David Civera first heard the idea of a hit when a doubt arose about his future. He believed he might not achieve success in the way he imagined. The 2002 release, Stop It, marked his first single in body spirit, the follow up after a debut that had captivated crowds. The record company trusted his momentum and pushed forward with a second project, consolidating his rising fame. The venture happened amid a broad show and the emotional weight of a competition, making the path unusually intricate. The track You Tell Me I Love You from 2001 took longer to emerge, yet his team presented a bold, contrasting concept. Civera pulled a confident, almost daring move, saying he would embrace a rogue persona. The gamble paid off. He not only differentiated himself from peers like David Bisbal and Manuel Carrasco, but also claimed a throne he had not anticipated occupying for years: a return with a surprise that would redefine him, from Sergio Dalma to Ricky Martin in public perception.
Vale Music’s strategy proved fruitful. The sales figures reflected this, with around 150,000 copies moved. A central element was the music video, where Civera ventured into a new, showman-like role. The clip envisioned a dinner party among friends courting a woman, with a dramatic ending when he ends things with another actress. With this approach, which he later continued in Bye and Forgive Me, he showcased his acting capability. Despite some pushback, he remained closely associated with his previous album, though the success brought a taste of honey from the second release. It helped establish him as one of the moment’s most influential figures. The track carried a distinctly patriotic flavor that felt almost like a bullfight, turning into his most important hit and still resonant today.
Why did the song invite such controversy, with lines suggesting a liar, evil, and danger? I cannot control it, is the essence of the lyric. This sparked debates over its meaning. In 2016, Alejandro Abad suggested in Save Me that the lyric paid tribute to the male organ, writing it while looking at himself in the shower. What is your view?
The claim does not align with the creator’s intentions. It seems an overreach to interpret it as sexual. The song speaks more to possessiveness within a relationship, without diving into sexual symbolism. The collaboration left a strong legacy, and the artists involved went on to achieve much together. There were moments when one served as manager for the other, and such unions can bring unavoidable tensions.
Since its launch, Stop It led charts across Spain, Mexico, Chile, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela. Even in spring of 23, the track sustained its momentum and became a central figure in a sprawling tour that spanned 180 days. One stop flowed into the next, an exhausting but exhilarating experience. The country welcomed the performer with open arms. The production was ambitious, featuring seven instrumentalists and four dancers. Fans sang along loudly, danced nonstop, and the experience felt almost surreal. It stood as a peak in his career, a dream moment that felt within reach for a long time.
Expanding into the role of a global artist, he had never imagined reaching such heights. As a child, he had composed for church and studied piano, testing his curiosity at the conservatory and in several competitions. Music seemed distant until he auditioned for a well-known television event, and a pivotal encounter with Alejandro Abad opened doors. Within five years, he was representing Spain at Eurovision. If given a choice, the singer would still pick those Eurovision days, describing the experience as a talisman that steered him toward his profession. Between 1997 and 2022, his ranking reached sixth place with 76 points, a record that later only Chanel surpassed among their 21 entries.
15,000 € per concert
The surge of early 2000s fame extended into other ventures. He appeared on television and won a subsequent dance show, while also acting in a film inspired by a locally beloved dish. A campaign even used his image on a tour bus to promote the meals and culture of Teruel. The marketing strains included remarks about the song and its lasting impact. If given the chance to change the past, he would keep the same path, despite the occasional restrictions on where they could stop. The track became a staple at celebrations, though today its political resonance has shifted somewhat.
Did he need substantial earnings to sustain the ride?
The journey required effort, but the earnings were modest initially. He did not own the song catalog, and the payments reflected that reality. Tours moved across cities and towns, and while the income was not astronomical, it supported a vibrant show life. Occasionally the pay rose to around 3,000 euros, or up to 30,000 during peak periods. The goal remained to deliver the best show possible, even when professional gains did not instantly match the risks involved.
Was professional help needed to handle the roller coaster of fame?
There were times when the pace felt relentless and private life disappeared. The years were exhilarating, yet challenging. The rapid rise left little room for self-care. Looking back, those years were the best and sometimes the hardest. The performer travelled to places many only dream of and learned the art form with unwavering support from a partner who provided stability. Teruel served as a sanctuary during demanding stretches, a steady anchor amid the whirlwind. Since then, his appearances have been measured, with selective releases and milestones around anniversaries. The 2022 release Among Friends marks a return and a celebration of twenty years since the breakthrough.
This 2022 revival, Among Friends, reaffirmed the enduring appeal and marked a bright milestone in a career that had already defined a generation.
That peak of popularity reinforced the performer once more with the lead single from his third album, Chiqui Big Group in 2003, which went platinum and dominated radio. The momentum was undeniable, though later shifts revealed wear in the image. Forgive Me (2005) and Neither the First nor the Last (2006) sustained the catalog, yet the broader market demanded fresh directions. The artist describes how the industry pressed for consistency, and how the strategy gradually evolved into a balance between novelty and reliability. He then chose to prioritize family life, stepping back from constant touring.
He married in 2007 at the cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla. The following years brought new projects and reemergences: Living with You (2008), We Can Choose (2009), and the Rhythm of Classics (2011). A pause came when he felt the urge to slow down, though concert opportunities continued when the circumstances allowed. The arrival of parenthood shifted priorities, and since then appearances have been selective, with new releases in 2013, a 15th anniversary in 2016, and Empathy in 2019. None matched the original burst of success, yet the right approach—built on respect and humility—proved effective. The year 2022 sees a return with Among Friends, a track that rekindles interest and marks twenty years since the breakthrough.
Is stopping it a better option than reviving the chorus in Eurovision?
No. The first track holds a distinctly Spanish appeal, while Eurovision leans more international. The style is a form of European rumba similar to the Gypsy Kings in spirit.
Which tune never stops being danced to in summer?
The classic, Stop It, continues to light up dance floors, even as new generations discover it. The energy of the track endures, season after season.