Ska-P

Ska-P is a Spanish ska punk group formed in Vallecas (Madrid) in 1994. Their songs are characterized by their rejection and nonconformity with the current system, with lyrics about anti-capitalism, anti-fascism, anti-bullfighting, anti-imperialism, criticism of the media and the Catholic Church. They sing lyrics supporting animal rights, veganism, environmentalism, feminism, anarchism, and anarcho-syndicalism. They have composed songs supporting the struggle of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, the Palestinian People and the Bolivarian Revolution, honoring in the song "El Libertador" to the Liberator of Latin America Simón Bolívar. His song "Cannabis" claims and supports the legalization of marijuana. Some of his songs are "El vals del obrero", "My colleagues", "Sex and religion", "Niño soldado", among others. Although his main genre is ska punk, in some of his songs there are also Spanish, Latin, holiday rhythms such as Christmas carols, and other Jamaican styles such as reggae, which on several occasions they seek to emphasize the theme of the song. Others are also ska, with almost no punk rhythms, and vice versa.

History

1993-2004: Early Years

Ska-P emerged in 1993 as a ska group formed by a group of friends from Vallecas and the Basque Country. That same year they recorded their first album, entitled Ska-P, which contains 9 songs with the AZ-Records label. The album did not get many sales compared to subsequent albums, but it contributed to the group becoming known, especially for the song "Como un rayo", a song supporting the Rayo Vallecano soccer team, which became quite popular. in Vallecas. They played several concerts, opening for Extremoduro and Platero y tú, although they still had little audience.^{[citation required]}

In 1995, guitarist Toni left the band, and Joxemi took over. Pipi, a friend of Pulpul's, also entered, who until then was limited to going out in disguise at some concerts and helping the group load and unload, and who from then on took on the role of secondary voice, while continuing to dress up in some songs.^{[citation needed]}

In 1996 his second album El vals del obrero was released by the label RCA Records (a subsidiary of Sony BMG), and participated in the 9th Vallekas Rock Festival, which increased the fame of their live shows.^{[citation required]}

After a tour throughout Spain and part of France, between 1997 and 1998 they recorded their third album, Eurosis, by new with RCA. They continue to play in Spain and France, but at that time they also made their first break in Latin America, playing in Argentina and Mexico. Pako, drummer and founding member of Ska-P, left the band in the middle of the tour, and Luismi joined as the new drummer. They also participated in the Arezzo Wave festival in Italy.^{[citation needed]}

In the year 2000 they recorded Planeta Eskoria. Two years later their 5th album Let the word spread!! go on sale, which they have defined as the most complete of the band. The mix of styles stands out, both ska songs with a festive air and songs with a harder sound in the style of Planeta Eskoria. They make a European tour through Hungary, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ireland and Greece. They also return to Latin America, playing in Argentina, Chile, Mexico (where they performed for the first time at the Vive Latino Festival), Brazil, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Uruguay, Colombia, among others. In addition, on these last tours the group from Bilbao Txikitín (trumpet) and Gari (trombone) joined the group.^{[citation required]}

In 2004 they released their first live album, Incontrolable, which in addition to having 16 songs recorded live all over Europe, is accompanied by a DVD with 13 songs recorded in Nyon (Switzerland), Turin (Italy) and Paris (France). In addition, all the video clips of the band and images of the group on the last tour are incorporated.^{[citation required]}

2005-2007: First break

In February 2005 they announced an indefinite strike. They argued for this that "they needed a break" Due to the large number of concerts around the world, however, Pipi stated that the decision had been solely Pulpul's, and that the rest of the group could not continue without him, so they had to leave him. In fact, there are rumors, based on the attitude of some components, that there were internal fights between Joxemi, Pipi and Pulpul. Even so, the group declared that "the possibility of a future return remains open". They also announced a farewell tour.

His last concert in Spain was on September 24, 2005 at the Cubierta de Leganés, and his last definitive recital before the break was in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 12, 2005. The members of the group decided to end their farewell tour in this city due to the treatment received on previous occasions. Everything collected from said festival was donated to different Argentine charities, such as Mapuche communities (in memory of the damage caused by the Castilian invasions during the conquest and formation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata) and community kitchens in Buenos Aires.^{[citation required]}

In 2006, six months after the break, the singer Pulpul made an entry on the official page announcing that he was still composing and hoped that those lyrics would be those of a new Ska-P album in the future. Some members of the group were part of other groups during the break. This is the case of Pipi, who founded an alternative group similar to Ska-P, called The Locos. Joxemi also plays in No-Relax, a punk group formed in 2003 together with a great Italian singer named MIcky and with whom he continues in 2009.

