Timbiriche
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Mexico City , Mexico |
| Products | Studio albums, compilation albums, live albums |
Timbiriche—initially known as La Banda Timbiriche—was a Mexican Latin pop ensemble established in 1981 as a project aimed at children's music, designed to rival the Spanish group Parchís. Over time, the band transitioned from performing children's songs to adopting a teen pop style before evolving into a more sophisticated pop sound, ultimately becoming one of the most significant Latin pop groups during the 1980s and early 1990s.
The founding members included Benny Ibarra, Sasha Sokol, Diego Schoening, Alix Bauer, Paulina Rubio, and Mariana Garza. Subsequent additions to the lineup featured artists such as Erik Rubín, Thalía, Eduardo Capetillo, Edith Márquez, and Bibi Gaytán, many of whom went on to achieve notable solo success across Latin American entertainment industries. Their body of work encompasses twelve studio albums released between 1981 and 1993, alongside two compilation albums and three live recordings. The group reunited on multiple occasions: in 1998, then again for their 25th anniversary in 2007, and later for their 35th anniversary in 2017.
Name
The name Timbiriche refers to the game known in the United States as dots and boxes, a pencil-and-paper pastime where players complete squares. This choice of name drew inspiration from that game, mirroring the origin of Parchís, whose name also stems from a board game.
Origin
The group's inception took place within the children's division of the Centro de Educación Artística (CEA), affiliated with Mexican broadcaster Televisa. Actress and producer Martha Zavaleta assembled young talents including Mariana Garza, Alix Bauer, Paulina Rubio, and Diego Schoening, who were soon joined by Benny Ibarra and Sasha Sokol. After receiving training in singing, dancing, and acting, the children performed a theatrical production that caught the attention of Televisa executives. Motivated by the success of Spain’s Parchís, Televisa decided to form a homegrown children's musical group. The initiative was spearheaded by Victor Hugo O'Farril and producer Luis de Llano Macedo, with María Eugenia La Gorda Galindo appointed as the group's manager.
Children's Band (1982–1984)
Timbiriche made their first public appearance on 30 April 1982 during the show Siempre en Domingo, where Spanish singer Miguel Bosé served as their godfather. Their debut album, Timbiriche, included popular tracks such as Amor para tí, Hoy tengo que decirte Papá, and Somos amigos. Building on this momentum, their sophomore release, La Banda Timbiriche, broadened their musical scope with singles like La Banda Timbiriche, La vida es mejor cantando, and México. The group also performed the theme song for the children's soap opera Chispita and appeared in a television special alongside Parchís.
In 1983, they issued La Banda Timbiriche: En Concierto, which was promoted as a live album despite being recorded with added audience sounds. This record featured covers from well-known musicals such as Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, along with hits like Mickey. The release cemented their status in Mexico’s music scene, earning multiple gold certifications.
Because the vocal tones of the two male members were very similar to those of the female singers, producers decided to introduce a third male member—Erik Rubín—in December 1983. Following this change, they launched their fourth album, Timbiriche Disco Ruido, which represented an important test to gauge audience reception of the new formation. Despite some initial hurdles, this album was well received and featured successful tracks including Disco ruido and Adiós a la escuela.
Teen Ensemble (1985-1987)
In 1984, Timbiriche along with other young actors participated in the Mexican staging of the musical Grease (known locally as Vaselina), produced by actress and producer Julissa. This project resulted in the popular album Timbiriche Vaselina, which included hits such as Amor primero (Those Magic Changes), Rayo Rebelde (Grease Lightnin'), Freddy mi amor (Freddy My love), and Iremos juntos (We Go Together).
By 1985, Timbiriche evolved from a children's ensemble into a teen-oriented group, a shift represented by the release of the album Timbiriche Rock Show. During this timeframe, Benny departed to continue his music education in the United States. His place was taken by Eduardo Capetillo, who had previously appeared in Grease. Key tracks from this album include Teléfono (a rendition of Sheena Easton's Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)), Juntos, and Mi globo azul (a cover of Nena's hit 99 Luftballons).
In August 1986, Sasha, one of the original members, left to embark on a solo career. She was replaced by Thalía, who brought experience from her time with the children's group Din-Din and as Sasha's understudy in Grease.
The 1987 album Timbiriche VII marked a commercial high point, solidifying the group’s status as a leading youth act across Latin America and Spain. This record featured popular songs like No seas tan cruel, Besos de ceniza, and Mírame (Cuestión de tiempo). That same year, Timbiriche performed the theme song for the telenovela Quinceañera, which starred Thalía and Adela Noriega.
In December 1987, Timbiriche contributed the track ¡Ay del Chiquirritín! to the holiday compilation album Esta navidad. Founding member Mariana Garza exited to focus on acting and personally chose Edith Márquez, known for her roles in the cast of Grease and the TV sitcom Papá soltero, as her successor. Initially, Márquez encountered difficulties integrating into the group.
Mature Ensemble (1988-1991)
On 7 May 1988, Timbiriche released the double album Timbiriche VIII & IX, an innovative format for Latin America at that time. It featured hit singles such as Tú y yo somos uno mismo, Ámame hasta con los dientes, and Tú me vuelves loco. This era signified the band's transformation into a young adult music group.
Founder Alix departed in November 1988 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Bibi Gaytán in February 1989, who joined for the remainder of the album tour. That same month saw the release of the first greatest hits compilation, titled Los Clásicos de Timbiriche, which included performances with the Mexico City Symphony Orchestra plus an unreleased song, Por ti. Former members Benny, Sasha, and Mariana participated; however, Bibi was excluded since production occurred before her joining.
In July 1989, Eduardo Capetillo and Thalía left to begin solo careers. Their replacements were Claudio Bermúdez and Patty Tanús. Despite these lineup changes, the album Timbiriche X maintained much of the group's original sound—only Paulina, Diego, and Erik remained from the founding members alongside Edith, Bibi, Claudio, and Patty. Patty was soon dismissed for falsifying her age and marital status; she was succeeded by Silvia Campos who toured with the band but did not take part in recording sessions.
The album embraced contemporary dance music trends with singles like Princesa Tibetana, Me pongo mal, and Sacudete, earning Timbiriche their first Best Pop Group award from Eres. In 1991, commemorating their tenth anniversary, founding member Paulina left to pursue a solo career. Shortly thereafter, Erik, Edith, and Bibi also exited to focus on individual projects, leaving Diego as the only original member remaining alongside Claudio and Silvia.
The Second Generation (1991-1994)
Following the departure of nearly all original members, the group's popularity began to wane, prompting producers to initiate a fresh lineup. During this transition, Claudio was unexpectedly dismissed from the ensemble.
By the end of 1991, five newcomers—Lorena Shelley, Daniel Gaytan, Tannya Velasco, Kenya Hijuelos, and Alexa Lozano—joined forces with Diego and Silvia to record Timbiriche XI. In 1992, internal disagreements led to Kenya's exit, and she was succeeded by Jean Duverger. This formation made its debut on Siempre en domingo, where nearly all former members appeared except for Diego, who was sidelined by health problems, and Thalía, who was engaged professionally in Spain.
While maintaining the original name and concept, the group embraced a revamped musical approach that fused dance and tropical sounds. Although this shift attracted less enthusiasm from longtime fans, tracks such as Vanidosa, Sólo te quiero a tí, Tierra dorada, and Piel a piel achieved Gold and Platinum status, thereby prolonging the band's active presence.
In 1993, the release of Timbiriche XII featured their last notable hit Muriendo Lento, a rendition of Anni-Frid Lyngstad's Slowly. Early in 1994, Alexa unexpectedly left mid-performance during a Monterrey concert without informing management or fellow members—a factor contributing to the group's eventual dissolution.
First Reunion (1998-1999)
In 1998, six original members reunited for the Festival Acapulco '98, drawing unprecedented crowds. This momentum led to the re-release of Los Clásicos de Timbiriche under the title Timbiriche Symphonic, reigniting fan enthusiasm.
A formal reunion materialized in November 1998 with a concert at Mexico City's Auditorio Nacional, featuring Erik Rubín. The subsequent 1999 tour covered Mexico and parts of Latin America, breaking attendance records with over 20 back-to-back shows at the Auditorio Nacional and culminating in a landmark performance at Foro Sol.
The tour resulted in the double live album Timbiriche, El concierto, recorded on 20 December 1998 at Auditorio Nacional. It included three newly composed songs: Esta Despierto, Suma Cósmica, and La Fuerza del Amor.
25th Anniversary Reunion (2007-2008)
In 2007, most original members reunited—Erik included but excluding Paulina Rubio due to personal obligations—to commemorate the band's 25th anniversary on 30 April. The celebration encompassed a concert tour alongside three album releases: Timbiriche 25, featuring updated arrangements of twelve classic hits; a live compilation called Somos Timbiriche 25 showcasing select concert performances; and Timbiriche Vivo en Vivo (a double CD plus DVD) capturing the entire concert experience. The latter also introduced three new tracks—Vuelvo a Comenzar, Atado a tí, and Domar el Aire—as a gesture of gratitude toward their supporters.
During this period, Timbiriche set an unprecedented record at Auditorio Nacional with more than twenty consecutive sold-out concerts and performed over thirty shows throughout Mexico. The anniversary festivities concluded on 5 May 2008 at Foro Sol.
