After a long tour, Sidecars, a Madrid trio from Alameda de Osuna, return closer and more intimate, echoing the approach they had in 2019 by performing in theatres. On the Modo Avión Teatro Tour, in an electroacoustic format, they will perform tracks from their latest album, Trece (2022), alongside some of their hits, delivering a sound with a distinctly castizo flavor and a chulapa attitude.
In November, Sidecars will mark their eighteenth birthday at the WiZink Center in Madrid, sharing the moment with fans and selected guests. They have titled the concert Dulces 18, following the earlier release of the single Hasta que cierro los ojos, a preview of their theatre tour. Juancho, Gerbass and Ruly discuss these plans in a lively interview.
The Modo Avión Teatro Tour launches, presenting a new theatre tour in an electroacoustic setup. What does this format offer compared to performing in clubs or festivals?
It provides a different perspective on the songs, where dynamics, details, and silence play a leading role. Theatres prove more receptive spaces for this, allowing listeners to savor arrangements, textures, and sounds more fully.
How do these concerts compare to the band’s past shows? Do they differ significantly from what has defined their career? Why opt for an electroacoustic format, and what does this stage bring over other room types?
The band has balanced this approach with performances in clubs, festivals, and larger venues. It serves as an immersion exercise, concentrating on their songs while offering new twists. Emotions and climactic moments arrive at different times than in electric shows, but the energy remains, even when transformed.
Is it necessary to go into “airplane mode” more often?
Undoubtedly. It’s been shown to be beneficial for health. In a world glued to smartphones, there is a wonderful opportunity missed when not unplugging and enjoying other enriching pleasures.
Several songs pose the question, “Can one save oneself first?” Is there no alternative?
That sense may feel uncomfortable, yet it’s something increasingly common in today’s world. Ideally, there would be no need to settle for survival, and collective solutions could be found instead.
What draws bands to Alameda de Osuna and its rock heritage?
The group believes the area’s recent tradition—where guitar took precedence over consoles, footballs, or other gifts—shaped a social culture built around instruments and rock from the sixties and seventies.
Industry changes have accelerated. How does the rapid pace of releasing singles affect Sidecars?
The band tends to favor albums, taking time to do things well and slowly. Yet adaptation is necessary as change occurs. Currently, singles are released more frequently, though thoughts are already turning toward a new album.
It’s interesting that many groups fill venues and festivals while receiving limited radio exposure. Is rock in danger of disappearing from radio?
Rock music will always find a way back. Its audience may fluctuate, but it keeps offering something new and maintains a strong presence in the music scene. Sidecars are occasionally played on various radios, which helps sustain visibility and reach.
Fans have connected with the band through a broad, loyal following built from performing in a wide range of venues. How has the transition from intimate clubs to venues like La Riviera or WiZink been for them?
It has been a gradual realization of a lifelong dream, achieved calmly and steadily. The band learns from both failures and successes, building momentum without big, explosive breakthroughs.
Looking ahead after eighteen years, what challenges and goals lie on the horizon for Sidecars?
The goals involve continuing the current trajectory, growing steadily, and enjoying the family they have built over the years. They aim to pack more fans into the WiZink Center than before, return to Mexico and explore other parts of Latin America, and likely begin work on a new album once the next concert pause arrives.