion, downturn, and subsequent split
In 1985, Riff reunited featuring Pappo and Vitico alongside newcomers rhythm guitarist and lead singer JAF and seasoned drummer Oscar Moro, who had previously played with Pappo in Los Gatos during the late 1960s.
This formation recorded Riff VII, which was released in October 1985 through CBS Records. The album presented a refined heavy metal style accentuated by JAF’s commanding vocal delivery.
Throughout 1986, Riff performed in smaller venues such as pubs and clubs with Jota Morelli replacing Moro on drums. Nevertheless, internal conflicts led to another disbandment. Following this split, JAF and Vitico pursued solo careers while Pappo and Boff established Hoy No Es Hoy, releasing one album titled Plan diabólico in 1987. Afterwards, Pappo relocated to Los Angeles to form Pappo & Widowmaker before returning to Argentina in 1989 to continue his solo work.
1990–2005: Reunions and the Passing of Pappo
In the early 1990s, Pappo, Vitico, Boff, and Michel Peyronel came together once again, resulting in the 1992 release of Zona de nadie. During this period, Riff had the opportunity to support renowned international bands such as Motörhead and AC/DC at prominent locations including River Plate Stadium. This reunion phase concluded in 1998 following the launch of Que sea rock.
Pappo continued to juggle his solo career alongside sporadic Riff reunions until their ultimate show at the Cosquín Rock Festival on 4 February 2005. Tragically, on 25 February 2005, Pappo Napolitano lost his life in a motorcycle accident near Luján, Buenos Aires. After his demise, the group ceased all activities permanently.
Band members
Current members
- Vitico – bass guitar (1980–1986, 1990–1998, 2004–2005, 2018–present)
- Juan Antonio Ferreyra – guitar (1985–1986, 2018–present)
- Juanito Moro – drums (2018–present)
- Luciano Napolitano – lead vocals and guitar (2018–present)
Former members
- Norberto "Pappo" Napolitano – lead vocals and guitar (1980–1986, 1990–1998, 2004–2005; deceased 2005)
- Héctor "Boff" Serafine – guitar (1980–1984, 1990–1998)
- Michel Peyronel – drums (1980–1984, 1990–1998, 2004–2005)
- Oscar Moro – drums (1985–1986; deceased 2006)
- Nicolás "Nico" Bereciartúa – guitar (2004–2005)
Timeline
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bar:Pappo text:Pappo Napolitano bar:Luciano text:Luciano Napolitano bar:Boff text:Boff Serafine bar:JAF text:Juan Antonio Ferreyra bar:Nico text:Nico Bereciartúa bar:Vitico text:Vitico bar:Michel text:Michel Peyronel bar:Moro text:Oscar Moro bar:Juanito text:Juanito Moro
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Discography
- Studio albums
- Ruedas de metal (1981)
- Macadam 3...2...1...0... (1981)
- Contenidos (1982)
- Riff VII (1985)
- Zona de nadie (1992)
- Que sea rock (1997)
- Live albums
- En acción (1983)
- Riff 'n Roll (1987)
- En vivo en Obras 17/12/1985 (1995)
- Paladium 86 (1995)
- En vivo, grabado en noviembre de 1995, en La Plata (1996)
- Compilations
- Épico (1984)
- Década (1990)
- Clásico (1995)
- Videos
- Riff: La Historia vol.1 & 2 (1992) (VHS)