On 17 May 2008, the group took part in the Mexico City ALAS concert aimed at assisting underprivileged children across Latin America, sharing the stage with prominent artists such as Miguel Bosé, Ricky Martin, Maná, and Chayanne.
Accompanying this tour was film director Carlos Marcovich, who created a documentary titled La misma Piedra, which premiered nationwide on 21 November 2008.
The Reality Program
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Televisa introduced a reality competition titled Buscando a Timbiriche, La Nueva Banda aimed at assembling a new seven-member Timbiriche group, with participants aged between 15 and 22. The contest featured thirty candidates evaluated by original creators and notable figures such as Luis de Llano alongside six members from Timbiriche 25.
The final lineup—Brissia, Fernanda, Gabriela, Taide, Alberto, Eduardo, and Yurem—became known as The New Timbiriche Band. Despite the initial excitement, the initiative did not meet commercial expectations; only the single Tú, tú, tú achieved moderate popularity. The ensemble ultimately dissolved in April 2009.
The Stage Musical
In October 2007, producer Pedro Damián revealed intentions to create a feature film inspired by Timbiriche's musical repertoire. The screenplay, crafted by Martha Carrillo and Cristina García, explored themes of teenage romance through songs performed by Sasha, Benny, Diego, Mariana, Álix, Érick, and Paulina.
Damián likened the concept to successful jukebox musicals such as Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar (Mecano) and Mamma Mia! (ABBA). Carrillo explained that the storyline focused on individual young musicians pursuing their passion separately rather than functioning as a collective band.
Eventually, the film project was put on hold and reimagined as a touring theatrical production. Casting calls for Timbiriche: El Musical commenced in January 2010. This stage adaptation presented a romantic narrative woven through Timbiriche’s songs but did not depict the band’s actual history.
35th Anniversary Reunion (2017)
Timbiriche celebrated its 35th anniversary on April 30, 2017. Responding to fan enthusiasm and speculation, Erik Rubin confirmed the group’s third reunion on May 29, 2017 to honor this milestone. The reunion kicked off in September 2017 with a tour consisting of 30 performances featuring six original members: Benny Ibarra, Sasha Sokol, Erik Rubin, Alix Bauer, Mariana Garza, and Diego Schoening.
Members
| Original Members | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Years Active | Role | |
| Benny Ibarra | 1982–1985 | Founding Member | |
| Sasha Sokol | 1982–1986 | Founding Member | |
| Mariana Garza | 1982–1987 | Founding Member | |
| Alix Bauer | 1982–1989 | Founding Member | |
| Paulina Rubio | 1982–1991 | Founding Member | |
| Diego Schoening | 1982–1994 | Early Generation Member | |
| Erik Rubín | 1983–1991 | Seventh Member | |
| Replacement Members | |||
| Member | Years Active | Replaced Member | |
| Eduardo Capetillo | 1985–1989 | Benny Ibarra | |
| Thalía Sodi | 1986–1989 | Sasha Sokol | |
| Edith Márquez | 1988–1991 | Mariana Garza | |
| Patty Tanús | 1989–1990 | Thalía Sodi | |
| Bibi Gaytán | 1989–1991 | Alix Bauer | |
| Claudio Bermúdez | 1989–1991 | Eduardo Capetillo | |
| Silvia Campos | 1990–1994 | Patty Tanús | |
| Tannya Velasco | 1991–1994 | Paulina Rubio | |
| Daniel Gaytán | 1991–1994 | Erick Rubín | |
| Lorena Shelley | 1991–1994 | Bibi Gaytán | |
| Alexa Lozano | 1991–1994 | Claudio Bermúdez | |
| Kenya Hijuelos | 1991-1992 | Edith Márquez | |
| Jean Duverger | 1992–1994 | Kenya Hijuelos | |
| New Generation Band Members | |||
| Member | Years Active | Sequence of Entry | |
| Brissia Mayagoitia | 2007–2008; 2023–present | First Member | |
| Fernanda Arozqueta | 2007–2009; 2023–present | Second Member | |
| Alberto Dogre | 2007–2009 (did not rejoin reunion) | Third Member | |
| Gabriela Sanchez | 2007–2009; 2023–present | Fourth Member | |
| Eduardo Brito | 2007–2009; 2023–present | Fifth Member | |
| Taide Rodriguez | 2007–2009; 2023–present | Sixth Member | |
| Yurem Rojas | 2007–2009; 2023–present | Seventh Member | |
Timeline