On October 12, 2007, after two years of inactivity, Pulpul published a notice on the official website in which it spoke of the possible reunion of the group in 2008. In the same statement, the different members of the group write group giving a positive opinion about the reunion, except for Pipi; he initially announced that he would continue with his new group, The Locos, and would not return to Ska-P, although he did eventually return to the group. Among the details of the statement, it is said that they will rehearse with the old repertoire and if all goes well they will possibly release a new album in October 2008. At the end of 2007, Alacrán Producciones opened the contract for Ska-P for the tour in 2008.^{[citation required]}

2008-2014: Tears and Joys and 99%

The return of the group was confirmed through the official website, where they communicate about a new album in October (Tears and Joys), and a mini-tour through Europe (Italy, France, Greece and Spain) and Latin American countries (Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela)

On September 5, 2008, they released a single from the album Lágrimas y Gozos, called "Crimen Sollicitationis", where they strongly criticize the Catholic Church, both the Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the pedophilia of some priests. The album Lágrimas y Gozos was released on October 7 after six years without a studio album and three without stepping on stage.

In 2010 they visit Latin America again, where they are already received with open arms, stepping on stages in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, among others.^{[citation required]}

In February 2013 they released an anthology to celebrate their (almost) 20th anniversary which they call Todo Ska-P, which is made up of five CDs (The worker's waltz, Eurosis, Planeta Eskoria, Let the word spread and Lágrimas y gozos), two DVDs (Seguimos en pie from 1998 and Incontrolable from 2002) and a last unpublished DVD with 12 video clips, a documentary and the concert "Fête de L'Humanité 2001" in La Courneuve-Le Bourget in September 2001.^{[citation needed]}

The following month, on March 5, they release their eighth album under the name 99%. The album is made up of 15 songs that address issues such as 15-M, the Bildelberg Club, corruption in Spain and Mexico, information manipulation or the pharmaceutical business, among others. Months later the album was nominated for the Latin Grammys in the category of "Best Rock Album", but Ska-P rejected the nomination: «We have been nominated for the Grammys, hehehe. Ironies of life, fuck you! Give it to Obama, let him put it next to the Nobel Peace Prize."

In 2014 they dedicated themselves to being outside the studio and began a tour in South America passing through various countries such as Argentina, Chile and Mexico. In November after the tours, the band announces on their website that they would make another musical hiatus for an indefinite period of time.

After the success of the Woodstock Festival, in Poland for more than 500,000 people, the festival launched a call where those attending the event would vote for which artist was more to his liking. When Ska-P was the winner, the festival produced a CD + DVD of his presentation at the festival, the album was released on April 29. ^{[ citation needed ]} .

2015-2017: Second break and Pipi leaving the group

In 2015, the reason for the break was made public on the official Ska-P website; Pulpul suffers from tinnitus. This consists of the perception of tinnitus or pounding in the ear, and despite the fact that some other musicians suffer from these symptoms and are still active, he has decided to remain inactive because he should not be exposed to loud music. It should be noted that he has not completely given up music, according to his own statement, he is still writing songs that he intends to bring to light if he manages to eliminate his tinnitus, something that for now is incurable, although he hopes to be able to control it. On June 10 In 2017, he commented on his Twitter: "I will continue to insist until I am ready to face a concert, I miss you so much."

On November 24, through their Official Facebook Fan Page, website and social networks of the band members, it is announced that they will release a new studio album for the year 2018 This will be released between September and October.

On December 11 Pipi's departure from the group is confirmed. In their social networks the band quotes: "It is evident that the SKA-P-Pipi relationship has not been good for a long time and we believe that when a relationship does not work it is better to break up than pretend. The recording of the next album will be without Pipi and if there is a return to the stage, Pipi will not be there either. This does not mean that there are no costumes, there will be. We know that breakups hurt for a while, but unfortunately, they are necessary." SDO. SKA-P in full.

On the same December 11, Pipi, through the fan page of his band "The Locos" comments and makes official his departure from the band, writing: "Dear people who have given me so many joys during all these years with everything we have shared under the umbrella of music.

I have to inform you that due to various situations experienced in the natural coexistence of the members of the Ska-p group, among other discrepancies, where seeing myself a span from death a year and a half ago due to an unexpected illness, I only I received the call from a member of the group (Joxemi) and added to the motivations that now guide Ska-p, and that I do not share, and where in the last meetings of the band I was not counted on, I think you can understand that I am in the difficult situation of not being able to continue with Ska-p.

I am very sorry writing these words. But I am also excited to continue with my own project The Locos, with which I have been fighting hard for more than 10 years and enjoying the stages and music in a smaller format than my previous band, but more sincere.

I've been thinking about it for a long time, where the idea of trying to capture my life in music in a book arises. My good anecdotes, the best moments and the insurmountable dreams. In addition to the bad times and the worst nightmares of the sewers. I'm a restless ass so if I have more time now...maybe I'll dare.

I can't find the right and fair words of gratitude that I can express to you, the people, who enjoyed my performances. Where can I assure you that I literally worked my butt off from the first concert to the last, and from the first minute of the show to the end. And I hope I have cheered you up or encouraged you with my performances, my hallmark, during more than a thousand concerts that I carry in my heart. That was and still is my intention."

