Tequila - Esencial Tequila (2018) Hi Res

Tequila were one of Spain's most popular and influential rock bands of the 1970s and '80s, breaking down the doors for rock & roll in the post-Franco era and winning a massive following at home for their music, rooted in the classic style of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones. Tequila were formed in 1975 by a pair of Argentinian expatriates, lead singer Alejo Stivel and lead guitarist Ariel Rot. Teaming with three native Spaniards guitarist Julian Infante, bassist Felipe Lipe, and drummer Manolo Iglesias Tequila landed a record deal with Sony's Spanish division after establishing themselves as a powerful live act, and their debut album, Matricula de Honor, was released in 1978. While Matricula de Honor sold well, their second LP, 1979's Rock and Roll, became a major success, and they were cited as the first Spanish rock band to enjoy major commercial and critical success at home. Two more albums followed 1980's Viva Tequila and 1981's Confidencial but personal differences and drug abuse began tearing at the group, and in 1982, Tequila split up. Ariel Rot went on to a successful solo career as well as producing other artists, while Alejo Stivel would become a noted record producer and created several memorable commercial jingles. Julian Infante played with Ariel Rot in the band los Rodriguez in the '90s; he died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2000, the same condition which claimed Manolo Iglesias in 1994. In 2008, Stivel and Rot staged a Tequila reunion tour with a handful of new musicians, though Felipe Lipe chose not participate.