<timeline> ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:90 bottom:60 top:0 right:15 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1982 till:31/12/2019 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1982
Colors =
id:Original value:blue legend:Founding_member id:Additional value:red legend:Later_member id:Lines1 value:black legend:Studio_Albums
LineData =
at:16/04/1982 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/12/1982 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/06/1983 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/04/1984 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/12/1984 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/07/1985 color:Lines1 layer:back at:03/03/1987 color:Lines1 layer:back at:07/05/1988 color:Lines1 layer:back at:18/03/1990 color:Lines1 layer:back at:23/06/1992 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/05/1993 color:Lines1 layer:back at:05/01/1998 color:Lines1 layer:back at:01/06/1999 color:Lines1 layer:back at:30/04/2007 color:Lines1 layer:back at:05/05/2008 color:Lines1 layer:back at:20/06/2017 color:Lines1 layer:back
BarData =
bar:Ibarra text:"Benny Ibarra" bar:Sokol text:"Sasha Sokol" bar:Garza text:"Mariana Garza" bar:Bauer text:"Alix Bauer" bar:Rubio text:"Paulina Rubio" bar:Schoening text:"Diego Schoening"
bar:Rubín text:"Erik Rubín"
bar:Capetillo text:"Eduardo Capetillo" bar:Sodi text:"Thalía Sodi" bar:Márquez text:"Edith Márquez" bar:Gaytán text:"Bibi Gaytán" bar:Bermúdez text:"Claudio Bermúdez" bar:Tanúz text:"Patty Tanús" bar:Campos text:"Silvia Campos" bar:Shelley text:"Lorena Shelley" bar:DGaytán text:"Daniel Gaytán" bar:Velasco text:"Tannya Velasco" bar:Hijuelos text:"Kenya Hijuelos" bar:Lozano text:"Alexa Lozano" bar:Duvger text:"Jean Duverger"
PlotData=
width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Ibarra from:start till:01/09/1985 color:Original bar:Ibarra from:05/01/1998 till:01/06/1999 color:Original bar:Ibarra from:13/04/2007 till:05/05/2008 color:Original bar:Ibarra from:20/06/2017 till:end color:Original bar:Sokol from:start till:01/06/1986 color:Original bar:Sokol from:05/01/1998 till:end color:Original
</timeline>
Studio albums
| Title | Album information | Certifications | Sales figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timbiriche |
|
||
| La Banda Timbiriche |
|
||
| Timbiriche Disco Ruido |
|
||
| Timbiriche Vaselina |
|
||
| Timbiriche Rock Show |
|
|
|
| Timbiriche VII |
|
| |
| Timbiriche VIII & IX |
|
| |
| Timbiriche X |
|
| |
| Timbiriche 11 |
|
| |
| Timbiriche XII |
|
|
Live albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart rankings | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEX | US Latin | |||
| En Concierto |
|
— | — | |
| Timbiriche, El concierto |
|
— | — |
|
| Somos Timbiriche 25 en Vivo |
|
21 | — |
|
| Vivo En Vivo |
|
3 | — |
|
| Timbiriche Juntos |
|
— | — | |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart rankings | Certifications | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEX | US Latin | US Latin Pop | |||
| Los Clásicos de Timbiriche |
|
— | — | — | |
| Timbiriche Symphonic |
|
— | 42 | — | |
| 25 Años |
|
5 | — | — |
|
| Timbiriche 25 |
|
1 | 24 | 8 |
|
| Todo el reencuentro |
|
34 | — | — | |
| La Historia |
|
89 | — | — | |
| 20 Super Temas: La Historia De Los Exitos |
|
— | — | 16 | |
Singles
| Year released | Song title | Highest chart positions achieved | Source album(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot Latin Songs | US Latin Pop Airplay | |||
| 1982 | "Timbiriche" | — | — | Timbiriche |
| "Hoy Tengo Que Decirte Papá" | — | — | ||
| "Amor Para Ti" | — | — | ||
| "Somos Amigos" | — | — | ||
| "Y La Fiesta Comenzo" | — | — | ||
| "El Gato Rocanrolero" | — | — | ||
| "La Banda Timbiriche" | — | — | La Banda Timbiriche | |
| "Chispita" | — | — | ||
| "La Vida Es Mejor Cantando" | — | — | ||
| "México" | — | — | ||
| "Mamá" | — | — | ||
Video albums
| Year | Video information | Certifications | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | La Trayectoria
|
| |
| 2004 | Timbiriche Trayectoria Vol. I
|
|
|
| 2004 | Timbiriche Trayectoria Vol. II
|
|
|
| 2004 | El Concierto
|
|
|
| 2008 | 25 Vivo En Vivo
|
| |
| 2008 | La Misma Piedra
|
| |
| 2017 | Timbiriche Juntos
|
|