Arriving at the Albéniz theatre in Madrid on April 13, a new musical experience titled “Oco, The Show, the show of your life” debuts as a bold fusion of flamenco and rock and roll. The production blends art with music, dance, fashion, gastronomy, and even scent to create a multisensory event. On stage, 23 world-class musicians perform, including Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones on sax, Bernard Fowler, a Rolling Stones vocalist, and renowned singer Antonio Carbonell, under the direction of Pino Sagliocco, a prominent international promoter.
Four sessions per person are offered, described by the organizer as “a unique experience that must be lived to be believed.” Each night promises surprise artists, with hints of hidden guests and a hope to spark a promising path ahead in the industry. Narcís Rebollo, Universal’s president, echoes Sagliocco, urging fearless creativity and daring moves in the industry, inviting a broader circle of bold visionaries to the field.
According to Pino Sagliocco, the Madrid project took root after a Rolling Stones show in the city during their 2022 tour. Madrid became a canvas for flamenco-infused renditions of familiar songs, a concept that later shifted to New York, where a show comes together in just a couple of days with input from numerous artists, and then returned to Madrid this year for a limited, highly enthusiastic reception among flamenco purists and curious newcomers alike.
The participation of Pino Sagliocco elevates the production with a stellar cast across disciplines, featuring songs that audiences already recognize, performed by renowned artists. Sagliocco predicts the four Madrid performances will kick off a broader world tour in October, aiming to maximize the impact of flamenco-rock fusion on audiences worldwide.
repertoire
Music in this show blends traditional palos with flamenco rhythms such as soleá, rumbas, bulerías, tangos, Alegrías de Cádiz, and ida y vuelta cante. Repertoire highlights include ‘Aleluia’ by Leonard Cohen, six tracks from Tribute to the Group of 27, ‘A Change is Coming’ by Sam Cooke, ‘Innuendo’ by Freddie Mercury and Queen, ‘Let’s Dance’ by David Bowie, ‘Higher Ground’ by Stevie Wonder, ‘Smooth Criminal’ by Michael Jackson, ‘I’m Never Satisfied’ by the Rolling Stones, and ‘Give Peace a Chance’ by John Lennon.
Iñaki Fernández, CEO of LETSGO, describes the show as a wild fusion and an emotional journey that thrives on singing, dancing, and music. He credits Sagliocco with bringing the era’s greatest musicians to Spain, a sentiment echoed by the organizers.
The project has hosted tours and concerts featuring major names such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, Prince, Amy Winehouse, and more. Sagliocco is noted for blending flamenco with global stars and for collaborations that cross borders, including ambitious ventures with Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury, and with maestros such as Camarón and Joaquín Cortés, including works like Pasión Gitana featuring Antonio Carbonell.
Tim Ries and Bernard Fowler, both Rolling Stones veterans who are flamenco fans, call their involvement with Oco a dream and describe the show as a blend of magic, history, and wonder.
Against fear and hate
The show stands as a celebration of music that overflows with sensitivity toward fear and intolerance. It aims to deliver not only great music but also professionalism and positive vibes, with art serving as a unifying force and a source of joy, passion, and energy in a demanding world, according to Sagliocco.
Oco features Lita Cabellut as set designer and Juana Martín as dress designer, with Marco Maseda contributing a portrait collection titled 27 Group in memory of seven artists who died at 27. The production team also includes Rafael Zafra, who prepares tapas and dinner, reflecting Sagliocco’s love of gastronomy and his desire to fuse cuisine with musical experience.
The line-up includes Yony Giménez and Luis Miguel Manzano on guitar, Pedro Gabarre on drums, and a crew featuring guitarists, bassists, and dancers such as Juanma Montoya, David Bao, Manu Sanz, Yiyo, Belén López, and Tete. Singers Naike Ponce, Aroa Fernández, and Antonio Carbonell join a gospel choir along with two Rolling Stones collaborators, Tim Ries and Bernard Fowler.