With an expected turnout of more than 18,500 this Saturday, Fòrum is far from a routine starting point for a tour.
The band known as naburros takes on as much as possible, boldly embracing the challenge. If the first moment on stage goes well, the rest tends to flow more easily. A strong wave of desire fuels the performances.
They are approaching their 25th year together, yet melancholy is not part of their plan.
They explain that they celebrated their anniversary during this tour because they are the country’s longest-running band with the original lineup. Yet this will be their classic tour, featuring new material alongside a selection of what they consider their best songs, if such a term can truly apply.
When asked how they have kept the same five members since 1997, they reply that they are Marea on stage, but above all they remain friends. Any issue that could strain the friendship is avoided. People often assume they are unusual in this regard, yet the band considers this normal.
They note that all the songs bear collective authorship, a practice that has caused friction in the past.
The speaker mentions not seeing many peers around at the moment. Departures within groups often happen because of ego, which they dismiss as meaningless. Being a rock star in Spain, in their view, carries little of the glamour some expect. They hail from Berriozar and insist the five of them sign songs, with roughly a fifth of the group’s output distributed in credits.
The album began with the taranta song Porque son de pura raza, interpreted by the singer José Domínguez Muñoz, known as El Cabrero. What was proposed next?
Time glides on and they acknowledge that while it can feel like time leaves people behind, they chose to craft a conceptual album. The messages are bleak in cover art and titles, yet the underlying idea is to seize the moment and dance before the music ends. The work speaks to taking advantage of life before it fades, not dwelling on despair.
The artist explains that their writing style remains intricate and layered, even if they attempt to simplify it for listeners. After finishing a record, they hope audiences will grasp it instantly, only to hear later that some feel the opposite. They admit the result can be confusing, sometimes even exasperating.
When health challenges surfaced around turning 40, including throat surgery and hearing problems for Alén Ayerdi and Kolibrí, they reflect on how those years reshaped their perspective. The focus shifted from partying and recording to considering family and lasting memory. They acknowledge the term mecum as a memory guide for their experiences.
Rock, they say, has grown into an adult conversation. New generations approach the genre with different moods. They recall being drawn to rock in youth because of a message they could relate to, a message they feel no longer exists in the scene. They note the rise of rap and recognize that some artists convey a powerful impact that can move younger crowds. They wonder what a fifty-year-old can offer about current street life and concede that rock has become a reflection of the past, which they accept without reservation.
Tickets for the Fòrum show were priced between 32 and 35 euros, with no VIP areas or special privileges. The band argues that such pricing is fair and emphasizes that their setup and crew compare favorably with many others in the industry. They believe those who can, should; those who cannot, should not be overlooked. They maintain a straightforward approach and prefer restful nights over artificial advantages.
They were aware that the concert coincided with the Eurovision Song Contest, yet it did not alter their plans. They joke about the moment when it all seems to end, and how even a return of old favorites can feel abrupt when it appears to be over.