On December 28, the band wrote the following on their social networks: "Since we started rehearsing, I feel the terrible need to go on stage. I have brought my "In ear" They already accompany me, but it is bearable. It is possible that soon we will begin to close a concert for the end of next year. A libertarian hug to everyone and happy new year!!."

2018: Game Over

In April 2018 the band announced through their official website that they were already recording what will be their eighth studio album and that they hope to have it all finished by the end of June. The first concerts for the new tour were also announced, which will kick off on September 15 in Warsaw, Poland.

On the other hand, Luismi, the group's drummer, suffered a heart attack on April 6 that forced him to temporarily leave the group. He is currently recovering and hopes to be available for the start of the tour. Iván Pozuelo "Güevo" replaced Luismi and was in charge of finishing the recording work that still remained to be done.

On July 10, 2018, Pulpul announces the recording of the first video clip of the new album, in which the actors Eloy, Oscar and Manuel participate. On August 5, 2018, the cover and name of the new album, called: Game Over, is revealed. In which the characteristic "Gato López" behind a chess board The cover illustration was designed by Sebastián Kowoll.

In September 2018 Game Over, the band's eighth studio album, was released, accompanied by the video clip "Jaque al Rey".

Criticism

Ska-P has been criticized (both from outside anarchism and from within) in regards to his political speech. The most common criticism towards them consists of the lack of coherence between what they preach and what they really do. The reasons for this criticism are that, although they declare themselves anarchists and anti-capitalists and cheer for self-management in their lyrics in their concerts and other public appearances, as well as on their website,^{[citation required]} are certainly not self-managed, but have Sony/BMG (a multinational) as a record company and have participated at festivals organized by large companies, such as Pepsi Music; this is seen as inconsistent with their ideas. They also argued that all the money they earned from participating in Pepsi Music was donated to Mapuche groups; However, those who criticize them affirm that the end does not justify the means and that it is not coherent with anarchist ideas, since in order to help those harmed by capitalism they are also helping the multinationals that are to blame for the situation of said harmed.^{[citation required]}

Given this, the group defends itself by stating that what they do is participate in the system to fight against it, and that it is impossible to be totally coherent with anti-capitalist ideas today.

Members

• Roberto Gañan Ojea (Pulpulpul): Vocalist, Rhythmic Guitar (1994-present)
• José Miguel Redin (Joxemi): Guitar Leader, choirs (1995-present)
• Julio César Sánchez (Julio): Low, choirs (1994-present)
• Alberto Javier Amado (Kogote): Keyboard, choirs (1994-present)
• Ivan Guevo: Battery (2018-present)

Winds section

• Alberto Iriondo (Txikitin): Trumpet (2000-present)

• Garikoitz Badiola Urkiza (Gari): Trombón y Helicón en Lágrimas y Gozos (2000-presente)
• Juan Antonio Rivas (Juanan): Trumpet, Violin and Coros (2018-present)

Former members

• Francisco Javier Navío (Pako): Battery (1994-1999)
• Toni Escobar: Soloist guitar, choirs (1994-1995)
• Ricardo Delgado (Pipi): Second voice and showman (1995-2017)
• Luis Miguel García (Luismi): Battery (1999-2021)
• Eloi Yebra (TCap): Showman, showman, choirs (2018-2021)

Timeline

Discography

Note: In this table, the grey color indicates a study album and the color lavenders a live album.

Others

• We're still standing - (DVD live) - 1999
• Ska-P concert (CD live, only in France) - 2000
• All Ska-P (CD+DVD) - (CD+DVD compilation) - 2012

Simple

• «Cannabis» - 1996
• «Ñapa es» - 1996
• «Paramilitary» - 1998
• «Admission Rights» - 2000
• «Skoria Plant» - 2000
• «Welcome To Hell» - 2002
• « Soldier Boy» - 2002
• «My Collectors» - 2002
• «Crimen Sollicitationis» - 2008
• «The Third of Photo» - 2008
• «Canto a la Rebelion» 2013
• «It's over» - 2013
• «Keep the King» - 2018
• «Cruz, Gold and Blood» - 2018
• «Dear John» - 2022
• «The Flowers» - 2022
• «The Chupacabras» - 2022

Tributes

• Illegal Black Hand (Mr. Matanza) - 2001 (Black Hand Tribute)
• Thankful... Rosendo (Browning) - 1997 (Tribum to Rosendo)
• 20 and serene (CD 20 Years of Porretas) - Marihuana

Video Clips

Awards

Rejection of the Latin Grammy Awards

In September 2013, the nominees for the Latin Grammy Awards were announced, where Ska-P was nominated for the album 99%. In response to the nomination they wrote on social media, saying to give the award to Barack Obama and to put it next to his Nobel Peace Prize.