Toncho Pilatos

Toncho Pilatos (currently called Pastel pilatos) is a Mexican rock group formed in the 60s. It was one of the most representative predecessors of the "under" of Mexican rock. Developed in the so-called 'funky holes', their music has transcended, more than with advertising, with their live performances.

History

The music that Toncho Pilatos performed was original in its lyrics and instrumentation, despite the marked "stonian" influence. Their sound attracted so much attention that the Polydor record company, the most important at that time in Mexico, recorded their first album, with a double sleeve, within the "Rock Power" series, something that had only been recorded before. achieved, until then, American, English and Canadian groups, but none Mexican: Toncho Pilatos was the first. The album was so successful that it was even released in Germany.

Polydor Discs' preference for Toncho Pilatos caused a stir until the album was released with great fanfare, and the results, although not very flattering, made Bob Dylan himself consider that this was the music he wanted. could revolutionize rock in the world. Likewise, Jeff Beck considered Toncho Pilatos' first album as an influence on his musical career. Finally the critics were divided, but the best was achieved: project this group from Guadalajara at a national and international level, as the most important cities demanded it to see and listen to their live show, which was the best way to capture it in all its splendor. Toncho Pilatos' vibe.

National television also screened the group, and on Friday, May 3, 1974, Toncho Pilatos made his debut on the program 'La Hora Cero', produced by Luis de Llano, through the Canal 4 of Mexico City, then in the Federal District. The violins of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán also gave a very special seal to the group's music, and they used to accompany them in large presentations. Over time, Toncho Pilatos incorporated violinist Richard Nassau, from Chicago, into the group. Despite the success obtained, it was not until 1980 when Toncho Pilatos recorded again, reappearing with "Segunda vez". In large part, this delay was due to the fact that Mexican rock had entered a great black hole due to the repression and intolerance that arose after the Avándaro Festival.

At the end of the eighties Toncho Pilatos disappeared from the Guadalajara scene. After several line-up changes, the group was in Los Angeles, under the name 'Toncho Indian Braves', where they certainly did not do well at all. In 1991 he recorded his third and last album, "Soy Mexicano". Alfonso Toncho Guerrero, singer of the band, died on Saturday, July 4, 1992, at the age of 42, a few months after releasing the album (also known as "The Incredible"), and few weeks after having made her last appearance on a television program broadcast by Channel 4 of Guadalajara, which by the way was not very well received, since it was aimed at housewives.

But the legacy of Toncho Pilatos remains: with its Mexican sound and its lyrics in Spanish, this legendary group from Guadalajara sowed the seeds of true Mexican rock. His three albums are considered cult today.

The band is still active today and, made up of some of its original members, performs with some regularity in different forums in their hometown, currently called Pastel Pilatos.

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums